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Job Description / Duties

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

Working under the general direction of the Curator, the Costume Designer is directly responsible for costuming Black Creek Pioneer Village’s (BCPV) staff, volunteers and clients in garments that authentically recreate fashion from the 19th century. Key functions of the role include: costume design and construction, such as drafting patterns, cutting fabrics and completing sewing by hand and/or with an industrial machine; sourcing and purchasing all supplies, such as fabrics, trims, notions and accessories appropriate to the 19th century; and fitting and costuming staff and volunteers.

In addition to creating all costumes, the Costume Designer is responsible for maintaining an inventory of approximately 3,000 items and issuing stock to staff and volunteers. The Costume Designer sensitively and tactfully fits costume users for custom fit, and completes alterations and repairs as required. The Costume Designer is a skilled researcher with extensive knowledge of 19th century fashion and demonstrates advanced level sewing and tailoring skills. This position also cares for textiles and supports the development of programs, events and exhibits.

Major Responsibilities:

Designs, creates, sources, maintains, and administers historically accurate household linens and costumes for BCPV employees and volunteers stationed in the Village.
Receives requests for costume rental from external parties, managing requests including evaluation of request and available stock, obtaining required measurements, and completing alterations, and preparing costumes for pick up, launder, and return in addition to completion of paperwork.
Manages an inventory of BCPV’s reproduction textile collection of costumes and drapes, maintaining detailed and accurate records of all items in the inventory and coordinating regular care of the pieces
Sources and procures historically accurate appropriate fabrics, trims, notions, and accessories for all costumes and reproduction household textiles.
Plans, manages, and implements all stages of the garment construction process. Researches, designs, creates, and cares for all household curtains, drapes and other reproduction household linens displayed in Village buildings to ensure authenticity
Provides quality control function by monitoring staff and volunteers for proper wear of costumes through mentoring, checks and coaching
Coordinates a small team of specialized volunteers. Assigns volunteer tasks and completes all required administration for tracking purposes.
Support the costume budget process in conjunction with the Curator.
Collaborates internally to adapt, source, and/or create costumes, other textiles, and/or props for multiple programs, events, and exhibits.
Consults with event organizers to assess needs and prepare budget estimates for costuming and textile needs
Assists Curator to develop textile components of exhibits, then designs, fabricates, and installs work.
Works with Curator to develop annual objectives and plans. Collaborates with departmental supervisors to achieve the year’s objectives, including costume budget and administration.
Assumes all responsibilities as a Weekend Supervisor for Black Creek Pioneer Village, in rotation, on weekends, holidays and at other times as required.

Qualifications / Required Skills

What will you need to succeed:

College Diploma in relevant fields such as Theatre Design or Costume Design with specialized courses in costume design and construction, fashion, and/or textiles.
Specialized training in pattern drafting and machine and hand sewing.
Valid Ontario Driver’s License.
4 years of experience period costumes design, development, and fitting.
Advanced-level knowledge of 19th century fashion, with skill to study and evaluate primary historical and material culture sources (i.e. photography, fashion plates, patterns, textile artifacts, etc.) Strong knowledge of 19th century clothing construction methods.
Strong applied skills in pattern drafting, cutting, machine and hand-sewing, and production of made-to-measure garments with the ability to undertaking garment fittings and alterations to achieve a tailored/bespoke fit.
Discretion, tact and sensitivity to ensure comfort of individuals being fitted for costumes.
Applied skills in producing made-to-measure garments.
Self-motivated, with strong organizational and time management abilities.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively across several departments.
Willingness to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings when required.
Physical stamina.
Basic word processing program skills (e.g., Word).

Additional Information

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare).

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
Provides unique TRCA Perks.
Provides flexible work arrangements.
Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Supervisor of Records, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (416) 661-6600 extension 5216.

Salary: Min = $72, 410, Max = $78, 505

Contact Information

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon on our website at https://can63.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-CAN/trca/Posting/View/1483. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on January 13, 2023.

Employer Profile

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.