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Apply: Photo/Video Documentarian

The Photo/Video Documentarian will capture impactful photos and videos of public art installations, community events, and moments with artists and stakeholders that will be showcased for many years to come.

Contract Dates: May 12, 2025 to August 29, 2025
Compensation: $17.50 per hour (30-40 hours per week, TBD at time of offer)
Additional Details: Hybrid position in Toronto/Greater Toronto Area (ability to work remotely for administrative and editing work; must be on-site for photo and video documentation; access to Toronto office for team collaboration); occasional evenings/weekends
Application Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET

Artist Credit: Natalie Very B.
Photo Credit: Ayesha Khan (Stories at the Table)

Who is STEPS Public Art

STEPS Public Art is a Canadian charity and social enterprise. We offer services in public art management, hoarding exhibits, cultural planning, and artist capacity building. We run charitable programs that support artists and foster vibrant and inclusive communities. Our main office is based in the Ancestral Wendat territory and the shared territory of the Anishinaabeg and the Haudenosaunee, covered by The Dish With One Spoon treaty, and later, Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. STEPS is committed to cultivating safe spaces for Indigenous voices to be heard.

We’re committed to providing you with:

  • Skill Development: We identify development goals and experiences to advance your professional development
  • Training: We frequently host training sessions on topics related to equity, inclusion, accessibility, site safety, first aid, etc.
  • Mentorship: An opportunity to match and meet regularly with a staff member 
  • Networking: Opportunities to participate in networking activities to forge new professional relationships
  • Feedback: Time to provide feedback between you and your supervisor regarding performance and focus areas for development
  • References for future employment or other opportunities
  • Remuneration for required training fees, travel, etc.

 

The Photo/Video Documentarian Role

As part of the Communications Team (and working closely with Project Teams and external stakeholders), the Photo/Video Documentarian will capture photo and video documentation of public art projects, unveilings, and community engagements across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Their work will be used for promotion across online platforms (e.g. YouTube and social media) and promotional materials, project archival, and impact storytelling of STEPS’ public art initiatives.

The Documentarian will have the opportunity to be on-site for public art productions, conduct video interviews with artists and stakeholders, and document key community moments. When not on-site, they’ll work independently (with the team’s support) to pitch creative briefs, manage shoot dates, reply to emails, and edit photos and videos that amplify the stories of equity-deserving artists and communities. See our past video work and portfolio gallery for what you can expect.

This opportunity is funded by Canada Summer Jobs and candidates who meet the criteria outlined by the funder will be prioritized. Please read the job description and eligibility criteria in full.

Job Responsibilities

  • Picture Perfect Moments: Capture the magic of artists through stunning photos and captivating video work
  • Close Collaboration: Establish a rhythm with the STEPS team for your regular work hours; whether you’re editing from home or capturing moments on-site, your schedule will flex to match our needs
  • Plan, Shoot and Deliver: Develop work plans, schedules, and creative briefs that meet our communications deadlines
  • Community Connections: Engage directly with our project stakeholders to coordinate interviews and videos; your people skills will be as sharp as your camera focus!
  • Feedback Loop: Provide feedback, gather insights, and implement new project management workflows to ensure your work meets the expectations of all parties; your feedback will shape our future!
  • Best of the Best: Select top shots from each shoot to manage our stock image library; your eye for detail will make our projects shine
  • Remix Content: Edit existing photos and videos to create fresh and engaging content; breathe new life into our creative content!
  • Communication Champion: Attend meetings, respond to emails, and liaise with stakeholders promptly with strong professionalism
  • Master of Time: Manage your schedule efficiently to meet deadlines; your time management skills keep our projects on track, especially when juggling multiple shoots and editing projects at a time
  • Brand Ambassador: Represent STEPS with pride and professionalism on-site and online

Required Skills

  • Education: A background in photography, film, visual arts, or related fields, whether from formal education, self-directed learning, or on-the-job experience
  • Creative Chops: Hands-on experience in video and photo production, showing your knack for visual storytelling; don’t forget to share your portfolio with us!
  • Ability to Travel: Projects are in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (a valid driver’s license is a plus)
  • Tech Savvy: Access to equipment (including a camera, tripod, computer, and other necessary tools for top-notch photo and video production); additional equipment and tools (like microphones, editing software, etc.) is a plus!
  • Format Flexibility: Proficiency in capturing images in RAW and JPEG formats and video in MP4 and/or MOV formats, ensuring your work is top quality
  • Editing Expertise: Experience in video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or similar programs) showcasing your editing prowess for long-form and short-form content (like Instagram or TikTok reels)
  • Image Editing Whiz: Proficiency in photo editing software (such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar programs), ensuring your photos are picture-perfect
  • Team Player: Ability to work effectively within a team and independently, showcasing your problem-solving and relationship-building skills 
  • Time and Project Management Ace: Commitment to meeting deadlines and juggling several projects at the same time
  • Storyboarding Skills: Ability to create visual briefs to pitch and showcase your creative vision
  • Digital Guru: Proficiency in Google Drive and video conferencing tools, ensuring seamless collaboration with the team
  • Social Media Savvy: Experience with social media platforms and creating short-form content (e.g. Instagram Reels, TikToks) is a bonus
  • Innovative Spirit: Experience with creative and experimental forms of videography (like drone work, time-lapse, 360 virtual reality images) is an asset

Eligibility

This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Preference will be given to candidates who meet the following criteria established by the funder:

  • Are no more than 30 years of age during the contract period (born AFTER September 1, 1995)
  • Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number

STEPS encourages applications from all qualified candidates legally able to work in Canada that represent the full diversity of communities, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, age, class, gender, race, and sexual orientation. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as: Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), Black, person of colour, newcomer, Disabled, and/or LGBTQQIP2SAA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, allies, along with additional sexual orientations and gender identities).

Application process

We invite qualified applicants to apply through the Google Form by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. As part of the submission, please be prepared to include:

  • A resume and cover letter
  • Portfolio samples of photo and video work

Candidates who need additional support applying for this position are encouraged to contact Grace Lai (Communications Manager) at grace@stepspublicart.org by Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET to accommodate your needs appropriately and discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview via video-conferencing.

Apply