Collectors is hiring a
Trading Card Authenticator

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We authenticate, grade, vault and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passion. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible coins, trading cards, Funko Pops!, video games, event tickets, autographs, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, WATA, Card Ladder, Goldin, and the Long Beach Expo collectibles trade show. Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 1,700 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana and offices in Jersey City, Delaware, Seattle, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

We’re looking for a Trading Card Authenticator to join our eBay Authenticity Guarantee (AG) team to authenticate and evaluate the condition of trading cards (sports, non-sports, and trading card game (TCG) cards alike). The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive industry knowledge of trading cards (sports and TCG), be an expert in PSA’s authentication and grading standards, and will be able to add experience and depth to our authentication team through their expertise in the content. Individuals should be detail-oriented, have good research and organization skills, be able to focus on cards over long periods of time, and be able to work in an assembly line-type of environment, which will include opening boxes, imaging cards, researching and authenticating cards, and packing boxes to ship. Preferred applicants will possess one-to-three years of card authentication and/or grading experience as a professional, dealer or collector, and must be current on hobby trends and news. 

You’ll report to the eBay AG Operations Manager and work from eBay’s Brampton, Ontario location. 

What You’ll Do:

• Become an expert in eBay’s published card condition standards.
• Become an expert in eBay’s AG processing standards.
• Authenticate and evaluate the condition of trading cards in an expedient manner but without compromising accuracy.
• Perform every step of the operational process, from opening the boxed shipments received from sellers, imaging the cards, researching and authenticating cards, confirming the listing description is accurate, and packing the individual cards to ship to buyers post authentication.
• Maintain individual production goals.
• Improve knowledge and skill with personal research and experience.
• Stay up-to-date with current industry developments and news, especially as it pertains to new counterfeits and alteration methods circulating the market.
• Share knowledge to help improve the skill of the Authentication team.
• Engage with and participate in monthly meetings and re-training sessions with the PSA Grading team as needed to help further develop skills and enhance hobby knowledge.

 Who You Are:

• Possess first-hand knowledge of trading cards and other sports and TCG collectibles.
• Expert in the various counterfeits and counterfeiting/card doctoring methods that exist in the card industry (across all categories).
• Expert-level understanding and comprehension of the card grading system and standards.
• Exhibit strong research skills with a keen attention to details on defects or misalignments.
• Detail oriented and ability to focus on one task over long stretches of time.
• 3+ years of direct grading experience as a professional, dealer or collector.
• Ability to work in a close team environment.
• Thrive in a high-paced environment.
• High level of self-awareness and always willing to learn and grow. 
• Ability to make difficult decisions (often quickly) and can confidently justify choices to colleagues and employees. 
• Communicate effectively and clearly both in writing and verbally.
• Possess a positive and motivating attitude, and a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Responsible, ethical and shows up to work on time and prepared to run their shift.

Physical Requirements:

• Working in a seated position in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Working in an assembly line-type of environment with a limited but reasonable amount of space.
• Ability to functionally use box cutters or other sharp instruments to open and unpack incoming packages.
• Ability to break down and erect cardboard boxes of all sizes for shipping and receiving purposes..
• Ability to function in an environment with low lighting and where special 8W LED desk lamps are used to highlight and focus on the trading cards.
• Ability to functionally manipulate small magnification loupes and rulers.
• Ability to read small print and accurately discern print quality and slight imperfections and alterations on collectible products.

Hourly Rate: The reasonable estimated hourly rate for this position is $35 CAD. Actual compensation may vary, based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, prior experience, and skill set.

Reasons To Join Us: 

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision 
• 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals 
• Vacation: All full-time employees are eligible for paid vacation 
• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays 
• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions 
• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs 
• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities 

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