What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art Handling Specialist position at Worcester Art Museum?
Description
Job Title: Art Handling Specialist
Employment Type: Full Time, Non-exempt
Department: Exhibition Design & Fabrication
Division: Museum Services
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Rate: $20.74 - $22.81
Job Overview:
Under the direction of the Chief Preparator and Lead Preparator, responsible for the preparation of gallery spaces and the installation/de-installation, handling, storage, packing, crating and care of artworks in the Museum’s collection and of those on loan to the Museum.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Help maintain gallery light fixture and lamp inventories
- Assist with weekly museum-wide gallery and exhibition lighting maintenance
- Installation and de-installation of works of art in temporary exhibitions and permanent gallery spaces
- Assist in the fabrication of exhibition furniture, risers, and casework and under the supervision of the Lead Preparator
- Laminate and install gallery labels, install vinyl text in galleries
- Move works of art within the museum; remove and replace works of art from storage for exhibitions, loans, curatorial review, visiting scholars, and photography, including the loading/unloading art shipments from vans/trucks; communicate details of art movements to Registrars.
- Assist with the organization of art storage areas
- Maintain order in the prep shop, wood shop and on tool carts
- Pack and unpack crated and soft-packed outgoing and incoming artwork from the collection and artwork on loan from other institutions
- Perform routine weekly gallery maintenance, including dusting of platforms, pedestals, and vitrines, and assist with Museum-wide lighting maintenance
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Skills in art handling and crating, carpentry and fabrication, and exhibit preparation
- Knowledge of art storage and display methods, techniques, and procedures
- Good manual dexterity for fine detail work and handling fragile objects
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively within a team, comprising Museum staff, contractors, vendors
- Embraces and promotes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives
- Ability to safely work on all installation equipment including ladders, scissor lift, or scaffolding
- Ability to work at heights over 10 feet
Education and Experience:
B.A., B.F.A., or equivalent training in studio art, art history, fine art, or a related field.
2 years related art handling experience required, preferably in a museum or gallery environment.
Must have Massachusetts Class III motor vehicle operator’s license.
Pre-employment exam required
Salary : $21 - $23