Collections Technician

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Collections Technician, this role serves on a team focused on the care and maintenance of the permanent collection, and access to it. The Collections Technician will provide support for Art Management and Curatorial specifically related to condition reporting and documentation, packing and unpacking of incoming/outgoing loans and incoming acquisitions, storage solutions, framing needs, object viewing, and special projects for conservation and photography.

Principal Responsibilities

• Assists in collection related projects in conjunction with supervisor and Registrar for Collections, including object photography, conservation, artwork cleaning and maintenance, and vault maintenance.
• Works with supervisor and Curatorial to complete safe and aesthetic framing solutions for collection works and occasionally loans, including planning for and carrying out matting and framing projects.
• Packs and unpacks crates and other shipping conveyances for loans and collection acquisitions
• Aids in designing packing solutions for outgoing loans
• Aids supervisor in carrying out object conservation priorities and improvements by implementing storage solutions according to conservator recommendations.
• Aids in providing access to the collection by staging artwork for study and research.
• Aids in leading vault tours for museum staff, volunteers, and members.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assists in routine frame dusting and artwork cleaning and maintenance throughout the permanent collection galleries.
• Support Registration by assisting with routine gallery checks and collection audits.
• Aids in the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
• Aids registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing artwork, objects, and artifacts.
• In conjunction with supervisor, Registration and documented object needs, design and fabricate safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes.
• Ensures the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
• Aid in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Aid in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
• Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Art Management department and museum functions.
• Works with focus teammates to complete all aspects of special exhibition installations and permanent collection rotations throughout the Museum.
• Assist in the coordination of outdoor sculpture maintenance, in conjunction with the Outdoor Art Technician.
• Aid in the coordination of all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications and Skills

• B.A. in an art related field
• Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights
• Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software
• Skilled in handling all media of art and familiar with installation technique
• Working knowledge of hand tools and math applications
• Work experience: Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent organizational and time management skills, skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver, good verbal and written communication skills, advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices, highly motivated and goal oriented, strong collaboration skills, ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
• Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision. Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.