POSITION SUMMARYThe William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut is seeking applicants for the position of Museum Technician and Preparator (UCP 6/Museum Exhibit Designer). The successful individual, under the direction of the Executive Director, the museum building Technician is responsible for the physical plant of the museum and, as Preparator (or Art Handler), works in coordination with the Registrar, Curator, and Executive Director to ensure that objects are safely handled and cared for, is responsible for packing and unpacking art, installing and de-installing art in exhibitions, and moving art around the museum and storage spaces. The position of Technician and Preparator is an integral part of the museum and critical to the care of the museum’s works of art.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- In coordination with the Registrar and Executive Director, ensures that objects are safely handled and cared for, is responsible for packing and unpacking art, installing and de-installing art in exhibitions, and moving art around the museum and in storage spaces.
- Serves as designer or design consultant, in coordination with the Curator, for methods of construction and installation of exhibitions, remodeling of facilities, solves problems of design and installation, and serves as draughtsman for planning, as well as paints walls, designs lighting.
- Supervises maintenance personnel in the museum building and serves as liaison between the museum and all maintenance workers, which includes scheduling appointments. Also serves as liaison with maintenance workers working outdoors on museum grounds.
- Professionally packs and unpacks works of art, has experience with crating, and with the Registrar coordinates art shipping.
- Is responsible for responding to museum emergencies, 24/7; is first on the emergency call list; and is responsible for facilitating emergency repairs. This is critical to the safety of the museum building and art collections.
- Serves as troubleshooter for minor repair and maintenance of all building systems including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) as well as lighting, security, elevator, and fire protection systems and serves as liaison for major repairs or construction.
- Serves as troubleshooter for minor repair and maintenance of museum vehicles and special equipment and serves as liaison for major repairs or maintenance.
- Draws and depicts exact replicas of exhibition spaces in preparation for installation of exhibits, with strict emphasis on measurement to ensure communication of technical details and thematic information accurately and clearly. Drawings may be computer-generated.
- Designs and constructs graphs to illustrate HVAC and humidity fluctuations in the galleries to supply to lending institutions (national and international museums). These charts require careful attention to detail and clarity.
- Delivers and assists in installation of exhibits at off site locations.
- Is responsible for museum carpentry and fabrications, including projects which require use of Plexiglas, wood and metal: including fabricating display pedestals; cutting mats and matting 2-D works of art; making and repairing frames, and dry mounting of photographs.
- Travels on museum business for pickup and return of exhibit items, works of art, and other museum-related needs.
- Controls inventory of installation equipment and supplies. Prepares orders for all shop materials.
- Responsible for producing and installing museum signage: vinyl titles; wall labels; wall text panels; as well as banners on the exterior of the building.
- Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree and two to three years’ related experience in a museum or similar environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in handling works of art and in packing 2-D and 3-D art for shipment.
- Ability to be responsible for multiple projects at a time.
- Demonstrated ability to cut mats, frame art, install art on walls, build pedestals, and create and install wall text.
- Ability to lift at least 100 pounds.
- Demonstrated knowledge of building systems, including HVAC systems, lighting, security systems, elevators, and have basic electrical and mechanical skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Preparator experience in an art museum
APPOINTMENT TERMSThis is a full time, permanent position. Salary is commensurate with background and experience and includes a full benefits package.TO APPLYPlease submit a cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three professional references. Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2016318)This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on February 7, 2016.All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. |
