Mount Maker Saint Louis Art Museum 06/06/22

Mount Maker
Summary: Design and fabricate mounts and housings for works of art both within the Museum’s collection and works on loan. This includes display systems for objects that require special attention, such as objects that cannot stand on their own, objects vulnerable to theft or damage, seismic concerns, and objects that have specific aesthetic requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Consult with curators, conservators, exhibition designer, registrar and the Director of Art Preparation & Installation on design and fabrication of mounts for collection, temporary exhibitions, and objects for incoming and outgoing loan requirements. Make recommendations from concept to completion.
• Research seismic concerns and develop processes for assessing seismic requirements for mounts and design/fabricate to current approved standards for mitigating damage to the object and for life safety.
• Fabricate, paint and install/oversee installation for all new or existing mounts and ensure all work is completed within the allotted installation timeframe.
• Consult and assist during installations, including handling, mounting, and installation of objects.
• Maintain museum database to include current mount information, including photographic and installation process documentation and tracking of mount locations within mount storage.
• May be asked to give lectures/publications of body of work to professional audiences and the general public.
• Maintain mount-making lab with equipment cleaning and upkeep, specify and recommend improved equipment, and manage supplies and materials.
• As a member of the Art Preparation and Installation Department, this position will assist in all aspects of installations as needed.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with emphasis in fine arts and two years prior museum mount making experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Job requires strong metalworking/fabrication skills with a variety of metal types along with other materials such as plastics and wood. Welding ability is critical with fine metalworking skills such as brazing, jewelry making, and other aspects of metal design. Ability to use and maintain various metal shop machines and metalsmithing tools. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments to achieve both aesthetic and safety goals is essential. Must be able to work independently to prioritize and complete jobs, often with tight deadlines. Must have problem solving abilities such as troubleshooting ideas and the ability to formulate a cohesive solution. Should be well-versed in contemporary museum mount making and conservation practices to ensure that proper methods and materials are being utilized to produce museum quality mounts. With strong emphasis on the mitigation of seismic activity. Preferred: Experience working with large and/or heavy objects using heavy duty equipment and rigging skills. Knowledge and use of museum databases for
documentation and tracking of objects and mounts. Familiar with design and fabrication software.
Additional Details:
COVID-19 Requirement: Must be fully vaccinated to qualify for on-site interview and/or offer of employment
Minimum of Range: $22.25 per hour
Status: Regular full-time, Benefits eligible on first day of employment.
The Saint Louis Art Museum is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.
The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.