Museum Preparator III, Anderson Collection - 71348

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Description


Museum Preparator, Anderson Collection at Stanford University
50% FTE
1 year fixed term, with option to extend an additional year


The Anderson Collection at Stanford University is a world-class collection of 121 modern and contemporary American paintings and sculpture generously gifted by Harry W. and Mary Margaret Anderson and Mary Patricia Anderson Pence. The museum, designed by Ennead Architects and opened in September 2014, features temporary exhibitions as well as rotations of the permanent collection.

This is a senior, expert-level position, and serves as a lead Preparator. Under the supervision of the Senior Registrar of the Anderson Collection, the Preparator works with museum staff and contract art handlers in the preparation, installation, storage, packing, and general handling of art objects in the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Preparator performs a wide variety of duties in support of museum operations and in collaboration with colleagues at Stanford and beyond.


Characteristic Duties:
• Serve as Installation Coordinator on all exhibitions and gallery rotations; and actively participate in the implementation, planning and design meetings.
• Design installation layouts in coordination with Director using Adobe Illustrator, Google Sketch-up, or similar program.
• Facilitate the safe installation, archival storage, packing and handling of art objects in the permanent collection, objects on loan and in temporary exhibitions, including gallery preparation, art handling.
• Prepare galleries for exhibitions by moving and leveling pylons and cases, and spackling and painting rooms.
• Build crates and pack art.
• Pack and transport art objects to and from lenders and donors, which may include soft packing of objects.
• Maintain art storage and receiving and order supplies, materials, tools and equipment as needed.
• Coordination the production of exhibition labels, graphic text panels, and vinyl.
• Assist in framing and unframing works on paper.
• Fabricate custom mounts, exhibition furniture.
• Perform carpentry work for installations.
• Set up exhibition and gallery lighting and audiovisual equipment. Execute lighting design and control light exposure settings specific to the needs of an exhibition or to a given object.
• Perform retrofitting of crates and exhibition furniture.
• Maintain tools, equipment, shop spaces.
• Perform any of the duties required for installations or gallery rotations.
• Guide and assist other preparators as needed.
• Coordinate and train student interns and volunteers.
• Perform other related duties as required.


Qualifications


• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience or equivalent combination of training and experience in art handling in a museum setting. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in at least five of the seven skill categories listed below, two of which must be installation coordination and lighting design:
o Construction involving woodworking and carpentry
o Mount making with paper and metal and plastics
o Installation coordination for large, complex exhibitions and gallery reinstallations, using proven high level organization, communication, and time management skills
o Installing new digital media and electronics (film, computer, audio video)
o Creating graphics
o Lighting design
o Designing and fabrication of custom storage housing, including sewing
• Demonstrated proficiency of handling valuable works of art in a wide variety of media including but not limited to paintings, bronze, ceramic, glass, metals, mixed media, plastics, works on paper.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge of proper techniques and archival-quality materials for handling valuable works of art, including those for installing exhibits, crating, packing, and unpacking objects.
• Ability to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift 50 lbs). Ability to operate genie lifts, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.
• Familiarity with shop equipment and ability to perform various skilled tasks including wood, metal and plastic working, brazing, use of adhesives and fasteners, construction methods, and use of stationary and portable power tools.
• Experience framing and sheet-rocking a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency of practices and methods in mountmaking including earthquake mitigation and the various materials safe for use with art objects such as woods, fabrics, plastics, metals, mechanical fasteners, paints and adhesives. Demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge with initiative and judgment, concern for detail, accuracy, and neat execution of work.
• Familiarity with computer applications in a multi-platform environment including Microsoft Word and Excel. Proficiency with design programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Google Sketch-up highly desirable.
• Demonstrated organization and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, designer, museum staff, students, volunteers, and general public.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Non-commercial Driver’s License.
Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and, where applicable, driving record.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Job

: Museum
Location

: School of Humanities and Sciences
Schedule

: Part-time
Grade: A32