Exhibits Preparator /Metal and Plastic Worker
Exhibits Central, Museum Resources Division of Department of Cultural Affairs
Museum of New Mexico.
Position located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This opening will be posted on the New Mexico State Personnel Office site (NM SPO Jobs) between October 28 and November 15, 2013
Link to job site: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/new...FwddxPacket%3E
To locate job, search by location: Santa Fe City and by Departments: Department of Cultural Affairs.
Job title is Preparator (Metal and Plastic Worker-A).
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this position is to create new exhibits and renovate old exhibits at the museums of the State of New Mexico in Santa Fe, and other facilities of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. The position has responsibility for final implementation of complex exhibit designs, requires a high level of professional skill, innovation and precision fabrication skills as well as overseeing of outside contractors.
Comprehensive understanding of museum operations and of exhibit related preventive conservation practices and standards is needed. This role demonstrates a high standard of care for extremely fragile, and valuable objects and excellent interpersonal skills.
Job Tasks: Design, develop, and produce exhibit elements in exhibit shop setting.
Collaborate with exhibition designers, exhibit coordinator, fabrication crews, conservators and other exhibitions staff members, (project team), to establish exhibition production needs and to synchronize production and installation calendars. Maintain good communication with all project team.
Collaborate with exhibition designers on mount making related project schedules and budgets for exhibitions.
Design and fabricate mounts for Department of Cultural Affairs museums and historic sites with input from the curators, conservators and exhibition designers. Provide recommendations on methods and select materials as needed.
Make mounts, frames, and other exhibit components using hand and stationary machine tools, torches and welding equipment.
Maintain a clean and organized shop facility. Maintain the shop equipment and materials to ensure they are in good working condition at all times.
Maintain, repair, and replace tools and supplies as needed. Order with supervisor’s approval.
Provide technical expertise as appropriate.
Implement and install exhibition projects in museum gallery setting.
Collaborate with exhibition project team to establish installation needs and schedule.
Safely handle and care for all art and artifacts according to current museum standards and practices.
Install a wide variety of objects to safe and reasonable limits of available staff and resources.
Install all casework glazing and exhibit graphic elements.
Install audiovisual exhibition elements to the level staff expertise supports.
Install and set exhibit lighting.
Deinstall exhibit artifacts and mounts.
Transport and place museum exhibit furniture, crates, and other exhibit elements as needed.
Prepare and paint walls as necessary.
Maintain museum environments to ensure the preservation of collections.
Provide lighting recommendations for casework and gallery. Install lighting.
Maintain and repair lighting, interior casework, exhibition surfaces, and graphics as necessary.
Provide consultation in regards to specific materials and methods to be used in accordance with the current principles and practices of preventive conservation and museum standards.
Research and select appropriate materials for displaying and/or storing artifacts. Maintain and update information database on materials as resources allow.
Respond appropriately to ensure completion of work orders.
Responsible for budgeting and adhering to the financial guidelines of DCA, MRD and Exhibits Central.
Obtain bids for supplies and materials; prepare State Purchase Order Requests; order materials and purchase equipment for preparators with supervisor’s approval; confirm receipt of goods and services. Follow State financial guidelines.
Project costs relative to preparation of museum specific exhibition expenses. Purchase the appropriate materials necessary for exhibition production and installation using individual State Museum exhibition budgets and in consultation with exhibit designer.
Decisions Responsible For
Prioritize workload of exhibit mount making and installation needs in order to meet deadlines and work efficiently with exhibits staff and collecting units.
Determine materials and methods utilized to fabricate high precision and quality exhibit components.
Specify and purchase materials for exhibit mount making and shop functions with supervisor’s approval.
Collaborate on final exhibit parameters for optimal display and conservation of State museum collections.
Job-Related Qualifications
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Studio Arts or Museum Studies or related field.
Experience: Three to four (4) years preparator experience in museum or gallery environment
Licensed/Certification/Registration or Specialized Training: Specialized training in exhibit mount making strongly desired. Training in rigging and transport of heavy objects strongly desired.
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