Temporary Art Preparator

The Warhol is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and a collaborative project between Carnegie Institute, Dia Art Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Plans to house The Warhol in Pittsburgh were announced in 1989, and the museum opened its doors during a 24-hour celebration on May 13, 1994. Originally built in 1911 as a distribution center for products sold to mills and mines, The Warhol was redesigned by architect Richard Gluckman and features seven floors of gallery and exhibition space as well as an underground level that houses The Factory education studio and the conservation lab. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This is a Temporary position.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

Responsible for the handling of works of art and objects both in the permanent collection and on loan; tasks include movement, installation, deinstallation, packing and un-packing, storage of objects, carpentry, framing, lighting, and maintenance of gallery spaces (i.e. Silver Clouds maintenance, dusting, checking AV in galleries, etc.) and storage areas. Art Preparators at the Warhol Museum also act as Couriers and are responsible for the safe transport of Artwork from the collection to venues domestic and foreign. The person who holds this position performs a critical role with the museum and collection by ensuring the safe handling and movement of all types of works of art.
This position is estimated to start mid-March and run through May.

QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must be highly organized, self-directed, dependable, and careful, with good interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be punctual with good time management skills.
• Must have the ability to work independently (with little/no direct supervision).
• Must also possess a good “team” mindset in order to work well with other preparators and a willingness to shadow and learn from team of experienced preparators about museum protocol and processes as needed.
• Must also be familiar with museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling.
• Must be able to undertake long- and short-term travel as necessary. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required when installing larger exhibitions.
• Knowledge of art handling techniques and safety procedures and the ability to tend to progressive responsibilities working with and handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media is required.
• Basic woodworking skills and knowledge of hand and power tools required. Good practical computer use background (email, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Zoom) required and knowledge of SketchUp is a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in studio art or architecture or related work experience in exhibition installation and preparation is preferred; High school Diploma or equivalent necessary.
• Related work experience in carpentry, fabrication of crates and frames, matting and framing, art handling and installation preferred.
• Must have valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT: This job requires operation of hand and power tools of varying size and complexity (table saw, drill press, various electronic and AV equipment, ladders, scissor lift, gantry, and material handling equipment such as pallet jack, dollies, forklift, etc.; small moving truck.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have good dexterity, physical strength, hand eye coordination, the ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods of time, reach, stretch, stoop, sometimes lie on floor, work with hands above shoulder level, lift heavy objects (50 pounds or more), and stand or walk for long periods of time.

EMPLOYMENT TRAINING: Four months

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work with Director of Exhibitions & Collections and Associate Director of Exhibitions to facilitate the installation and de-installation of exhibitions and packing and shipping of loans. Meet regularly with Associate Director of Exhibitions and Registrars to compile an ongoing work schedule. Works professionally and cooperatively with all installation personnel and other employees, contractors, artists, and couriers. Follows all art-handling protocols and procedures as instructed by the Associate Director of Exhibitions and Registrar. Understands and adheres to all security rules and guidelines of the Andy Warhol Museum and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as regulations stipulated by such agencies as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
• Install and deinstall permanent collection and temporary exhibitions as needed. Under the direction of the Associate Director of Exhibitions, in conjunction with the Director of Exhibitions & collections and Chief Curator, moves, hangs, and positions exhibition casework and works of art of varying sizes, media, and fragility in such fashion as to ensure maximum security and safety. Assists with fabricating or finishing items needed for installation, including plinths, pedestals, cleats, hanging brackets, risers, cable hangers, temporary walls or dividers, frames, and crates. Promptly informs supervisor and registrar regarding objects with condition concerns or of damaged objects, and follows collections management documentation procedures. Install and adjust fixtures to light works of art using ladder or scissor lift; replace fixtures as needed.
• Using proper carts and supplies, moves objects in museum galleries, storage, and preparation areas as directed for exhibition, acquisition, loan, photography, and conservation. Takes care to stow objects efficiently. Supports, stabilizes, and covers artworks on carts, tables, shelves, and pallets. Ensures location changes are recorded and provided to registrar. Prepares works of art to be examined by Conservators.
• Print, mount, and install computer-generated labels. Mounts, attaches hanging hardware, and installs exhibition signage and labels inside museum.
• Mat and un-mat, and frame and un-frame works of art on paper. Stretch and frame paintings; attach backing boards. Construct or repair frames as necessary. If candidate has little to no experience with matting and framing, on-the-job training is available.
• Construct standard boxes, cartons, and crates for shipping as directed by Associate Director of Exhibitions. Wraps and pads works of art with paper, plastic, foam, or other materials as directed to protect against vibration, moisture, or impact; shapes and contours internal packing to ensure proper support during movement. Places art works in boxes, containers, or crates manually or using hoist. Responsible for securing containers with screws, bolts, tape, nails, or metal bands, and moving to receiving dock.
• Load and unload art and archives shipment trucks. Potentially assist in delivery and pickup of off-site materials at museum storage facility.
• Track locations of art collection objects and communicate this information to Registrar and Associate Director of Exhibitions. Return works of art to their correct locations in storage to ensure safety of works of art. Monitor orderliness of workspaces to facilitate multiple uses and users.
• Perform routine maintenance of exhibition galleries, including cleaning glass, dusting, and removing smudges and fingerprints from cases and walls; carefully spackles holes in gallery walls and applies touchup paint to walls and exhibition furniture, ensuring the safety of artwork and building finishes at all times.
• Responsible for operation of workshop; maintain equipment and tools in a safe and sound operating condition; make minor repairs as necessary. With Associate Director of Exhibitions, order and stock installation and packing supplies to allow for the timely and efficient completion of tasks. Responsible for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and supply storage areas on a daily basis.
• Provide Associate Director of Exhibitions with information relating to upcoming purchases and expenditures.
• Maintain a high awareness of preservation and conservation issues in the handling and storage of works of art.
• Maintain list of crates and exhibit materials kept off-site. Maintain inventory list of AV and electronic equipment in the museum and what is being currently used vs. stored.
• Assists in the pick-up and delivery of art objects outside the museum, and with the receiving of art shipments within the museum.
• Works overtime as necessary, understanding that as much advance notice will be given as possible by supervisors.
• Performs other various duties, as requested, by supervisor.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.

• GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below. Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function? The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often? Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential. G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it? If so, it is more likely to be essential.