Preparator/ Mount Maker

Job Details

Description

Job Title: Preparator/ Mount Maker

Department: Collection Support

Reports To: Chief Preparator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Primary Responsibilities

The following responsibilities describe the general nature of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory.

 As a highly skilled expert, this position is responsible for the department's metalworking needs. These responsibilities will include the production of structures designed to display art objects ranging from jewelry to large stone sculptures and will include equipment ranging from fine jewelry torches to TIG and stick welding.

 Create detailed records of mounts with installation notes, photography, and handling requirements.

 Maintain an archive for mounts with instructions, histories, and photographs. This includes the physical storage and inventory of the mount objects.

 Participate in art installation and de-installation, crating, and uncrating works of art by proper handling, lifting, moving, placing, and hanging works of art as required by the IMA art handling guidelines.

 Prepare galleries for exhibition installations, including patching and painting gallery walls, moving and locating gallery furnishings, and implementing designs for temporary exhibitions.

 Deliver, install, de-install, and collect works of art by vehicle, both locally and interstate.

 Communicate with curatorial, conservation, and registration staff to gather information, e.g., for art relocations, art conservation needs, approvals for art relocations.

 Work within the installation crew with an appreciation of the team and its mission.

 Participate in on-call schedule for troubleshooting of electronic art and multimedia installations in the galleries.

 Handle various preparatory duties for collection support, including maintenance of workshops and storage, label making, vinyl application, and collecting supplies and materials for art installations.

 Maintain gallery installations. This includes patching and painting walls, mounting and installation of artwork labels, and general gallery maintenance.

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in metal working techniques including but not limited to silver soldering (brazing), MIG welding, TIG welding, sheet metal forming, wire forming, and various metal cutting methods.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools including but not limited to hand drills, circular saws, levels, measuring tools, files, and angle grinders.
• Knowledge of art and art handling, including installation skills.
• Highly organized and systematic approach to fabrication, storage, and implementation.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to other employees.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts for design layouts of exhibitions and proportions. Algebra helpful.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  
  

Education And/Or Experience

Professional level of knowledge needed in a specialized field, equivalent to that which would be acquired by completing a four-year college program and one to two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel; reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to work from heights on but not limited to ladders, scaffolding, and mechanical lifts. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.