« Back to all jobs Collections & Exhibitions Technician
- Employer: Boston Athenaeum, Boston, MA
- Salary: $43,000-$46,000 per year
Description:
Reporting to the Special Collections Registrar and Exhibition Manager, the Collections and Exhibitions Technician performs a range of duties related to the exhibition and care of the Boston Athenæum’s rich and varied special collections. In consultation with the registrar, curatorial, and conservation colleagues, this position assists with the installation and display of special collections in both long-term installations and rotating temporary exhibitions encompassing paintings, sculpture, the decorative arts, prints, photographs, and rare books. The position also supports collections management and planning, and participates in the proper storage, maintenance, monitoring, and inventory of special collections, with an emphasis on paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. This position requires prior knowledge of art handling best practices and health and safety standards.
Responsibilities:
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Installs and de-installs exhibitions. Physically handles artwork, loads and unloads trucks, hangs signage, and configures lighting. Uses ladders, dollies, lifts, and related equipment when needed. Packs, unpacks, and crates works according to professional museum standards.
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Prepares the exhibition gallery and other display spaces. Cleans; moves pedestals and display cases; mounts objects; mats and frames; hangs framed artwork; installs pedestals, shelves, Plexiglas, platforms, graphics, and exhibition labels.
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Fabricates pedestals, mounts, and custom housing for special collections objects utilizing knowledge of construction methods, use of appropriate adhesives and fasteners, and safe use of manual and power tools.
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Participates in the safe transport of art objects throughout the building.
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When needed, works with contracted preparators, art handlers, and others to safely complete object moves and exhibition installation.
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Assists with exhibition planning, layout, and design. Drafts art movement and installation plans.
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Maintains safe, clean, and well-organized storage and prep areas, and adequate supplies for packing, storing, and exhibition prep; researches and assists with implementation of efficient storage and display methods. Maintains an inventory of materials, tools, and equipment. Tracks supply orders for exhibition materials.
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Assists Registrar with locating/returning objects to storage, collection inventories, reporting changes/damage to artwork, and collections management and database tasks.
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Maintains appropriate collection documentation as required.
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Conducts regularly scheduled inspections of permanent installations, exhibition spaces, and storage areas. Participates in ongoing and preventative maintenance care.
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Works closely with special collections, conservation, and facilities staff. Attends regular meetings with the special collections department, exhibition team, and others as needed.
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Works closely with staff, interns and volunteers, and contractors to ensure the physical safety of the collection.
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Assists conservation team with matting items for storage, fabricating boxes and labels, rehousing collection materials, environmental monitoring, and related tasks as needed.
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Maintains current knowledge of changing industry standards.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
