Preparator/Exhibitions Specialist (Coordinator of Non-Academic or Service Area) – Shaw Center for the Arts, LSU

https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/LSU/job/Shaw-Center-For-The-Arts/Preparator-Exhibitions-Specialist–Coordinator-of-Non-Academic-or-Service-Area-_R00053524

LSUAM AO – Museum – Curatorial (Courtney Paige Taylor (00041336))

Job Responsibilities:

Exhibit Design/Coordination: design lighting applying standards of care based on object needs and gallery experience appropriate to exhibition; contribute design ideas including working directly with artists, guest curators, and conservators to meet standards of care and aesthetic and intellectual demands of project; Design unique exhibition mounts and framing according to object needs, exhibition interpretation; monitor exhibitions on ongoing basis for condition, collections care, and aesthetic concerns; includes analyzing and adjust light levels in galleries appropriate to object and audience needs; schedule, coordinate, and manage laborers to complete duties as required by individual exhibition deadlines; budget installation, labor, and equipment needs for exhibitions, procure installation equipment and labor; and track expenditures according to museum procedures.; collaborate with curator and to manage the design, installation, and de-installation of museum exhibitions. 40%

Specialized Art Handling: apply knowledge of structural and material characteristics and professional best practices when handling and installing unique art objects held in LSU MOA collection. assess object condition before and after handling and transporting objects; document as needed; direct proper handling by temporary and contingent employees; oversee and design matting and framing of collection and loaned objects as needed according to conservation standards and best practices upon assessment of object; maintain frame inventory design and construct appropriate supports, mounts, and packing as needed for incoming and outgoing loans, and gifts; organize and implement the transportation and delivery of objects, including local and long-distance driving, and loading and unloading of shipments working with specialized fine art shippers, museums, and artists; coordinate handling and transport of permanent collection and loaned art for photography, curatorial research, public education programs, and appraisals. Keep abreast of specialized museum materials and research. 25%

Collections Care: apply rigorous standards of care in all handling, transport, and display of permanent and loaned collections and monitor potential environmental and mechanical threats based on individual physical properties of object; maintain order of permanent collection storage and installation workshop areas and conservation supplies in collaboration with Assistant Director for Collections Management; photograph objects from the art collection; assist with the maintenance, documentation, and professional standards of storage of the permanent collection. 15%

Curatorial Support: prepare the exhibition galleries for rotating and permanent exhibitions, including coordinating and/or implementing painting of gallery walls and casework; designing temporary walls, cases, and pedestals; maintain the collection and installation tools, equipment, and hardware in proper working order, oversees and organizes work areas including loading dock and prep rooms; carefully maintain display inventory including frames, glazing, pedestals, platforms, and acrylic and design and manage processes for new supplies; support programs as needed. 10%

Supervisory/Other Duties: supervise, train and schedule interns, students, volunteers, and contingent preparators in techniques appropriate to art handling and exhibition installation; hire and supervises contracted labor; other duties as assigned, including assisting other departments in design, equipment, and facility needs. 10%

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with 2 years specialized experience in art handling in a museum setting or related experience.

Specific Experience – Knowledge of museum standards and best practices of art handling and care. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree with 5 years specialized experience in art handling in museum setting or related experience.

Specific Degree – MFA in visual art or MA in Art History, Museum Studies, or other cultural heritage field.

Specific Experience – Knowledge of museum standards and best practices of art handling and care; Proven knowledge of proper use of power tools. Knowledge of digital design programs and museum databases; Experience with mounting, conservation framing, photography, exhibition design, computer and A/V tech. 

Special or Physical Qualifications:

  • Current driver’s license and the ability to drive a 15-passenger van or small truck locally and long distances. 
  • Ability to bend, stoop, squat, and to consistently lift up to 75 pounds
  • Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding and work on high lift. 
  • Willingness to work night and weekend hours if needed.

In accordance with University Policy Statement 18, this position is considered essential and may be required to report or stay on campus in the event of an emergency or closure.

Due to the nature of this position and/or position responsibilities this position shall be subject to drug/alcohol testing in accordance with University Policy Statement 67.

Certifications/Licenses:

This position requires a Class ‘E’ driver’s license.

Special Instructions:

The Preparator/Exhibitions Specialist plays an integral role in caring for rare and fragile collections and the creative design of exhibition experiences. The Preparator must apply advanced knowledge of collections care standards and inventive design. The Preparator is responsible for balancing creative design solutions for mounting and installing works of art with standards of care and visitor experience; handling, transporting, packing, unpacking unique and fragile objects; coordinating in/de-installations; assisting with care, documentation, and storage of museum objects; and maintaining collection and exhibition areas and supply inventories.

Posting Date:

March 2, 2021

Closing Date:

April 2, 2021

Additional Position Information:

Background Check – An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits – LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Essential Position (Y/N):

Y

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. To learn more about how LSU is committed to diversity and inclusivity, please see LSU’s Diversity Statement and Roadmap. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management (hr@lsu.edu).

HCM Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or emailed HR@lsu.edu

Categories: Job Postings