Preparator – Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, The University of British Columbia

www.belkin.ubc.ca

Part-Time (60% FTE), term appointment from August 14, 2023 to March 31, 2026 (CUPE 116 Salaried – Research Assistant/Technician 3)

UBC Job ID JR13302

The priority application deadline is July 3, 2023 11:59 PM.


Use the following link to view the full posting and apply online:

https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Preparator_JR13302

The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at UBC is mandated to research, exhibit, collect, publish, educate and develop programs in the field of contemporary art. The Gallery is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People. The Gallery promotes understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating, with a focus on our region in an international context. As a collecting institution, the Belkin is designated as a Category A institution and houses the University’s art collection of over 5,000 objects, one of the largest public collections of art in British Columbia. The Gallery also holds one of the largest artists’ archives in Canada and oversees the University’s outdoor art collection on the Vancouver campus which includes twenty-five works. Through a program of exhibitions, publications, loans and special projects, the Belkin participates in the national and international community of institutions concerned with contemporary art.  The Gallery operates as a unit in the Faculty of Arts and participates in the training of student curators through the Critical and Curatorial Studies Program in the Department of Art History, Visual and Theory.

Job Summary

The Preparator is part-time, 60% FTE (22.5 hours per week) with additional hours during exhibition installations. The position is a grant-funded term appointment from August 14, 2023 to March 31, 2026 with a possibility of extension. The Preparator at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery is responsible for performing a variety of complex technical work in support of the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery’s exhibitions, collections, programs and facilities. Major responsibilities: Prepares, installs and dismantles a variety of exhibitions at the Gallery and satellite locations on and off campus, including two and three dimensional and audio visual exhibits. Designs and constructs crates, museum quality display cases and other related exhibition elements as required. Packs, moves, and maintains collections; researches and implements storage and conservation methods. Responsible for maintaining the galleries, curatorial workroom, storage rooms, and shipping and receiving areas to ensure that professional museum standards are upheld. Sources, purchases and maintains the Gallery’s inventory of tools, equipment, technical supplies and shipping supplies. Works with the Manager of Technical & Design Services and the Registrar on the care, handling and storage of the University art collection and monitoring and maintenance of works in the Outdoor Art Collection located across the Vancouver campus. Completes building inspections as part of the Gallery’s Local Safety Team and provides day-to-day monitoring of building systems and maintenance needs. Responsible for implementing, maintaining and reporting on safe work procedures in related work areas. As a key member of the team, participates in activities related to institutional planning, growth and development including workshops and staff retreats. The Preparator reports to the Gallery’s Manager of Technical & Design Services.

Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Undergraduate degree in visual arts or art history preferred. Thorough knowledge of and experience in best practices for the care and handling of museum objects and artworks including all aspects of packing, crating, and shipping methods. Minimum of three years experience in the installation of artworks in a professional art gallery or museum is essential. Good knowledge of contemporary art, curatorial practices, and art production processes. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The successful candidate will have: Excellent carpentry skills with training in general shop work and production methods is required; cabinet making skills desired. Extensive experience using a variety of machines, tools, materials, including electric lifts, professional table saw, drills, and framing tools. Experience fabricating exhibition furniture including benches, plinths and vitrines. Experience with audiovisual equipment, computers and AC and DC electrical wiring and distribution standards required. Experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel) required; familiarity with collections database programs, Adobe Creative Suite and CAD programs an asset. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Ability to work effectively and maintain professional best practices in handling and care of artworks under stress and pressure of deadlines. Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and work schedules, especially around exhibition installation deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem solve, and complete work unsupervised. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with faculty, staff, students and external parties. Ability to interpret specifications and explain practices and procedures to others. Ability to coordinate and oversee the work of others as required. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job is required (e.g. heavy lifting, standing, working at heights, operating electric lifts). First aid training is required. Valid B.C. drivers licence is an asset.

Salary Range:  $4,618.00 – $5,036.00 (Monthly). Compensation range will be prorated accordingly at 60% FTE.

The priority application deadline is July 3, 2023 11:59 PM. The anticipated start date for the position is August 14, 2023.

To apply for this position please submit a cover letter and CV using the following link to view the full posting and apply online:

https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Preparator_JR13302

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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