The Assistant Collections Preparator for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is responsible for assisting in the planning, tracking and implementation of exhibition installations. The assistant performs a variety of specialized tasks involving the care of the Museum’s collections including handling, preparing, installing, transporting, and storing specimens according to accepted conservation principles as well as performing minor conservation treatments. The incumbent assists in maintaining proper environments in both exhibition and collection storage areas.
The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Installs, arranges, assembles, and prepares artifacts for exhibition in a timely manner, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition. Coordinates with colleagues on installation schedules and move requests.
Builds and installs custom object supports, platforms, and mounts. Fabricates hanging and mounting systems for works of art. Creates custom housing and storage mounts for proper storage of artifacts.
Participates in time-based a installations and deinstallations including completing associated documentation.
Monitors environmental conditions of artifacts on display and cleans/repairs exhibition spaces as needed to meet preservation and housekeeping standards.
Assists in the safe transport of artifacts, either from The Museum’s collection, incoming and outgoing loans, or new donations.
Conducts or assists with donor, staff, volunteer, and other constituent tours in Collections storage.
Cleans and conducts minor stabilization of artifacts according to treatment plans provided by Conservator.
REQUIREMENTS:
Undergraduate degree in Art History, Fine Art, Anthropology. Archaeology, History, Museum Studies or similar program preferred or university or equivalent work experience
One (1) year of experience in art/artifact handling, including some knowledge of museum exhibit guidelines and installation techniques. One (1 ) year of experience with art installation and/or construction.
Demonstrated knowledge of installation materials and techniques, as well as knowledge of fine art packing.
Fundamental understanding of preventative conservation as it relates to care and cleaning of objects in a historic house, museum, or private collection.
Demonstrated basic use of power tools, electrical and/or woodworking skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; experience in public presentations and interactions.
Appreciation of diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences; demonstrated sensitivity to multi-cultural groups and their material cultures.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and some holidays.
The ability to interact with visitors and co-workers in a professional, supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
Must be able to demonstrate good judgment, tact and diplomacy in handling questions and concerns through the proper resources.
ADA REQUIREMENTS:
The ability to communicate clearly with staff face-to-face, by phone, leading tours, and via radio.
Must be able to view computer monitor, review documents, examine artifacts.
Must possess the dexterity and fine motor skills, to handle and manipulate objects of varying sizes and shapes
Ability to perform physical work associated with preparation of exhibits.
Required to stand, walk and sit for extended periods, as well as, bend, kneel, climb and reach. Requires considerable physical exertion daily and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Required ability to handle disinfectant and cleaning materials.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
