This post is expired. Click here to search for more listings.
About the position:
As the presentation of exhibitions is a primary purpose of the Washington State History Museum, and a major activity of the Washington State Historical Society, this position is essential to advancement of the society’s mission and goals. You will be responsible for the preparation, fabrication, installation, and care, of museum exhibitions at the WSHS, both internal and external, physical and digital, as well as supervision of contracted exhibition personnel. You’ll collaborate with the exhibition designer and curator to develop the look and feel of museum exhibitions. You are an integral part of the curatorial team in the crating and placements of mounts based on museum best practices and specialized training.
Responsibilities
Some of what you’ll enjoy doing includes:
Curates and cares for artifact displays within exhibitions
Handles and installs artwork and cultural artifacts using knowledge of museum best practices in art and artifact handling
Develops and executes exhibition installation schedule
Constructs walls, pedestals, object mounts, exhibition environments, interpretive panels, and interactives (some designs may be required Independently formats, prints, cuts, and mounts interpretive panels and labels)
Maintains the object support systems for object display and storage including mannequins and custom mounts
Installs and uninstalls the physical configurations and elements of WSHS exhibitions
Installs and uninstalls exhibitions on-loan or rented to WSHS from professional exhibition developers
Prepares galleries for installation by patching, painting, building, fabricating, and positioning of temporary walls
Collaborates with Collections team in transporting, packing/unpacking exhibit components and artifacts, utilizing knowledge of museum standards and best practices to protect artifacts
Procures and ensures exhibit supply orders are placed and appropriate materials are onsite and on-time per exhibition installation schedules, and for general maintenance of exhibitions
Maintains the wood shop and fabrication lab, including cleanliness, safety, and functionality of tools, printers, and other equipment
Resolve highly complex design and manufacturing problems such as performing construction work from verbal or minimal written instructions to manufacture exhibition components; diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing and rebuilding machine tools and/or mechanical devices as needed
Curates exhibition objects through their safe display in frames, casework, and other display mechanisms while following best practices set by the American Alliance of Museum in keeping with the museum’s accreditation
Facilitates production of assets for digital exhibitions, including exhibit documentation and interpretive content
Collaborates with the Society’s Digital Storyteller and provides raw files and content for digital exhibition components
Curates a visual gallery experience for online visitors through photographic representation of exhibitions. (With new technology that’s been acquired)
Assists in the creation of virtual tours by providing 360-degree photos of galleries and additional raw digital assets
Installs, repairs, and troubleshoots audiovisual equipment in galleries
Positions lighting in temporary exhibition galleries, troubleshoots lighting problems in exhibition galleries
Provides support to audiovisual technician and contractors
Requirements
REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, fine arts, education or closely related field
AND
Two (2) or more years of experience in a museum, fabrication shop, architecture firm, or gallery setting
OR
Associate’s degree
AND
Four (4) years of experience in a museum, fabrication shop, architecture firm, or gallery setting
OR
Any combination of education and/or experience totaling six (6) years
Additional requirements include:
Must be comfortable standing for long periods of time
Must be able to lift, move or transfer 25lbs
Must be able to climb and work from tall ladders
Must pass a background check
Must possess a Washington state driver’s license
Experience installing 2D and 3D artifacts and artworks
The ideal applicant will also have:
Intermediate to advanced carpentry techniques and joinery including safe operation of stationary shop equipment and a full complement of hand tools
Beginner to Intermediate skills with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign), Microsoft office suite, and Sketchup or CADD drawing software
Strong curiosity regarding museum display strategies, exhibition design, and installation techniques and technologies
Comfortable climbing and working safely on tall ladders and lifts
Ability to lift, transfer or move or assist in moving heavy objects (25lbs+) with materials lift, forklift, dollies, and palate jack
Familiarity with matting and framing
Familiarity with plotter and large format printing and graphics mounting
Familiarity working from construction drawings, sketches, and installation drawings provided by the exhibition designer
Familiarity estimating material and time needed to complete projects
Ability to collaborate in a productive and professional manner—Candidate is self-motivated and can take initiative to complete projects in a timely and highly-detailed manner
Candidate is able to work well with others, communicating clearly, and adapt to changing scenarios as needed
How to Apply
Please provide the following documents in order to be considered:
Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
A current resume, detailing experience, and education
A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
Tags
Posted on August 24