Building Manager/Preparator

The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, a Machado and Silvetti-designed teaching museum, will open at Hamilton College on October 4, 2012. The 30,537-square-foot museum will put object-based learning at the fore, promoting interdisciplinary research and the cross-fertilization of concepts and ideas vital to a liberal arts education. The museum will also emphasize the study of contemporary art, inviting emerging and established artists to develop projects specifically for the museum. More information can be found at http://www.hamilton.edu/arts-facilities/pages/museum/museum-home.

We are currently seeking a skilled Building Manager/Preparator to join our team and be part of this exciting new program.

Position Description:

The Building Manager/Preparator will work closely with the director, curator, registrar and other museum staff to develop a broad range of exhibitions and perform related duties as required. 

Responsibilities:

• Assists in the planning and implementation of art exhibitions and visible storage displays; participates in exhibition planning meetings; confers with curators, artists, and staff from other departments and institutions in planning for the design and construction of exhibits; recruits and supervises temporary installation teams; supervises and trains student workers; and works with other staff to develop production schedules and project budgets. Plans, prioritizes and performs all aspects of exhibition fabrication and installation, including matting and framing artwork, mount making, packing and unpacking, exhibition labels and graphics, constructing walls and pedestals, painting and lighting. Develops and manages a departmental budget, including expenditures for exhibition fabrication and production, crating, supplies, subcontractors, and equipment;
• Assists in the receipt, dispersal, packing, crating, transportation, handling, and maintenance of exhibitions; implements preservation-minded storage and display methods; designs and fabricates crates and mounts for art transport. Consults with curators, registrars and conservators with regard to art handling, transport, and display; adheres to best practice with regard to art handling, and ensures temporary art handlers/installers and student workers comply with art handling guidelines.
• Monitors the condition and appearance of exhibit installations, identifies problem areas and recommends solutions, and coordinates necessary repair/maintenance of exhibitions with other staff. Supervises custodial staff and grounds crews working in and around the museum.
• Oversees the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment, monitors and oversees maintenance of building systems, insures adherence to safe workplace practices in all preparation work and workshop spaces. Serves as the Building Coordinator and educates staff and visitors on procedures in the event of a building emergency. Works with the Office of Environmental Protection, Safety & Sustainablity, Campus Safety, and Physical Plant to ensure best practice for fire safety, building security, and environmental compliance. Develops and implements safety plans in accordance with institutional guidelines.

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, Museum Studies or related field required.  Masters of Arts or Fine Arts preferred. 

• Must support the teaching mission of the museum, work well with students and create learning opportunities for them.
• Previous experience with art handling in a museum environment, exhibition installation, matting and framing, crate fabrication and packing required, mountmaking, and budget management.
• A familiarity with HVAC systems, security systems, fire systems and building management is also required.
  

Benefits

Please review Hamilton's Benefits Summary for more information.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should send a resume, letter of interest and contact information for three professional references to [log in to unmask]. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Hamilton College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in all areas of the campus community.

Hamilton is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. It is independent, highly selective, coeducational and residential. Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton is today composed of 1,812 diverse and talented students from nearly all of the 50 states and approximately 40 countries. More information can be found at www.hamilton.edu/about.

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