Department: JSMA
Classification: Museum Technician
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $19.29 to $29.08 per hour
FTE: .5
Review of Applications Begins
November 11, 2024; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified.
Department Summary
The University of Oregon’s art museum opened its doors to the public in 1933. Designed by Ellis F. Lawrence, UO Dean of Architecture & Allied Arts at the time, the museum was built to house the Murray Warner Collection of Oriental Art—more than 3,700 works of art given to the University of Oregon by Gertrude Bass Warner.
The only academic art museum in Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and exciting educational programs that support the university’s academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities. The JSMA’s collections galleries present selections from its extensive holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American art. Special exhibitions galleries display works from the collection and on loan, representing many cultures of the world, past and present. The JSMA continues a long tradition of bridging international cultures and offers a welcoming destination for discovery and education centered on artistic expression that deepens the appreciation and understanding of the human condition.
Position Summary
As the Assistant Preparator, you will participate in all aspects of the art installation of the permanent collection, traveling exhibitions, and Shared Visions program at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA). The Shared Visions program sponsors highly valued works of art from recent auction house purchases which result in weekly installations, de-installations, and constant organization of incoming and outgoing pieces of art. Your responsibilities include the weekly coordination of this very active Shared Visions program including gallery preparation, assisting with incoming and outgoing shipments, the installation, de-installing, and handling of works of art with extreme care while ensuring the timely completion of all work at the highest level of quality and in observance of museum industry standards.
In this exciting role, you will assist with all aspects of the preparation and installation of exhibitions. This includes painting galleries, refurbishing bases, pedestals, mounts, and casework for the display of artwork; matting, framing, and hanging works of art of varying size and weight; fabrication and installation of labels and signage while ensuring the timely completion of all work at the highest level of quality and in observance of industry standards.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with the safe storage, handling, packing, and unpacking of works of art in the collection and on loan to the museum, assisting in the maintenance and organization of galleries and storage spaces, and the accurate documentation of art movement and condition using the museum database. You will support the Museum Registrar and other preparators with the incoming and outgoing shipments of the traveling exhibition program, including flexing your schedule to accommodate art deliveries as necessary.
You will partner with conservators, registrars, project leads, curators, designers, and fellow preparators to fulfill these duties. The Assistant Preparator reports directly to the Designer/Lead Preparator, with additional supervisory oversight from Associate Preparators, Collections Manager, and Registrar.
(Willingness to flex work schedule as needed to accommodate art shipments and exhibition deadlines required within provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. Anticipated schedule Monday 8:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am-5:00pm, and Wednesday 8:00am-12:00pm.)
Minimum Requirements
• Two years of general carpentry experience involving both basic construction work like framing and finish work such as cabinetry.
Professional Competencies
• Knowledge of industry standards in handling works of art in a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, textiles, works-on-paper, ceramics, metalwork, glass, stone, and new media.
• Knowledge of industry standards for proper packing and crating materials and techniques for works of all media.
• Knowledge of basic setup of audio-visual technology, including proximity sensor alarms, and willingness to master new technology as needed.
• Strong computer skills using programs relevant to job responsibilities such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and SketchUp.
• Sensitivity to sustainable practices in the reuse of materials.
• Ability to operate a personnel lift, pallet jack, and a variety of hand and power tools with precision and dexterity.
• Ability to make independent decisions when problems arise.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with museum staff, university departments, and vendors to accomplish the goals and mission of the museum and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in museum studies, fine art, art history, history, anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience in art handling and installation.
• Experience working in institutions dedicated to objects of historical and/or cultural significance.
FLSA Exempt: No
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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