Assistant Collections Preparator, PT

Museum Core • Indianapolis, IN

22h

About The Position

OVERVIEW: The part-time 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. REPORTS TO: Conservation and Exhibition Manager for Collections

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Participates in time-based 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level