Collections Care Technician

Vizcaya Museum And Gardens • Miami, FL

234d • $44,550 - $49,500

About The Position

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum in Miami, Florida. The Collections Care Technician performs technical work in the preservation and care of historic interiors and associated art and architectural collections at Vizcaya and is responsible for the cleaning, care and condition monitoring of Vizcaya's historic interiors and collections of antique furniture, carpets, oil paintings, decorative objects and sculpture. The position is on the Engagement & Cultural Resources Team in the Art and Artifact Stewardship Department, and reports to the Preventive Conservation Manager. The estate is owned by Miami-Dade County and is operated by the non-profit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust, Inc. since 2017. Our mission is to preserve the estate's cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present and shaping the future. Our vision is to position Vizcaya as an enduring, inclusive and innovative place that inspires people to embrace the cultural vitality and environmental sustainability of the world around us.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience in collections care or related museum experience.
• Bachelor's degree in museum studies, art history or a related field.
• Deep and current knowledge of principles and practices of collections care/preventive conservation.
• Ability to apply the principles and practices of museum collection maintenance and maintain knowledge of current accepted ethics and practices.
• Familiarity with current registration practices and cataloging standards.
• English fluency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish, Haitian Creole and other language skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily/weekly walk-throughs of the collection and inspect artwork regularly.
• Complete hands-on dry cleaning and cyclic housekeeping in decorated spaces using knowledge of professional standards for collections care.
• Support the Preventive Conservation Manager to monitor environmental conditions and the condition of the collection.
• Support the Conservator with cyclic maintenance projects, object handling, accompanying subcontractors on site and assisting, as needed, in the conservation treatment of objects.
• Record and maintain the integrated pest management program.
• Assist the department with emergency preparedness efforts, including assisting in the training of museum staff from other departments.
• Support project and departmental records management.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate storage conditions, rehousing collection objects, labeling and tracking objects and various department duties and initiatives as needed.
• Prepare room condition notes and other maintenance and condition reports, as needed.
• Provide oversight and/or training to contracted technicians, interns, volunteers and museum staff from other departments assisting the department, as needed.
• Apply knowledge in the proper care and handling of fragile and delicate museum items to all tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with generous paid leave.
• Retirement benefits.
• Robust medical and other insurance for full-time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree