Collections Technician

Huntington Public Library • San Marino, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Collections Technician is a member of The Huntington Art Division’s Collections Management team and reports to the Collections Manager. This position is integral in the consistent planning and implementation of The Huntington’s schedule of gallery maintenance and collections care. As the collections grow and our exhibition program expands, in line with The Huntington’s strategic plan, it is necessary to have skilled staff dedicated solely to the care and movement of permanent collection and keep up the gallery spaces that display the artworks. The position’s responsibilities include dusting of artworks on display and in storage, assistance with storage organization and rehousing projects, the packing and movement of permanent collection artwork, and organizing supplies. The post holder will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach. This is an on-call position, with no set weekly hours.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional objects in a variety of materials, sizes, weights, and condition is required.
• Basic knowledge of packing techniques and museum quality packing materials is required.
• Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and spatial reasoning
• High attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions, plan ahead, problem solve, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50lbs independently
• Ability to use and maintain basic hand tools
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Huntington colleagues and professionally represent The Huntington when working with outside vendors, artists, or representatives from other arts institutions
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, or a related field, preferred.
• At least two years of experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: museum collection management, art preparation and installation, art conservation, studio art, libraries, archives, art gallery
• Experience creating custom boxes and storage mounts for objects is desired.
• Pallet jacks, hand trucks and other lift equipment a plus
• Experience with Microsoft platform
• Experience with TMS collections management software
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Assists with regular gallery and outdoor sculpture dusting and cleaning as scheduled according to museum standards of care and preservation.
• Maintains cleaning log.
• Handles, transports, and houses artwork.
• Organizes and maintains storage.
• Organizes collections management tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintains log of object location movements for the Collections Manager and the Permanent Collections Registrar.
• Works with Registration and Collections Management colleagues to transport art on campus driving Art Department vehicles between collections storage facilities, galleries and other campus departments.
• Attends departmental and project specific meetings, as needed.
• Performs other duties or special projects, as required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees
• Pay Rate: $26.00/hr.
• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants.
• Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions.
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees