Collections Technician

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Collections Technician, this role serves on a team focused on the care and maintenance of the permanent collection, and access to it. The Collections Technician will provide support for Art Management and Curatorial specifically related to condition reporting and documentation, packing and unpacking of incoming/outgoing loans and incoming acquisitions, storage solutions, framing needs, object viewing, and special projects for conservation and photography. The Collections Technician will also provide general manual labor support and assistance in loading and unloading, transportation, installation, deinstallation and related tasks for all artwork on view at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary both inside and on the grounds. This position assists with the maintenance of exhibition spaces, shop areas, and storage areas.

Requirements

B.A. in an art related field
Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights.
Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
Skilled in handling all media of art and familiar with installation technique
Working knowledge of hand tools and math applications.
Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience
In regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.
Valid Driver’s License
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
Good verbal and written communication skills
Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices
Highly motivated and goal oriented
Strong collaboration skills
Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality

Responsibilities

Assists in collection related projects in conjunction with supervisor and Registrar for Collections, including object photography, conservation, artwork cleaning and maintenance, and vault maintenance.
Works with supervisor and Curatorial to complete safe and aesthetic framing solutions for collection works and occasionally loans, including planning for and carrying out matting and framing projects.
Packs and unpacks crates and other shipping conveyances for loans and collection acquisitions
Assists in designing packing solutions for outgoing loans
Assists supervisor in carrying out object conservation priorities and improvements by implementing storage solutions according to conservator recommendations.
Assists in providing access to the collection by staging artwork for study and research.
Assists in leading vault tours for museum staff, volunteers, and members.
In conjunction with the supervisor, assists in routine frame dusting and artwork cleaning and maintenance throughout the permanent collection galleries.
Support Registration by assisting with routine gallery checks and collection audits.
Assist in the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
Assist registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing artwork, objects, and artifacts.
In conjunction with supervisor, Registration and documented object needs, design and fabricate safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes.
Ensure the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
Assist in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Art Management department and museum functions
Works with focus teammates to complete all aspects of special exhibition installations and permanent collection rotations throughout the Museum.
Assist in the coordination of outdoor sculpture maintenance, in conjunction with the Outdoor Art Technician
Assist with all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.