Mount Shop Supervisor

Field Museum • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, the Mount Shop Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mount Shop while serving as the primary working mount maker. Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include supervising Mount Shop staff, coordinating workflow, maintaining a safe and organized shop environment, preparing time estimates, tracking labor and materials, and ensuring the secure handling and storage of objects within the Mount Shop vault.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to ten years of experience fabricating museum-quality mounts for exhibitions.
• Demonstrated experience supervising employees or leading project crews in a museum fabrication environment.
• Thorough knowledge of museum mountmaking materials, fabrication techniques, and shop equipment.
• Strong fabrication skills using metal, acrylic, wood, and other museum-grade materials.
• Understanding of object preservation principles and proper support methods for a wide variety of collections.
• Ability to interpret exhibit drawings, case layouts, and installation documentation.
• Ability to safely handle fragile and valuable museum objects.
• Ability to train and mentor preparators in mount fabrication techniques.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet production deadlines.
• Experience using collection databases such as KEMu and FileMaker.
• Proficiency in Photography, measuring, and documentation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication, staff supervision and team leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with conservators, exhibit production staff, and other museum departments.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops object mounts based on exhibit case layouts, object requirements, and approved mount standards; utilizes established mount design references, templates, and approved mount types maintained within departmental resource files and documentation systems.
• Fabricates, modifies, tests, and finishes museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects.
• Installs and de-installs objects and mounts in exhibit cases and galleries.
• Assists with mount prototypes and refinements to improve fabrication efficiency and object support.
• Organizes workflow and production priorities within the Mount Shop.
• Object photo documentation and measurements, database uploads into EMu, and/or collecting and preparing materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.
• Supervises Preparators I, II, and III and assigns work based on project priorities and needs.
• Provides hands-on training and instruction to staff in mount fabrication techniques and shop practices.
• Sets up work for fabrication crews and serves as crew leader when needed.
• Generates labor duration estimates for mount fabrication, installation, and de-installation activities.
• Tracks labor hours and material usage for assigned projects.
• Coordinates Mount Shop schedules with project managers, production staff, and exhibit supervisors.
• Coordinates conservation requirements related to mount fabrication and object handling.
• Researches and purchases materials and supplies used in mount fabrication.
• Develops installation and de-installation documentation and procedures for mounts when required.
• Participates in interviewing and onboarding new Mount Shop staff.
• Provides input in employee performance evaluations and disciplinary processes as appropriate.
• Coordinates work performed by outside mountmaking contractors and assists with bid packages when necessary.
• Represents the Mount Shop on the departmental Safety Committee.
• Maintains accountability for objects entering and leaving the secure Mount Shop storage vault.
• Travels as required to support the exhibition installations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager