Positions at Stanford University Museum of Art

Stanford University Museum of Art

Chief Preparator
Supervisor: Associate Director/Chief Curator
Approximate Hire Date    October 1997
Salary Range: In-hire salary range $2952.-3804./month
    M-F 8-5 (100% Full-time Permanent)

    Responsibilities: Under general supervision of Associate
    Director/Chief Curator, the Chief Preparator supervises personnel
    and operations of four member preparation department and occasional
    project-specific temporary personnel.  Oversees and actively
    participates in the preparation, installation, storage, and general
    handling of art objects in permanent collection and temporary
    exhibitions in collaboration with chief curator and conservator.
    Plans, directs, and participates in the fabrication and preparation
    of finished mounts and risers for the installation of art objects
    for the newly reconstructed museum galleries as well as for the
    outdoor sculpture collection. Some fabrication of platforms,
    pedestals, and pylons may be necessary for special installations.
    Plans, directs, and participates in building crates for works of
    art.  In collaboration with the registrars and conservator,
    supervises the activities of the technical staff during the move
    back into the reconstructed museum.  Oversees ongoing maintenance of
    the shop, ordering of supplies, and equipment.  Monitors budget for
    technical operations. Reports to Chief Curator.

    Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of 5 years experience or equivalent
    combination of training and experience in museum setting.  Proven
    leadership and management skills including management of complex
    budgets; proven experience in the design and fabrication of mounts
    for wide range of fine and decorative art objects in museum setting
    in area of potentially high seismic activity; design experience with
    emphasis on mountmaking primarily in wood and metal.

    Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Highly organized team player with
    ability to deal with a variety of colleagues and vendors.  Computer
    skills helpful in tracking art objects and mount storage on
    database, handling e-mail, purchases, and in-house memos (Filemaker
    Pro, Microsoft Word are museum standard).  Familiarity with museum
    conservation issues, issues of installation techniques and design.
    Familiarity with shop equipment and ability to effectively perform
    various skilled and semi-skilled tasks, including woodworking,
    brazing, use of adhesives and fasteners, construction methods, and
    use of stationary and portable power tools.  Knowledge of practices
    and methods in mountmaking including earthquake mitigation and the
    various materials safe for use with art objects such as woods,
    fabrics, plastics, metals, mechanical fasteners, paints, and
    adhesives.  Knowledge of safety procedures related to the handling
    of chemical solvents, adhesives, and solutions.  Demonstrated
    concern for detail, accuracy, and neat execution of work.  Ability
    to work cooperatively with supervisor, designer, and museum staff.
    Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Mountmaker (Bargaining Unit)
Supervisor: Chief Preparator
Date 1 Oct 97
(Full-time, Term Position)
Salary range: In-hire salary range $17.82-18-70/hour; M-F 8-5

Responsibilities: Under general supervision of Associate Director
and as direct report to Chief Preparator, mountmaker follows
established guidelines for fabrication and preparation of finished
mounts for the reinstallation of art objects in the rebuilt Museum.
Works with team of four other staff technicians, as well as
designer, conservator, and curators on the development and
fabrication of object mounts.  Nature of work requires manual
dexterity, strength, and conscientiousness in the handling of
valuable art objects. Will also engage in actual installation
process including wall preparation and painting.

Minimum qualifications: Minimum two years experience specifically
with mount fabrication in museum setting.  Proven experience in the
construction, installation of mounts for fine and decorative art
objects, and in the proper handling of objects. Candidates will be
required to successfully complete a proficiency test to assess
ability to perform basic activities or to present a portfolio of
work on mounts.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Requires knowledge of proper
techniques for handling valuable works of art safely and securely,
including those for installing exhibits, crating, packing and
unpacking objects.  Ability to work from sketches in the
construction and installation of mounts.  Proficiency  in utilizing
wood and metal shop equipment, including stationary and portable
power tools. Knowledge of practices and methods in mountmaking
including earthquake mitigation and sensitivity to materials safe
for use with art objects such as woods, fabrics, plastics, metals,
mechanical fasteners, paints, and adhesives.  Knowledge of safety
procedures related to the handling of chemical solvents, adhesives
and solutions.  Demonstrated concern for detail, accuracy and
meticulous work.  Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor,
designer, and museum staff.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Computer
skills helpful in tracking art objects and mount storage on database
(Filemaker Pro and Microsoft Word are standards).

Send resume and letter of interest to the attention of:

    Susan Roberts-Manganelli
    Head, Registration & Conservation
    Stanford University Museum of Art
    Stanford CA 94305-5060
    650-725-0461
    skrm<-a t->leland< . >stanford< . >edu
    Fax: 650-725-0464

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:19
                  Distributed: Monday, August 25, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-19-007
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