Museum Specialist - Washington, United States - Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Description

Description:





OPEN DATE:
April 22, 2024




CLOSING DATE:
May 13, 2024




POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund




APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Indefinite




SCHEDULE:
Full Time




DUTY LOCATION:
Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk


Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian.

They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts.

Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status.

The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

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Conditions of Employment

• Pass Preemployment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW:

This position is located in the Conservation team within the Collections Management Department at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time.

We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge.

We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research.

The Department is devoted to the care and management of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

The incumbent supplies skilled technical support in the preparation and fabrication of mounts and framing enclosures, and maintenance of museum objects while on exhibition and in storage areas at the museum.

This position is supervised by the Head Conservator.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

**_

Framing_**- Using sound conservation methods, the incumbent measures, cuts, and prepares mats used with works of art and exhibition components.

Constructs new frames for specific works of art and adapts or recuts older reused frames for new works of art.

• Using a variety of materials, machinery, and tools, prepares glazing and framing packages based on project specifications. Fabricates customized archival containers for storage of museum objects and determines the most appropriate materials that may be used to house objects.
• Constructs exhibition case components including book cradles and other supports using specialized materials, tools, and adhesives.

_Conservation/Collection Stewardship_

• Performs a variety of duties related to the management of the permanent collection, encompassing all phases of object handling and maintenance, including the care of objects in storage facilities on

- and off-site, on exhibition, being installed, de-installed, and in preparation for outgoing loan.

• Working with the registrars, conservators, and exhibition specialists, plans for and arranges storage spaces, storage cabinets, and shelves to receive objects. Prepares objects for storage and arranges for movement of objects into storage areas according to established methods and procedures.
• Recommends to conservators when objects on display or in storage need specialized treatment or rehousing or when conditions require a conservator's advice and assistance.

_Administrative support_

• Serves as a purchase card holder and orders materials for lab/specialist conservators and maintains records in compliance with SI/Hirshhorn policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:


Experience required for this position is as follows:

• Experience with the specialized techniques, materials, and tools necessary to measure and cut beveled mats; fabricate and alter frames for paintings and works of art on paper; frame art objects; mount objects in exhibition cases, produce and install object supports.
• Knowledge of and skill with conservation principles and methods to mat, hinge, and frame paintings and works of art on paper and to secure works of art in exhibition cases.
• Ability to use h