Title: Technical Assistant III (Exhibition & Installation Manager)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Fine Arts Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Exhibition & Installation Manager (Technical Assistant III) is responsible for all activities related to the technical design and installation of exhibitions as well as for museum facilities, modifications, repairs, and maintenance. They also monitor security and climate control systems, to ensure safety for all visitors, employees, and works of art under the jurisdiction of the University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA).

Essential Functions

Plans, organizes, and executes the installation and deinstallation of all exhibitions. Manages timetables, budgets and logistics, including hiring, scheduling and coordinating activities of temporary art handlers, carpenters, media specialists and other trades people. Provides technical consultation and guidance to visiting artists, supervises museum staff and technicians participating in the installation of exhibitions, and establishes high standards of excellence in all design and technical activities.

Oversees technical operations of the museum, including lighting, security systems, repairs, facility maintenance, and preparation and reconditioning of gallery spaces for exhibition. Establishes guidelines and policies for facilities usage and coordinates support for special events.

Designs and builds lighting, pedestals, display shelving, etc. for exhibitions. Designs and builds modifications to space for temporary exhibitions such as walls, partitions, etc. Where in-house fabrication is not possible, hires and supervises the work of external contractors to fabricate items. Evaluates cost of installation materials and labor and purchases required equipment/supplies within the established budget.

Assists in the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of time-based media (e.g. video, film, audio, and electronic media), including multi-channel audio-video environments. Reviews file format compatibility, prepares surfaces to project on, secures ceiling/wall mounted equipment, calibrates projectors, determines sound outputs, and executes cord/cable management to ensure visitor safety.

Performs art handling and preparation including matting, framing, packing, unpacking, reporting, and safe movement of works of art. Assists the Registrar in the return of works of art by unframing, packing, reporting, and coordinating transportation. Prepares art works for travel by constructing cases and/or soft-wrapping; makes occasional shipping deliveries.

Conducts daily inspection of facility spaces to ensure that the museum’s facilities and exhibitions are maintained with high standards for safety, cleanliness, and appearance.

Responds off-hours in timely fashion to urgent security, building service, and utility failures.

Operates a university-owned motor vehicle for pickup and delivery of art.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of relevant experience in designing, fabricating, installing and art handling, and familiarity with gallery or museum professional practices.

Associate’s Degree or above in art, design or museum studies or other related discipline.

Valid MA driver’s license.

Experience properly handling 2D and 3D framed and unframed art works.

Knowledge of safe packing and transport methods.

Familiarity with wall construction and design and fabrication techniques for pedestals, shelving, and other exhibition support materials.

Ability to work with hand power tools safely.

Ability to comply with workplace safety standards.

Familiarity with installation of artworks that employ video, audio, film, computers, and other types of electronic media.

Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Ability to work flexible and variable hours including occasional evenings and weekends.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of constituents.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.

Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the UMCA.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out data/information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with design/modeling programs such as Sketch Up.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

Required to work occasional nights and weekends.

This position is classified as “on call” in case there is an emergency at the facility.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 15

Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.