Preparator/Facilities Manager

The Preparator and Facilities Manager is a key member of the museum team, overseeing all physical museum operations, facility needs, and exhibition preparation and logistics. This position supports the museum's expanding exhibition program, advancing its reputation as a contemporary art venue and aligning with the University's strategic goals related to student success, diversity, inclusion, research excellence, engagement, and service. The museum is committed to supporting artistic research through the in-house fabrication of new commissions, complex artworks, and large-scale installations. The museum also offers educational opportunities for MFA candidates, student assistants, interns, and work study students.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Preparation, installation, and de-installation of exhibitions, including specialized assistance to artists, curators, and staff on installation requirements, fabrication, multimedia, equipment use, building techniques, and materials. Coordinate fabrication of complex artworks, new commissions, and large site-specific installations. Oversee scheduling and execution of exhibition-related construction projects including building pedestals, display cases, archival matting and framing, and temporary wall units. Assess the progress of assigned exhibition projects against established schedules and deadlines. Design exhibition lighting and install museum lighting fixtures using screens and filters; create lighting scenes for exhibition-related events.
• Manage and service museum facilities, collections storage, lighting systems, fixtures, and hardware in collaboration with staff, contractors, university facilities, campus security, the museum's security system service provider, and HVAC engineers. Oversee maintenance, organization, and safe operation of exhibition spaces, production shops, storage facilities, lifts, and museum van; schedule repairs and upgrades; implement safety inspections and routine maintenance for equipment. Research and develop recommendations for facility upgrades, including budget projection quotes. Monitor gallery environments. Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Collaborate with the Registrar/Collections Manager on projects related to the University at Albany Fine Art Collections, including installing/deinstalling artworks from the Collections and mating and framing artwork, as needed.
• Coordinate and implement setup and breakdown for public programs, receptions, and lectures, including setup, operation, and breakdown of live sound equipment.
• Instruct MFA candidates on museum best practices related to proper art handling and installation strategies in preparation for the annual MFA Thesis Exhibition. Instruct graduate assistants, interns, and work study students on art handling and installation when necessary.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to Director/Chief Curator
• Collaborates with museum's Associate Curator, Exhibition and Publication Designer, Registrar/Collections Manager, and Operations and Finance Manager
• May supervise employees as assigned (if no direct reports at time of filling position) 

Job Requirements:

• Ability to apply creative methods to solve installation challenges with attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• Ability to work in a team or independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Advanced expertise in design, construction, installation, and de-installation of museum exhibits and displays; ability to research and implement new technologies and techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of museum best practices, art handling, storage, installation hardware, gallery lighting, and ADA accessibility requirements.
• Extensive experience with carpentry, fabrication, construction, archival framing and matting, and safety protocols; knowledge of art packing methods and mount making.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans; ability to interpret and generate miscellaneous drawings, schematics, and fabrication shop drawings.
• Ability to obtain certification to use forklifts, personnel lifts, and other motorized equipment.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups and personalities, including faculty, students, university guests, support staff, future students, and visiting artists.
• Willingness to perform other related work as needed. 

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in museum or major gallery installation and art handling, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in the installation of contemporary art exhibitions including custom fabrication, layout, lighting design, art handling, and facilitation of complex multi-media installations.
• Experience working with living artists and general knowledge of contemporary art, art history, and artist's materials.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or a related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Experience with facilities management in a museum setting.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup, or similar 3-D modelling programs.
• Sensitivity to sustainable practices.
• Experience with archival matting and framing.
• Experience installing and maintaining time-based media artworks.
• Experience assembling and operating rigging equipment.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, codes, and standards relating to egress and accessibility.
• Experience with set up and operation of sound/recording equipment for live events, including lectures, panels, and performances.

Working Environment:

• Must regularly be able to lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds and move heavy objects as required.
• Ability, mobility, and license to drive a motor vehicle and support the transporting of artwork.
• Ability to move about their work area, between buildings and campus grounds, ascend and descend stairs and ladders; operate a scissor lift and personal vertical lift up to 35 feet.
• Work early mornings, evenings, or weekends when needed, for project deadlines and events.

For more information and the complete listing, please visit: https://albany.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=182361