Job Description

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. Founded in 1895, Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States and the Pittsburgh region’s preeminent venue for presenting, collecting, preserving, and interpreting visual art. For 129 years, the museum has been committed to showcasing the art and artists of the current moment, while also building a vital archive of art from the past. Its collection of more than 110,000 objects encompasses a broad spectrum of visual arts with an emphasis on art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present.

From its ambitious execution of the Carnegie International—the museum’s signature recurring exhibition of global contemporary art established in 1896—to compelling special exhibitions, programs, and publications, to the daily work of the entire organization, the museum seeks to build on its legacy of thought leadership through rigorous research, adventurous and artist-centered programming and partnerships, and forward-thinking contributions to museum discourse and practice. Through its artistic program, Carnegie Museum of Art frequently explores the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives. With its unique history and resources, Carnegie Museum of Art strives to be a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century.

This is a union position.

The Occasional Art Handler assists the Chief Preparator and Associate Preparator in handling both permanent collection and loaned works of art; tasks include movement, installation, de-installation, packing and un-packing, storage of objects, and maintenance of gallery spaces and storage areas. Ensures the safe handling and movement of all types of works of art.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent necessary; Bachelor’s degree in studio art or architecture preferred.
• One or more years’ experience in exhibit installation and preparations is required.
• A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must be familiar with museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling.
• Knowledge of art handling techniques and safety procedures and the ability to tend to progressive responsibilities working with and handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media is required.
• Basic woodworking skills and knowledge of hand and power tools required.
• Availability to work some evenings and weekend hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have good dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to climb and to work on ladders for extended periods of time.
• To reach work with hands above shoulder level.
• Lift heavy objects (50 lbs.).
• Stand or to walk for an eight hour work day.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assists with the installation and de-installation of permanent collection-based and temporary loan-based exhibitions.
• Moves, hangs, and positions exhibition casework and works of art of varying sizes, media, and fragility in such fashion as to ensure maximum security and safety.
• Assists with fabricating or finishing items needed for installation, including plinths, cleats, hanging brackets, risers, and cable hangers.
• Promptly informs supervisor and registrar regarding objects with condition concerns or of damaged objects, and follows collections management documentation procedures.
• Using proper carts and supplies, moves objects in museum galleries, storage, and preparation areas as directed for exhibition, acquisition, loan, photography, and conservation.
• Takes care to stow objects efficiently.
• Supports, stabilizes, and covers artworks on carts, tables, shelves, and pallets.
• Ensures location changes are recorded and provided to registrar.
• Wraps and pads works of art with paper, plastic, foam or other materials as directed to protect against vibration, moisture, or impact; shapes and contours internal packing to ensure proper support during movement.
• Places art works in boxes, containers, or crates manually or using hoist. Responsible for securing containers with screws, bolts, tape, nails, or metal bands, and moving to receiving dock.
• Performs routine maintenance, such as cleaning glass, dusting, and removing smudges and fingerprints from cases and walls; carefully spackles holes in gallery walls and applies touchup paint to walls and exhibition furniture, ensuring the safety of artwork and building finishes at all times.
• Mounts, attaches hanging hardware, and installs exhibition signage and labels inside museum.
• Operates equipment and tools in a safe and proper manner; makes minor repairs as directed; promptly informs supervisor regarding damaged equipment or the need to replace or service equipment.
• Shares responsibility for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and storage areas.
• Works professionally and cooperatively with all installation personnel and other employees, contractors, artists, and couriers.
• Follows all art-handling protocols and procedures as instructed by the conservator and registrar.
• Understands and adheres to all security rules and guidelines of Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums, as well as regulations stipulated by such agencies as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
• Works overtime as necessary, understanding that as much advance notice will be given as possible by supervisor.
• Performs other various duties, as necessary or as requested, by supervisor.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below. Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function? The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often? Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential. G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it? If so, it is more likely to be essential.