JOB POSTING
INSTALLATION OFFICER, MCMASTER MUSEUM OF ART

The McMaster Museum of Art (MMA) is seeking an experienced, committed and collegial individual to fill the position of Installation Officer.

The MMA is a public, university-affiliated art museum, one amongst 48 such institutions in Canada. The collection of approximately 7,000 objects, includes Inuit, Indigenous and contemporary Canadian as well as 15th- 20th Century European art. The collection is housed in a facility with museum standard environmental and security controls, 5 exhibition galleries, 5 on-site storage vaults and 11 full-time staff. The Museum has active exhibition, education, and acquisition programs, supported by a significant on-line and social media presence.

Responsibilities:
Installation

• liaise with in-house and guest curators and artists to identify needs regarding display of art and exhibitions
• install and strike art work for all exhibitions (9 – 15 per year)
• light and light sensor all exhibitions
• order and install signage and didactic labels for all exhibitions
• produce and install all exhibition object labels
• matte and frame works of art from the collection for display
• source, install and troubleshoot various a/v equipment for all exhibitions
• liaise with service providers on the production of display furniture: plinths, vitrines, and so on, including all plexi requirements
• maintain paint inventory and order as required
• identify, source, and order/pick up resources and materials required for installations

Collection

• act as a courier for collection works and exhibitions on tour or on loan
• identify customized storage systems and hanging systems for all collection works including complex and unusual works of art
• monitor the safe storage of art work
• identify shortages of vault space and re-evaluate the location of art works to accommodate expanding collections
• recommend storage systems and create systems for safe and effective storage of collections

Transport

• prepare works of art for transport including both soft packing and modifing existing crates
• liaise with providers for the production of new crates for transport of works of art

Other Duties

• perform daily walk-through of all Museum spaces and report issues to manager
• Source and install all COVID-19 related barriers, signage, et al, in all museum spaces
• provide on-going relief assistance with monitoring duties in the galleries
• other jobs as required

Required Skills & Experience:

• 3 Year College Diploma in Art History, Studio Art or equivalent.
• 3 years of relevant experience in the care, handling and installation of all types of art work.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary art materials and techniques.
• Knowledge of museum storage, packing and transportation standards in accordance with the Canadian Conservation Institute AA Standards.
• General knowledge of fabrication and construction methods of exhibitions, shipping and storage of objects and materials.
• Must have strong planning and organizational skills.
• Required to lift up to 50 lbs, work on ladders at heights, and safely operate tools.
• Must have a valid G License and reliable vehicle.

The McMaster University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and LGBTQ-identified persons. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection procedure, please contact the Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247).

The Information Officer is a UNIFOR Local 555 Grade 6 position at McMaster University and compensation adheres to the articles of the Collective Agreement which can be found on-line at McMaster University.

Please apply via McMaster’s on-line portal or via email by May 14th, 2021. Send email applications to:

Carol Podedworny, Director & Chief Curator
McMaster Museum of Art
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6
podedwo@mcmaster.ca