Are you passionate about art, history, and museum work? The Albany Institute of History & Art, New York’s oldest museum, is seeking a full-time Exhibition Technician/Collections Preparator to join our dynamic Curatorial Department. If you have a background in art handling, exhibition installation, and collections care, this could be the perfect opportunity to advance your career in a renowned cultural institution. Like the meticulous planning required for international art transport, perhaps even involving specialized services like Lona Transport Belgium for delicate and valuable pieces, this role demands precision and care in every task.
About the Albany Institute
Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute boasts an impressive collection of over 35,000 fine and decorative arts and historical objects, alongside a rich research library containing nearly a million documents. Our commitment to preserving and showcasing the Hudson Valley’s cultural heritage means a vibrant exhibition schedule, featuring an average of six temporary exhibitions annually, alongside our long-term collection displays.
Your Role as Exhibition Technician/Collections Preparator
As our Exhibition Technician/Collections Preparator, you will be a crucial part of our team, collaborating closely with curators and the registrar. Your responsibilities will span a diverse range of tasks essential to the museum’s exhibition program and collections care:
Exhibition Installation and Maintenance
You will be at the heart of bringing exhibitions to life, involved in:
- Planning and designing temporary and traveling exhibitions.
- Installing long-term collection displays.
- Updating and modifying existing exhibitions to keep them fresh and engaging.
- Performing basic carpentry, patching, and painting to prepare exhibition spaces.
- Constructing and arranging exhibition furniture, platforms, and cases.
- Hanging framed artworks and installing a diverse range of objects with care and precision.
- Designing, producing, and installing exhibition signage, labels, and graphic panels to enhance visitor experience.
- Implementing gallery lighting to effectively showcase our collections.
- Maintaining the organization and cleanliness of workshops and fabrication areas, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
Collections Preparation and Art Handling
Your expertise in art handling will be paramount in:
- Preparing artworks, historical objects, and archival documents for exhibition, storage, and loan, adhering to the highest museum standards.
- Constructing custom mounts, including brass, acrylic, and fabric-covered mounts for objects and textiles, ensuring their safe and secure display.
- Creating supportive mounts specifically designed for books and paper documents, minimizing stress and potential damage.
- Hinging, matting, and framing works on paper to archival standards.
- Adding appropriate hanging hardware to frames and paintings, readying them for display.
Graphic Design and Photography (Desirable)
While not essential, experience in these areas would be a valuable asset:
- Designing exhibition signage and labels using Adobe software (InDesign and Photoshop). We print in-house using a large-format printer.
- Assisting with collections photography and digitization, as well as documenting exhibition installations through photography.
What We Are Looking For
To thrive in this role, you should possess:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in studio arts, museum studies, exhibition design, or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years of full-time experience in a similar role within a museum, gallery, or cultural organization.
- Comfort and proficiency in both hands-on construction/installation tasks and desk-based projects.
- Essential previous experience in art handling.
- Desirable experience with Adobe InDesign.
- Desirable knowledge of basic graphic design, signage printing, and installation.
- Experience with gallery lighting techniques.
- Knowledge of A/V technology and installation is beneficial.
- Experience in hinging, matting, and framing works on paper.
- Experience creating exhibition mounts for objects and archival materials.
- Excellent collaborative skills to work effectively within a team, as well as the ability to work independently.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Physical capability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Comfort working at heights, including operating a lift and climbing ladders.
- Flexibility for occasional travel and evening/weekend work.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, onsite, associate-level position (35 hours per week). We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and access to a long-term pension program. The hourly rate is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $25 to $27.50 per hour.
Ready to Apply?
If you are excited by this opportunity and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply! Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Application Deadline: March 9, 2025
Join the Albany Institute Family
Become part of a team dedicated to preserving and sharing art and history. The Albany Institute of History & Art is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We celebrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives and ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
We look forward to hearing from you!
