Job Description

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About the UMass Fine Arts Center

Since its founding in 1975, the UMass Fine Arts Center has been a central force in the cultural, social, and academic life of the University, the Five College campuses, and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. The Fine Arts Center's combination of educational, visual, and performing arts programs not only makes us unique, but it also secures a very vital and necessary position for us to meet the diverse needs of scholars, faculty, students, alumni, and the broader community.

Job Summary

The FAC Art Handler/Installer works with the staff of the University Museum of Contemporary Art, Augusta Savage Gallery and Hampden Gallery to assist with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, museum and gallery modifications, repairs and maintenance.

Essential Functions

• Creates collection storage areas:
  • Assembles and arranges steel shelving for collection storage;
  • Measures, cuts and places shelf liners;
  • Moves pieces from permanent collection onto shelving;
  • Researches reframing costs for paintings and works on paper.
• Assists with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions:
  • Prepares spaces and displays in advance of exhibition installations;
  • A/V system setup and operation: Install, set up, and test audio, video, lighting, and networking hardware for exhibitions. This may involve projectors, monitors, speakers, control systems, and media players.
  • Technical support and troubleshooting: Provide technical assistance and troubleshoot audio, video, networking, and display issues during exhibitions and events to ensure compatibility across equipment and platforms.
• Assists with exhibition gallery and furniture preparation:
  • Assists with construction of pedestals, display cases, panels and other types of exhibition display;
  • Paints walls and display-related objects;
  • May assist others as a courier accompanying valuable objects of art in transit as required; may assist in installation of those objects.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Qualified art handler/installer experience.
• Ability to read plans and measure, cut and assemble a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, metal, drywall and plexiglass.
• Ability to work with hand and power tools safely and to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Carrying, lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to lift arms, works of art, and equipment overhead.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• 20 hours per week.
• Must be able to work flexible and variable hours including occasional evenings and weekends.
• This is a temporary, non-benefitted position.

Salary Information

• $30.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

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