Assistant Collections Preparator, PT

About the position

The part-time Assistant Collections Preparator at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is responsible for assisting in the planning, tracking, and implementation of exhibition installations. This role involves a variety of specialized tasks related to the care of the museum's collections, including handling, preparing, installing, transporting, and storing specimens according to accepted conservation principles. The position also includes performing minor conservation treatments and maintaining proper environments in exhibition and collection storage areas.

Responsibilities

• Installs, arranges, assembles, and prepares artifacts for exhibition in a timely manner, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition.
• Coordinates with colleagues on installation schedules and move requests.
• Participates in time-based installations and deinstallations including completing associated documentation.
• Monitors environmental conditions of artifacts on display and cleans/repairs exhibition spaces as needed to meet preservation and housekeeping standards.
• Assists in the safe transport of artifacts, either from the Museum's collection, incoming and outgoing loans, or new donations.
• Conducts or assists with donor, staff, volunteer, and other constituent tours in Collections storage.
• Cleans and conducts minor stabilization of artifacts according to treatment plans provided by Conservator.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Art History, Fine Art, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Museum Studies or similar program preferred or university or equivalent work experience.
• One (1) year of experience in art/artifact handling, including some knowledge of museum exhibit guidelines and installation techniques.
• One (1) year of experience with art installation and/or construction.
• Fundamental understanding of preventative conservation as it relates to care and cleaning of objects in a historic house, museum, or private collection.
• Demonstrated basic use of power tools, electrical and/or woodworking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; experience in public presentations and interactions.
• Appreciation of diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences; demonstrated sensitivity to multi-cultural groups and their material cultures.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and some holidays.
• The ability to interact with visitors and co-workers in a professional, supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
• Must be able to demonstrate good judgment, tact and diplomacy in handling questions and concerns through the proper resources.