Production and Installation Manager

Archinect; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lassonde Art Trail Foundation seeks a Production and Installation Manager to oversee the logistics of art projects for a transformative initiative in Toronto. This role requires experience in public art installations, technical planning, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years in public realm art installations, festivals, or exhibitions.
• Knowledge and interest in art and culture, able to work outdoors.
• Working at heights certificate and valid drivers’ licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee site logistics for art projects; ensure feasibility and safety.
• Coordinate with stakeholders for installation/removal of artwork.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of artworks.

Skills

Art installation

Knowledge of heavy machinery

Problem solving

Project coordination

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Sketchup

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

3D computer drawing software

Job description

Production and Installation Manager, Lassonde Art Trail Foundation

Application Deadline: July 7, 2025, 11:59pm EST

About Lassonde Art Trail Foundation (LAT)

The Lassonde Art Trail will be a free, open-air destination for outstanding contemporary art from around the world. Situated on the extraordinary site of a new island in the Toronto harbour archipelago, LAT believes public art enhances wellbeing, guides respectful dialogue and opens our eyes to how we steward the environment.

First of its kind in Canada, LAT is a series of 15 interconnected sites that will weave through 4.2km of the island park, with a dynamic program of permanent and rotating artworks by outstanding national and international artists. On pace to launch by 2026, LAT’s aim is to provide free year-round access to contemporary art in the outdoors for current and future generations to enjoy. Part of the trail’s innovation is that it embeds infrastructure along its paths to support a wide variety of artworks, from major bronze and stone sculptures to installations that include natural materials and light, as well as ephemeral moments to appreciate artistic performance, music, and dance.

LAT is at the heart of a massive $1.25b project to reroute the mouth of the Don River and build flood protection for downtown Toronto. This feat of civil and bioengineering has created a new island in the city harbour called Ookwemin Minising. The project will establish a new river valley with functional wetlands and deliver 62 acres of publicly accessible open space along the riverbanks and inner harbour. It will clean and restore soils contaminated from past industrialization, and naturally accommodate the effects of flooding and erosion. In the process it will re-establish aquatic and terrestrial habitat where Indigenous species of plants and animals can thrive.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Production and Installation Manager will oversee site logistics for all art projects. The core function is to plan and implement the installation and removal of artwork, and ensure projects are feasible for the public realm. The Production and Installation Manager will coordinate with LAT staff, site stakeholders, and contractors to ensure artworks are installed and removed from the park system safely and efficiently. They will be the main contact for artwork maintenance and durability throughout the exhibition periods. The Production and Installation Manager will also provide input into the technical aspects of artworks during concept and fabrication phases.

This one-year contract sees through the opening season of LAT. There may be the option to renew.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with Executive team and Project Manager to create feasibility studies and technical implementation plans for projects, including drawings or renderings, technical requirements and installation logistics.
• Provide technical input into fabrication phases, including engineering and anchoring, to ensure the site can receive artwork.
• Create installation plans to receive, stage and anchor artwork.
• Work with external engineers to ensure compliance with site location and receipt of stamped drawings.
• Coordinate and oversee pre-installation geotechnical work and consultant site visits.
• Coordinate site logistics with Project Manager, contractors, City Parks & Recreation staff and other site stakeholders.
• Serve as primary on-site LAT staff member to manage site logistics, installation crews and coordinate space use and park access.
• Conduct regular inspections of all artworks for maintenance issues and coordinate maintenance, including cleaning and technical troubleshooting.
• Plan and oversee removal of artwork and coordinate any necessary site restoration.
• Coordinate any permits, road closures, and on-site safety requirements for install/deinstall period.
• Support the Project Manager to coordinate transportation to ensure artworks arrive in a timely and systematic manner.
• Organize and maintain any off-site storage space and equipment, and develop an inventory of materials, tools and equipment.
• Establish good relationships with third party fabricators, contractors and park maintenance.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience installing artworks in the public realm, major museum exhibitions, or festivals.
• Knowledge of and interest in art and culture, and enthusiasm for working outdoors in all seasons.
• Working knowledge of heavy machinery (cranes, forklifts, cherry pickers, etc), power tools and general construction methods; ability to perform outdoor physical tasks as part of install/de-install of artwork.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, and graphics/design programs such as Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and familiarity with 3D computer drawing software.
• Highly solution oriented, ability to troubleshoot under pressure and practical.
• Experience working with artists, contractors, equipment workers.
• Knowledge of art fabrication methods and processes, anchoring and installation logistics.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and potential night shifts when installing/removing artworks.
• Adaptive, creative and collaborative. The ideal candidate will want to join a small but dynamic team that is based on respect and trust and working collegially to find solutions together.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and can hit the ground running.
• Working at heights certificate.
• Valid drivers’ licence.

LAT is currently operating in a remote work environment but has access to an office space and there will be frequent team meetings either virtually or in-person. Closer to opening, LAT will have an onsite office, and the Production and Installation Manager would mainly be based there.

Compensation: $85–90K CAD per year

Term: One year F/T contract

Start Date: September 2025

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Equity and Access:

LAT is committed to ensuring an inclusive workplace where employees are treated with respect and dignity. LAT encourages applications from everyone, including those who identify with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within the Ontario Human Rights Code.