Art Preservation & Environmental Care Technician

Seattle Art Museum; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible Spending Account

403b retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Orca card subsidy

Onsite fitness facility

Employee assistance program

Membership perks

Job summary

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) seeks a Collections Care Technician to support care of the art collection in permanent storage and on display across SAM sites. You will implement preventive conservation, monitor environmental conditions, assist with art handling and rehousing, fabricate protective enclosures, and support emergency preparedness.

Colleagues collaborate across departments to protect artworks, manage storage and exhibit projects, and ensure access for conservators, curators, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, Art History, Scientific Studies, Museum Studies, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years’ experience in art handling.
• Knowledge of Museum standards and principles, with emphasis on preventive conservation practices, art handling procedures, and collections storage needs.
• Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, housing, exhibiting and transporting artwork.
• Ability to use hand and power tools and other equipment; willing to train to safely use lifts and other equipment.
• Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration.
• Professional verbal and written communication; ability to pass security background check clearance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Gallery Systems, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research.

Responsibilities

• Implement preventive conservation protocols in galleries and storage areas, including environmental monitoring and housekeeping maintenance.
• Maintain and execute integrated pest management practices in galleries and storage areas, including trapping regimens and non-chemical methods.
• Monitor and record light levels to meet established standards.
• Assist with art handling, movement, and rehousing projects.
• Fabricate custom boxes and enclosures to protect art in storage and for transportation.
• Apply seismic mitigation methods for safety in permanent storage units.
• Conduct regular inspections and condition checks of objects on display and in storage.
• Provide support during exhibition de-installations for safe return of art to storage.
• Undertake condition reports for objects going on display or into storage, including photography for the database.
• Facilitate access to collections for conservators, curators, and exhibition projects.
• Conduct inventories in rehousing projects.
• Assist in emergency preparedness and response as needed.
• Maintain high standards of museum practice.
• Contribute to inclusive customer service and anti-racism, equity values in SAM’s work.

Skills

Art handling

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Discretion and confidentiality

Background check clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, Art History, Scientific Studies, Museum Studies, or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Gallery Systems

Zoom

Asana

Slack

Internet-based research

Job description

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) seeks a Collections Care Technician to support care of the art collection in permanent storage and on display across SAM sites. You will implement preventive conservation, monitor environmental conditions, assist with art handling and rehousing, fabricate protective enclosures, and support emergency preparedness.

Colleagues collaborate across departments to protect artworks, manage storage and exhibit projects, and ensure access for conservators, curators, and