Collections Technician

Collections Technician

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Collections Technician, this role serves on a team focused on the care and maintenance of the permanent collection, and access to it. The Collections Technician will provide support for Art Management and Curatorial specifically related to condition reporting and documentation, packing and unpacking of incoming/outgoing loans and incoming acquisitions, storage solutions, framing needs, object viewing, and special projects for conservation and photography. The Collections Technician will also provide general manual labor support and assistance in loading and unloading, transportation, installation, deinstallation and related tasks for all artwork on view at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary both inside and on the grounds. This position assists with the maintenance of exhibition spaces, shop areas, and storage areas.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Assists in collection related projects in conjunction with supervisor and Registrar for Collections, including object photography, conservation, artwork cleaning and maintenance, and vault maintenance.
• Works with supervisor and Curatorial to complete safe and aesthetic framing solutions for collection works and occasionally loans, including planning for and carrying out matting and framing projects.
• Packs and unpacks crates and other shipping conveyances for loans and collection acquisitions
• Assists in designing packing solutions for outgoing loans
• Assists supervisor in carrying out object conservation priorities and improvements by implementing storage solutions according to conservator recommendations.
• Assists in providing access to the collection by staging artwork for study and research.
• Assists in leading vault tours for museum staff, volunteers, and members.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assists in routine frame dusting and artwork cleaning and maintenance throughout the permanent collection galleries.
• Support Registration by assisting with routine gallery checks and collection audits.
• Assist in the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
• Assist registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing artwork, objects, and artifacts.
• In conjunction with supervisor, Registration and documented object needs, design and fabricate safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes.
• Ensure the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
• Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Art Management department and museum functions
• Works with focus teammates to complete all aspects of special exhibition installations and permanent collection rotations throughout the Museum.
• Assist in the coordination of outdoor sculpture maintenance, in conjunction with the Outdoor Art Technician
• Assist with all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education, Training, and Traits:

• B.A. in an art related field
• Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights.
• Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
• Skilled in handling all media of art and familiar with installation technique
• Working knowledge of hand tools and math applications.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience
• In regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices
• Highly motivated and goal oriented
• Strong collaboration skills
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
• Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.