Installation Assistant - Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (P/T) Application Deadline: 12 December 2024 Department: Research Libraries Employment Type: Part Time Location: Schomburg Center Reporting To: Novella Ford Compensation: $37.50 / hour Description Overview The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world's leading research facilities devoted to the preservation of materials on the global black and African diasporan experiences. As an intellectual and creative leader in New York City cultural life, the Center also functions as the national research library in the field, providing free access to its wide-ranging non-circulating collections and programs, events and exhibitions that illuminate and illustrate the richness of black history and culture. Each year, the Center installs 2-3 exhibitions across our three main galleries: Exhibition Hall, Latimer/Edison Gallery, and the Media Gallery, and numerous pop-up exhibitions and displays throughout the building. Responsibilities All areas designated for the display of Library objects in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture including but not limited to the Exhibition Hall, Latimer/Edison Gallery, Moving Image Recorded Sound Division Exhibition Walls, Art & Artifacts Exhibition Walls, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division Exhibition cases, hallways, and pop-up displays: Installs and deinstalls exhibition objects for all exhibitions and special displays in SASB as outlined in design layouts Prepares galleries for installation—including but not limited to case movement, cleaning, painting, spackling, fabric wrapping case interiors and/or wall panels Moves all necessary tools, hardware, installation materials, hydraulic lifter, work tables, blankets, case lifters, ladders, work carts, tool boxes, bins, lights, light canisters, audio-visual equipment, stanchions, pedestals, cases, bonnets, brochure holders, acrylic holders, object mounts, and fabric, pylons, etc. with regard to the installation and deinstallation of all exhibitions Operates shop machinery, including hand and power tools and work carts, as necessary Frames artwork, prints, photographs, documents, and ephemera—in conformity with established conservation specifications Performs carpentry for exhibitions and exhibition areas including demolition, wall repair, painting and fabric wrapping Fabricates and constructs exhibition components including pedestals, platforms, bases, vitrines, as needed Makes, dry mounts and places labels Positions and installs graphic elements Moves boxes of exhibition-related materials including printed materials to/from including measurements, materials, fabrication methods and lighting the loading dock to and other areas throughout the building Replenishes holders of all printed materials produced for exhibitions or displays including brochures, flyers, postcards, etc. Maintains an organized and clean working environment Works with Installation Manager as necessary regarding production elements Performs routine exhibition maintenance including daily gallery checks and maintaining exhibition lighting. Cleans cases, platforms and frames, as needed. Performs related duties as required Required Education, Experience & Skills Required Education & Certifications High school diploma or its equivalent Three to five years art handling experience, preferably in a museum, library gallery, high-end gallery, or other art-service company Required Skills Ability to interpret and follow detailed instructions Demonstrated ability to work tactfully and effectively with staff, outside art handlers, exhibition fabricators, graphic installers, contractors, designers, curators and public at all levels in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment Strong initiative and work ethic with flexibility to respond to and take action in changing circumstances, often under pressure Ability to work in a team environment Successfully demonstrated knowledge of machinery, materials, methods, practices and safety precautions, construction, exhibition installation and deinstallation, preferably in a museum setting Ability to take direction Working familiarity with basic hand and power tools, power tools High attention to detail Excellent communication and comprehension skills Demonstrated ability working in Word, Excel, and Google Drive Ability to operate and work from scissor lifts (up to 30’ high) scaffolding and ladders Basic knowledge of electrical practice, electronics and mechanical installations Must be able to respond quickly and tactfully to last minute requests Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education/experience preferred Demonstrated knowledge of museum standards and practices Demonstrated knowledge of conservation practices Basic knowledge of museum lighting Understanding and ability to articulate art handling best practices for moving and installation and deinstallation of objects More Core Values All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values: Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues Be Resourceful in solving problems Be Curious in all aspects of your work Be Welcoming and Inclusive Work Environment Office setting Museum/Gallery setting Public library setting Physical Duties Physical effort is required, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying Lifting up to 50 lbs. required Must be comfortable working at heights May require travel within NYC Pre-Placement Physical Required? Yes Union/Non Union Non-Union FLSA Status Non-Exempt Schedule 24 hours Between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; on an as-needed basis This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed. The New York Public Library Salary Statement At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies. Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s). J-18808-Ljbffr
