The National Gallery of Art, with support from the Kress Foundation, is seeking a Museum Technician to join the digital image capture team immediately. Since its founding, federal funds ensure the operation and maintenance and the protection and care of the nation’s art collection, enabling the Gallery to remain open 363 days a year at no charge to visitors. Private donations from generous individuals, foundations, and corporations have paid for every work of art in the collections and for the primary activities of the Gallery: art acquisition and conservation, scholarly and scientific research, exhibitions, and educational outreach programs (http://www.nga.gov/).
The digital capture team consists of a museum technician and photographer (both independent contractors) who prepare and image large numbers of works on paper. The project has been underway since September 2009 and will continue for six more months.
More than 30,000 works have been shot to date. The project is planned to extend an additional two years through March, 2014 based upon funding. To apply for this position please submit your application with a brief cover letter not later than 19 September 2011 to: Lorene Emerson <l-emerson@nga.gov>
The chief responsibilities of the Museum Technician include:
· Organizing and staging art in preparation for photography
· Moving art in coordination with appropriate department and the Museum Registrar
· Locating art objects in TMS (collection management software) and exporting data into spreadsheet (form)
· Preparing excel spreadsheet (electronic and paper versions) for each group of art to be photographed
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
· Must have strong time management and organizational skills.
· Self-motivated and able to grasp new concepts quickly.
· Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, integrity, respect for confidentiality, sound judgment and decision-making skills.
· Strong written and oral communication skills.
· Willing and able to multi-task.
· Knowledge of Art History
QUALIFICATIONS
· Art Handling experience with works on paper required
· MS Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) skills are required
· Database software and Internet research skills required.
· Museum work experience preferred
OTHER
· Will be working in file cabinets and shelves, which requires bending, stooping, lifting, pushing and pulling throughout the day.
· Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
· Excellent compensation
