Description:
SUMMARY
Individuals working as Exhibit Designers in the Merit System are responsible for designing, preparing and installing museum exhibits. They procure goods needed for exhibits, assist in the development of the exhibit budget, communicate with vendors and negotiate contracts. Employees in this job class also meticulously catalog and document the movements of all artefacts in the museum. The work of an Exhibit Designer is reviewed by a supervisor or Museum Director through direct observation and quality of work product.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
- Coordinates the activities of installers to ensure proper installation and handling of all objects; oversees production and installation of object labels, text panels, and museum signage.
- Under the supervision of the Director and Head Curator, designs exhibits including paint color choices, restoration and building of pieces, placement of objects, security, labels, and lighting; installs and removes all exhibitions in the museum.
- Researches and draws exhibit designs to scale for Director or appropriate staff and outside builders.
- Procures goods and services by creating specifications and bid proposals, communicating with vendors, and negotiating contracts.
- Assists in providing archival needs of the museum's permanent collection and temporary exhibitions utilizing current conservation material available.
- Assists in conducting final inspection of work to ensure the display and exhibit conforms to specifications originally agreed upon.
- With approval of the Museum Director, develops and maintains exhibit design budget, and purchases and maintains supplies necessary for exhibit installation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following Minimum Qualifications are required for this job. You must demonstrate possession of these qualifications by providing a detailed description of your related experience in the work history section of your application. Please note that replicating or restating these minimum qualifications or the information from the Personnel Board’s job description as your own work experience will result in your disqualification. Please describe your work experience in your own words to represent the work you have performed that is related to the minimum qualifications for this job
- Experience working in the design field (e.g., design work in creating & preparing displays, architectural design, graphic design, industrial design).
- Experience assembling and preparing displays of artifacts, objects, or art pieces/collections.
- Experience in project management (e.g., defining project components, establishing work-completion timelines, coordinating work with contractors or sub-contractors, etc.).
- Experience using power tools/equipment in construction of exhibits (e.g., drills, table saws, hammers, air-powered tools, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post secondary education in the areas of studio art with an emphasis on design, graphic design, architectural design, industrial design, or related field.
- Experience working with design software. Experience working in construction (e.g., reading and interpreting blueprints, elevations, diagrams, design plans, etc.).
- Skill in wood and/or metal working.
- BA/BFA in architecture, industrial design, graphic design, or another relevant field. (Desired by Birmingham Museum of Art).
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. (Desired by Birmingham Museum of Art).
- Proficiency in Google App Suite. (Desired by Birmingham Museum of Art).
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, or another 3D rendering and layout software. (Desired by Birmingham Museum of Art).
COMPETENCIES:
- Computer & Technology Operations.
- Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use.
- Mathematical & Statistical Skills.
- Oral Communication & Comprehension.
- Physical Abilities.
- Planning & Organizing.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making.
- Professionalism & Integrity.
- Researching & Referencing.
- Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
- Self-Management & Initiative.
- Sensory Abilities.
- Teamwork & Interpersonal.
- Technical Skills.
- Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
- Written Communication & Comprehension.
- CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES:
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of classifying, cataloging, storing, packaging, and locating items or materials in museum collections.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of caring for collection pieces (e.g., proper conditions for installation, storage, packaging, handling, etc.) as well as methods and equipment used (e.g., chemicals, tools, etc.) in conservation, preservation and restoration.
- Knowledge of the methods involved, and the materials and tools used in the construction or repair of small structures (e.g., small buildings, exhibit cases, displays, objects, etc.).
- Knowledge of archival framing techniques for works of art on paper, canvas, and panel.
- Knowledge of hand tools, including their designs and uses.
- Knowledge of power tools, including their designs and uses.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in an office setting.
- Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.
- Work involves use of various hand tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.