Job Description

Probation/Trial Period: 910 working hours or six (6) months, whichever occurs first

Hours: 35 hours per week

Funding: Budget

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Winnipeg, MB

Job Type: Continuing

Status: New

Date Posted: August 2, 2023

Closing Date: 08/09/2023

Salary Range: $46,628.40 - $64,555.40

In service of The University of Winnipegs academic mandate as well as community outreach, the Art Curators Office operates the 750 square foot campus art gallery, Gallery 1C03, and manages the Universitys permanent art collection of nearly 1,200 historical and contemporary pieces Collecting and exhibiting art comprises the core of the Offices activities, with community outreach and publishing activities emanating from and supporting collections and exhibitions research.

The Art Gallery and Collections Technician is a full-time continuing position is primarily concerned with the documentation and preservation of the Universitys permanent art collection. They will also be involved in the preparation, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and art on campus.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that artworks in the permanent art collection are safely and securely stored.
• Maintain a complete and accurate inventory of the permanent art collection using the art collection database and conduct regular physical inspections to ensure safety, security and preservation of artworks.
• Transport artwork within and outside of campus.
• Process loans, acquisitions, deaccessions and disposals and maintain all records for the permanent art collection.
• Determine condition of artworks and prepare condition reports.
• Engage professional conservators and framers as required and identify and order art collection care supplies and equipment.
• Carry out on-campus artwork loan program to safely circulate the collection.
• Plan the development of an improved searchable database system which will be accessible online.
• Develop and populate a web-accessible database resource.
• Install and deinstall artwork in various media in the Gallery and elsewhere on campus by hanging artworks, coordinating multimedia equipment installation, applying art identification labels and signage and lighting exhibits according to art preservation standards.
• Prepare gallery for exhibitions by coordinating with Facilities to remediate and repaint gallery walls and construct or contract construction of crates, exhibit plinths, shelves, walls or other structures.
• Assist curator in preplanning exhibition installations and advise regarding effective installation strategies.
• Supervise staff that assist with installation and dismantling of exhibits.
• Prepare condition reports and loan agreements for artworks for exhibition.
• Coordinate scheduling, shipping, and receipt of artworks to and from lenders.
• Pack and unpack artwork utilizing proper handling techniques and maintain all records and paperwork for these processes.
• Maintain knowledge of current best practices for fine arts packing, shipping, handling, display.
• Attend to cleaning, maintenance and optimum organization of gallery and vault spaces to protect the artworks.
• Maintain inventory and upkeep of gallery equipment and supplies and safe storage of display furniture and framing materials.
• Perform daily inspection, maintenance and monitoring of environmental conditions for gallery and storage vaults and initiate requests for technical maintenance and repairs.
• Assist with set up for special events and programs.
• Maintain gallery files for day-to-day activities, including purchase orders, requisitions.
• Manage all records related to the permanent art collection and exhibitions files, following accepted records management practices.
• Maintain current information on collection valuations for insurance purposes.
• Maintain insurance documents for all artworks.
• Coordinate the ordering of materials and supplies relevant to installation, art collection care and maintenance, crating, and equipment maintenance.
• Incumbent may coordinate the work of others (interns, work study students).
• Works effectively with artists, curators, lenders and donors, colleagues, and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner, providing excellent customer service.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a degree or diploma in fine arts, museum studies, heritage resource management or conservation or equivalent technical program of study.
• Minimum two or three years (depending on education) of art handling and installation experience, ideally in a museum standard environment, is required.
• Proficiency and experience with computer programs, including information management systems, is required.
• Familiarity with various art installation techniques and technologies as well as lighting standards and techniques specific to the display and presentation of art, is required
• Knowledge of Art Gallery Exhibits structures
• Knowledge of museum standard practices, methods of display, storage, transport and principles of preventative conservation are required.
• Knowledge and practice of workplace health and safety is required.
• Ability to creatively solve design challenges is required.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement overlapping projects is required.
• Demonstrated organization skills, with the ability to perform and complete tasks within strict time limits while maintaining technical and professional standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English) are required.
• Must have strength and mobility to perform the related physical duties.
• Must be able to work effectively with artists, curators, lenders, donors, colleagues, and members of the campus community and the public in a courteous and professional manner, providing excellent customer service.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be bondable.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted in-person.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicants suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The University of Winnipeg has a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that requires all those coming to designated indoor campus spaces to provide proof they are fully vaccinated. The Policy was suspended effective May 2, 2022. However, prospective employees should know that the Policy may be reinstated in the future based on changing public health circumstances.

University of Winnipeg