- Full-time, permanent position
- Salary Package: $84,117–$91,060 p.a. (includes a base salary of $76,524–$82,782 + 10.5% superannuation payments)
- Curatorial & Digital Division
- Reports to the Production & Installation Manager
Overview of the department
The Collection and Exhibition Management department is responsible for the documenting, preserving and protecting, installing and maintaining work of art. The team is responsible for managing the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) Collection including bringing works into the collection, storing them, conserving them and managing their movement in and out of the museum. It is responsible for the delivery of exhibitions and displays, including exhibition design, scheduling, project planning, art handling, install, de-install, and touring.
Overview of the position
This position reports to the Production and Installation Manager and is responsible for leading in the delivery and ongoing maintenance of technical and construction aspects of exhibitions, displays and building commission programs and MCA Collection operations.
As directed, the Lead Production Technician is responsible for the day-to-day activities at the offsite workshop and storage facility (crate, exhibition furniture and materials store, excluding the art store). Collaboratively works with other technicians in the department to ensure on-site ‘back of house’ facilities are in optimum condition. This role will provide supervision of immediate staff and contractors working at the onsite or offsite facilities.
In line with organisational priorities and schedules, this position has the opportunity to travel to partner venues for installation and/or deinstallation as part of the MCA’s Touring Program.
This is a ‘hands-on’ position, working collaboratively with colleagues in the Collection and Exhibitions Management Department and Curatorial teams. Ability and willingness to work flexible hours are required in the role.
Tasks and responsibilities of the position
- Implementation of technical and construction aspects for the exhibitions, displays and building commission programs. This includes but is not limited to:
- preparation of production drawings & plans
- production of exhibition infrastructure and furniture and sourcing of materials
- ensuring building compliance and WHS policy and procedures are adhered to
- implementing policy around exhibition design and construction and the use of sustainable materials
- leading teams assigned to projects as delegated by manager, along with providing inductions and supervision of casual staff and contractors.
- Conduct daily maintenance of exhibitions, displays and building commissions including cleaning of exhibition infrastructure.
- Maintenance of the off-site workshop and storage facilities and ‘back of house’ areas, ensuring that facilities are clean safe and in optimum condition.
- Tracking of stock inventories of workshop materials and equipment, exhibition furniture and crating materials.
- Deliver crating & installation requirements and prepare technical documentation for the MCA Collection operations as required.
- Maintain a current knowledge of national and international best practice around exhibition and display, design and art handling practices related to contemporary visual culture.
Essential criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have:
- knowledge and practical experience in the construction and installation of exhibitions, displays and building commissions
- experience working in a workshop setting, with a strong level of competence and confidence using hand tools, power tools and plant machinery in accordance with Work Health and Safety legislation, maintenance requirements and stock monitoring
- capacity in effective planning with an ability to prepare production drawings, draft quotes, source and test materials and prototypes options for construction projects
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and experience working with a multi-disciplinary team including internal stakeholders and external stakeholders
- the ability to manage time and prioritise projects effectively under pressure with a willingness to learn on the job
- physically resilient and able to undertake repetitive manual handling, ability to stand for long periods of time and cover significant distances each day
- hold a current Australian Driver’s Licence.
Desirable criteria
It would be good if applicants have:
- knowledge of 3D and 2D image rendering software such Sketch-up/CAD and Photoshop
- current Elevated Work Platform Licence
- current Forklift Licence
- knowledge of international museum practices for art handling and display, handling crates and other packaging, art transport and other aspects of care and movement of artworks
- trade experience, or qualifications in the building industry carpentry, cabinet making, stage/film production
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Please note that it is currently a requirement as per the MCA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, that all employees are fully vaccinated. You will need to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination if you are successful. Please note that full vaccination as per the current NSW Government guidelines means two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for adults, and any future approved vaccination boosters. The MCA continues to review this Policy on a regular basis and may change the vaccination mandate requirements in the future.
Applications
Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description.
To learn more about working at the MCA and how to apply for this role please visit us at Work with Us
The MCA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from diverse cultures. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA collection and exhibition programs.
Working for the MCA
The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.
