Full-time, 8-month fixed-term contract position
Role commencing mid-April 2021
Curatorial and Digital Division
Reports to Production and Installation
Overview of the Division
The MCA’s vision is to take a leadership role in shaping a creative and equitable Australia that values contemporary art and artists, and we are committed to making contemporary art accessible and inspiring for everyone.
The Collection and Exhibition Management department sits within our Curatorial and Digital Division and is responsible for documenting, preserving and protecting, installing and maintaining the intellectual assets created by the MCA as well as extending their life (excluding publications). The team is responsible for managing the MCA Collection including, bringing works into the collection, storing them, conserving them and managing their movement in and out of the museum. It is also responsible for the delivery of exhibitions and displays, including exhibition design, scheduling, project planning, art handling, install, de-install, and touring.
The aim of the department is to ensure that all artworks under the care of the MCA are handled safely and dealt with in accordance with professional museum standards. These standards relate to factors such as art handling procedures, temperature and humidity control, security, fire suppression systems and pest management. The team contains several people with highly specialised knowledge and skills, whose advice is sought regularly both from within and outside of the museum.
Overview of the position
This position reports to Production and Installation Manager and is responsible for aiding in the delivery and ongoing maintenance of technical and construction aspects of exhibitions, displays and building commission programs, and MCA Collection operations.
The Production Technician is responsible for the day-to-day activities at the offsite workshop and storage facility (crate, exhibition furniture and materials store but excluding the art store) and also the onsite workshop and ‘back of house.’ As directed, the Production Technician will provide supervision of immediate staff and contractors working at the onsite or offsite facilities.
This position has the opportunity to travel as a part of the Touring Exhibition Program, installing at Touring partner venues.
This is a hands-on position and requires working collaboratively with the Production, AV, Touring, Installation, Registration, Conservation and Curatorial teams.
Tasks and responsibilities of the position
Implementation of technical and construction aspects for the exhibitions, displays and building commission programs. This includes:
preparation of production drawings
production of exhibition infrastructure and furniture as required, including production of ready-to-build designs and plans, and sourcing of materials where necessary
ensuring building compliance and that WHS policy and procedures are always adhered to
implementing policy around exhibition design, construction and the use of sustainable materials in association with the Production Technician, Production and Installation Manger and Building Manager.
Conduct daily maintenance of exhibitions, displays and building commissions including cleaning of exhibition infrastructure.
Maintenance of the offsite and onsite workshops storage facilities and ‘back of house.’ Implementation of the maintenance program and tracking stock inventories of workshop materials and equipment as well as exhibition furniture, and crating materials to ensure that the workshop and associated facilities are clean, safe and in optimum condition.
As delegated by the Production and Installation Manager, lead the teams assigned to construction projects within the exhibition, display and building commission projects including the preparation of production drawings, sourcing of materials, induction and supervision of casual staff and contractors working on the exhibitions, displays and building commission programs.
Deliver the packing and crating requirements for the MCA Collection operations including the preparation of technical specification documentation.
Implement WHS practices and procedures within the Collection and Exhibitions Management department and contribute to related policy development for the wider organisation. Ensure relevant documentation is current, accurate and complete.
Maintain a current knowledge of national and international best practice around exhibition and display, design and art handling practices related to contemporary visual culture.
Key selection criteria
Essential criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have:
demonstrated 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 WHS legislation, maintenance requirements and stock monitoring
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
capacity in effective planning with an ability to prepare production drawings, draft quotes and source materials for construction projects
well-developed communication and interpersonal skills in relation to liaising with artists, curators and internal and external stakeholders
the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise projects effectively under pressure
a willingness to learn on the job.
Desirable criteria
It would be good if applicants have:
a current White Card
a valid Australian Driver’s Licence
a current Elevated Work Platform Licence
a forklift licence
trade experience, or qualifications in the building industry carpentry, cabinet making, stage/film production
knowledge of 3D and 2D image rendering software such Sketch-up/CAD and Photoshop.
Applications
Please visit the MCA to view the full position description and for details on how to apply.
Closing date
Midnight, Sunday 21 February 2021.
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.
