Full-time, permanent position- Salary package: $74,005 per annum (includes base salary $67,278 + 10% employer’s contribution to superannuation)
- Curatorial and Digital Division
- Reports to Production and Installation
Overview of the position
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.
This position reports to the 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.
As directed, 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 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.
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 WHS policy and procedures are adhered to
- implementing policy around exhibition design and construction and the use of sustainable materials, in association with the other Production Technician, Production and Installation Manger and Building Services 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 of stock inventories of workshop materials and equipment as well as exhibition furniture, and crating materials ensuring 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.
- Work in accordance with the principles of equity, access, and fairness. 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 current knowledge of national and international best practice around exhibition and display, design and art handling practices related to contemporary visual culture.
- Demonstrate support for innovation and for organisational changes required to improve the MCA’s effectiveness.
Key selection criteria
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
- 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 manage time and prioritise projects effectively under pressure with a willingness to learn on the job.
Desirable criteria
It would be good if applicants have:
- a White Card
- current Australian driver’s licence
- current Elevated Work Platform licence
- 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
Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description.
Please visit the MCA website to view the full position description and for information on how to apply.
Closing date
9am, Monday 31 January 2022.
