MUSEUM EXHIBITS PREPARATOR 36023

3/16/90 C

This is the first and entry level class in the Museum Exhibits Preparatory series. Positions in this class are responsible for performing and leading others in the fabrication of three dimensional and interactive displays for permanent and temporary installations, traveling exhibits, displays, and gallery cubicles for a state museum. These positions specialize in performing a phase of exhibit construction and fabrication, and to a lesser degree, also have responsibility for the custom design and construction of transportation carriers incorporating conservatorial preservation techniques for state museums. This class is distinguished from the Museum Exhibits Preparator Senior by the latter's responsibility for the independent application of more complex technical concepts and the responsibility for project management or supervision.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty in one or more specialty areas. Through the use of conceptual drawings and design, material and conservatorial specifications, employees fabricate museum exhibits, displays, demonstration materials, re-enactments of period living, and shipping containers. Duties include installation, assembly, disassembly, preparation for shipping/storage, and transportation of all traveling, temporary and permanent exhibits, and on-loan articles. Responsible for continuous assessment of all exhibits and exhibit components to ensure proper operation, structural integrity, and adherence to conservatorial properties. Repairs, maintains, and corrects exhibits as necessary. Positions perform construction and fabrication work in exhibits that display scientific concepts of lesser complexity or a scientific concept in a specialized area such as mineralogy; or work in specialized areas of exhibit construction and fabrication to ensure aesthetic precision in exhibit construction, finish and lighting. Installs electrical wiring, fixtures, apparatus, lighting devices, or control equipment in framework, according to design/conservatorial specifications, shading, and functional requirements. Tests electrical components of exhibit structure to verify operation.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor, although incumbents may serve as lead workers for wage, contractual, or work/study employees.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from Museum Exhibits Preparator Senior or Museum Exhibits Supervisor.

Scope: Exhibits developed by incumbents in this classification must meet high quality standards in fabrication construction and installation, transportation and handling safety for all exhibits in the museum.

Impact of Actions: Work impacts the public interaction and reaction to exhibits, the security and safety in the packing and transportation of exhibits, and the recognition and application of conservatorial techniques for article preservation, which in turn impact on the mission and credibility of the museum and willingness of other institutions and the public to loan articles.

Personal Contacts: Communicates frequently with individuals inside and outside the museum. Personal contacts include donors, project managers, and museum staff on issues affecting the construction and fabrication of exhibits.

Knowledges: Some knowledge of fabrication and installation methods, carpentry, design lighting, custom construction, and painting techniques related to museum exhibit and display work. Some knowledge of conservatorial techniques for article preservation, which in turn impact on the mission and credibility of the museum and willingness of other institutions and the public to loan articles.

Personal Contacts: Communicates frequently with individuals inside and outside the museum. Personal contacts include donors, project managers, and museum staff on issues affecting the construction and fabrication of exhibits.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of fabrication and installation methods, carpentry, design lighting, custom construction, and painting techniques related to museum exhibit and display work. Some knowledge of conservatorial techniques.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of electronic equipment, use of fabrication and shop tools, and in the execution of basic mechanical skills.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to fabricate, install and maintain exhibit components, units, and devices.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver's license.

Education or Training: Education or training with emphasis in industrial or graphic arts, or vocational schooling in painting.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in fabrication and installation of museum exhibits, theatrical or museum display lighting or painting.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in November, 1987, as a result of an expansion to the Exhibits Preparator series established September 16, 1987, to include Exhibits Preparator positions in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This revision is effective March 1990.