MUSEUM EXHIBITS PREPARATOR SENIOR 36024

3/16/90 C

This is the journey level in the Museum Exhibits Preparatory series. Positions in this class perform complicated technical work in the fabrication of museum exhibits or supervise a small staff of positions responsible for creating three dimensional, artistic, scientific, mechanical, and electronic interactive displays for permanent and temporary installations, traveling exhibits and displays for a state museum. This class performs and oversees exhibit preparator work and has project management responsibility at a museum dedicated to the exhibition of scientific concepts, principles, and theory; or performs supervisory duties in specialized phases of exhibit preparator work in a museum dedicated to the exhibition of artistic collections. The Museum Exhibits Preparator Senior is distinguished from the Museum Exhibits Preparator class by the responsibility for independently performing the more complex phases of work involving a higher degree of problem solving and technical or artistic ability, or by the responsibility for supervising specialized phases of museum exhibit projects. This class is distinguished from the Museum Exhibits Preparator Supervisor class by the latter's focus on and responsibility for supervising all phases of exhibit preparator work.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty requiring the exercise of independent judgment in the preparation of scientific or artistic exhibits. Work in scientific exhibits demonstrates concepts and principles in such areas as astronomy, electronics, mineralogy, paleontology, zoology, botany, archaeology, and fiber optics. Fine arts exhibits demonstrate advanced concepts in construction, fabrication and lighting. Duties include maintaining all permanent, travel, temporary, and special exhibits; performing electrical installations; display components and display lighting; painting and applying special finishes; transporting and handling exhibits and period structures; or serving as the supervisor to a staff in a specialty area. Serves as lead exhibit preparator and ensures that exhibits and transportation requirements are developed according to specifications and content requirements, including conservatorial properties and authenticity. Provides assistance in conceptual, functional, and conservatorial integration designs of exhibit prototype components, devices, and apparatus. Assists in developing stages of final designs of exhibits, finishes, and electrical and transportation units to aid in assurance of aesthetics, authenticity, and safety integrity. Responsibility exists for shipping and installation logistics for temporary and traveling exhibits, both in-house as well as off site. Responsible for workshop/department safety and tool maintenance and purchase.

Supervision Given: Positions working in museums dedicated to exhibition of scientific concepts, typically do not perform supervisory duties; however, they do act as project managers and lead workers. Positions working in museums dedicated to the exhibition of artistic collections supervise a small staff of Museum Exhibits Preparators in specialized phases of exhibit work.

Supervision Received: Directions are received from a Museum Exhibits Supervisor or Manager who determines production schedules and priorities for exhibits. May assume full departmental responsibility in the absence of the supervisor in smaller state museums.

Scope: Positions are responsible for exhibit fabrication, projects, and task work in all areas of exhibit display and transportation. This work is exhibited statewide and nationally.

Impact of Actions: Work affects public interaction and reaction to exhibits which 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 including designers, department/division heads, contractors, vendors, and museum staffs nationwide on issues affecting the design and fabrication of exhibits.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of design techniques, fabrication and installation methods; electronic and mechanical principles and concepts; custom construction and fabrication techniques; and some conservatorial knowledge related to museum exhibit and display work.

Skills: Considerable skills in the operation of fabrication and graphic tools, electronic equipment, and other shop tools.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to fabricate, install and maintain exhibits, exhibit components, units and devices. Demonstrated ability to make minor automotive repairs, to transport exhibits and to supervise the work of others.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in industrial, commercial, or fine arts, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in fabrication, installation, and transportation of museum exhibits/objects. Experience in exhibit lighting and supervision and coordination of production schedules for work unit.

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

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