Collections Assistant
Judd Foundation
Marfa, Texas
Judd Foundation maintains and preserves Donald Judd’s permanently installed living and working spaces, libraries, and archives in New York and Marfa, Texas. The Foundation promotes a wider understanding of Judd’s artistic legacy by providing access to these spaces and resources and by developing scholarly and educational programs.
The Foundation is accepting applications for the position of Collections Assistant, located in Marfa, Texas.
Reporting to the Conservator, the Collections Assistant conducts collections care and preventive conservation duties in a physically demanding environment with a high degree of independence.
The position tasks include surface cleaning of art and artifacts, maintenance of exhibition spaces, environmental monitoring, documenting the condition of collection items on exhibit, object handling, report writing, and record keeping.
This is a full-time, salaried position with a regular schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday with availability to work holidays, evenings and weekends when needed.
Responsibilities Include:
- Responsible for maintaining a regular schedule of surface cleaning of art and artifacts on display using conservation-approved materials and techniques.
- Responds to incident reports related to collection items in exhibit spaces. Communicates incidents and/or emergencies to Conservator.
- Assists Conservator with documenting the condition of collection items on exhibit in written and photographic formats.
- Assists Conservator with environmental monitoring and pest management projects for exhibit spaces. Communicates preservation needs of collection items in exhibit spaces to Conservator.
- Assists with constructing storage mounts and re-housing art and artifacts for storage.
- Assists Collections Department with special projects related to exhibit, access, and storage of Foundation collections.
Working Conditions:
- This position requires extended periods of standing, walking, and working in awkward positions.
- Time spent working indoors 75%
- Time spent working outdoors 25%
- Ability to work in high temperatures from 80-105 degrees F
- Ability to work in low temperatures 40-65 degrees F
- Ability to tolerate insect pests and other wildlife
- Ability to lift 50lbs
- Ability to carry materials onsite to perform maintenance work
- Ability to carry and climb a ladder
- Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, dust masks, gloves, and Tyvek suits and boots under demanding physical conditions for extended periods
- Must possess a current driver’s license. Ability to operate the organization’s motor vehicles
Qualifications:
- BA in position-related field such as Museum Studies, Art History, or Studio Arts. Masters preferred
- 2 years of experience working in a cultural heritage Collections department
- Knowledge and understanding of museum best practices and standards for collections care
- Experience handling objects. Understanding of object handling best practices.
- Manual dexterity, consistency, and attention to accuracy and detail
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently when needed. Ability to take direction from the Conservator.
- Knowledge of health and safety protocols
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to write and communicate clearly.
- Basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database skills. Outlook, Microsoft Office, and Filemaker Pro preferred.
- Ability to manage projects such as scheduling, coordinating site mobilization, and maintaining supply inventory
- Knowledge of digital photography and Photoshop.
Salary:
- Competitive and commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package offered.
- Judd Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply:
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. Due to the number of submissions only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.
Please send applications to: Conservation@juddfoundation.org with “Collections Assistant” in the subject line.