This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
The Anderson Collection at Stanford University is an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary American paintings and sculpture. The museum opened in 2014 and its collection was established by a generous gift of 121 works from one of the world’s most outstanding private assemblies of art built by the Anderson family over 50 years. The museum’s collection has grown since its founding and special exhibitions feature the work of artists addressing important issues of our time. Collection highlights include major works by Richard Diebenkorn, Helen Frankenthaler, Agnes Martin, Eamon Ore-Giron, Jackson Pollock, Martin Puryear, Mark Rothko, and Mary Weatherford.
Under the supervision of the Senior Registrar of the Anderson Collection, the preparator works with museum staff and contract art handlers in the preparation, installation, storage, packing, and general handling of art objects in the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The preparator performs a wide variety of duties in support of museum operations and in collaboration with colleagues at Stanford and beyond. This is a part-time (60%) benefits-eligible bargaining unit position and is expected to be onsite Mondays, Tuesdays, and one other weekday (to be determined).
In this role, you will:
- Install and may lead large and complex exhibitions and gallery rotations; and actively participate in the implementation, planning, and design meetings.
- Perform gallery lighting design, with knowledge of LED lighting, re-lamping and exposure settings specific to object requirements.
- Transmit instructions and specifications received from supervisor to contract workers; advise supervisor of work progress.
- Assign and explain tasks to contract workers; inspect work for conformance with specifications. Guide and assist other contract Preparators as needed.
- May solicit quotes, review estimates, and select vendors.
- Monitor and oversee installation timelines in order to provide information to meet installation goals.
- Ensure that safety rules are followed.
- Check and maintain exhibitions.
- Maintain art storage and receiving areas.
- May perform any of the duties described in the Museum Preparator II specification or other duties as assigned. This position may require some overtime, night, and weekend work.
In order to be successful, you will bring:
- Seven years of progressively responsible experience or equivalent combination of training and experience in art handling.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and direct other Preparators.
- High level of organization, communication, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate large and complex installations, solving the most difficult challenges.
- Proficiency with design and database programs.
- Experience handling valuable works of art in a wide variety of media including but not limited to paintings, bronze, ceramic, glass, metals, mixed media, plastics, works on paper.
- Experience working with contemporary art and new media.
- Experience in exhibition layout design and installation, implementation of gallery layouts and lighting design.
- Ability to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift 50 lbs).
- Ability to operate scissor lifts, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.
- Experience in mount making including earthquake mitigation and the various materials safe for use with art objects.
- Experience with shop equipment and ability to effectively perform various skilled and semi-skilled tasks, including woodworking, use of adhesives and fasteners, construction methods, and use of stationary and portable power tools.
- Experience framing and sheet-rocking a plus.
- Knowledge of safety procedures related to the handling of chemical solvents, adhesives, solutions, tools and machines.
- Knowledge of safe and archival storage materials and techniques for loaned and museum collection objects.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and implement projects and manage multiple projects under deadline.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team and work collegially with contract preparators, staff, designers, guest curators, vendors, and the general public.
- Experience with 3D modeling design programs and standard business programs.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements:
- Constantly stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, twist/bend/stoop/squat, light/fine grasping (files, tools), grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, scrub/sweep/mop/mix, operate foot and/or hand controls, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11 to 40 pounds.
- Rarely kneel/crawl.
- Ability to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift 50 lbs.).
- Ability to operate scissor lift, pump lift cart, and pallet jack.
Working Conditions:
- May be exposed to lead, paint, and/or acetone.
- May work at heights up to 10 feet.
- May be exposed to noise greater than 80db TWA.
- May use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Valid California Non-commercial Driver's License.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At the Vice Presidency for the Arts and Anderson Collection, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.
Why Stanford is for You:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
