About the role
We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
The Museum seeks an experienced Installation Technician to lead complex exhibition installations, packing and storage solutions. This position requires extensive art handling expertise and the ability to guide team members on sophisticated installation projects while maintaining the highest standards of collections care.
Specifically, you will: * Partner with direct supervisor and other museum leaders to develop and track project schedules with installations team and other project staff members. This could include attending planning meetings and providing essential input * Lead installation and deinstallation of artwork for gallery installations, exhibitions, storage, and special projects as assigned by the Director of Collections * Problem-solve and execute advanced installation techniques * Support curatorial, conservation, photography, and other departments with safe art handling. Conduct site visits to evaluate art objects for packing and transportation * Operate installation equipment (ladders, lifts, forklifts, gantries) with proper training and certification * Maintain tools, equipment, and workspace in good condition * Maintain installation and equipment documentation * Communicate with team members * Follow safety protocols and museum policies * Manage crate retrieval, packing, movement, and storage, as required * Collaborate with conservators, curatorial, and exhibition design on installations, storage needs, and special projects, as assigned * Assist in the packing shop, as assigned * Courier loans to other institutions, as assigned * Assist in training team members on proper art handling techniques, shop safety, and museum protocols; contribute to developing new safety procedures and training materials as assigned
Your background and experience include: * TSA STA certification, including screening alternate training, required (background check required) * Maintain TSA Supervisor Alternative screening certification * 5+ years of art handling and installation experience in a museum, gallery, or similar setting; experience mentoring or training others preferred * Woodworking and packing shop skills required; metalworking skills a plus * Technical expertise installing art, including knowledge of hanging hardware, fasteners, and materials for different wall types or heavy loads * Strong communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration * Proficiency with hand, power, and shop tools; woodworking skills required * Positive, engaging approach that fosters team morale and maintains a cooperative work environment * Ability to solve problems, work under pressure, and manage shifting deadlines * Detail-oriented, goal-driven, and reliable * Proficiency in TMS, Outlook, Word, and basic photo editing
Position and Compensation Details * The hourly rate for this position is additional $3 added to hourly rate of current Installation Technicians * This position is Full-Time, Non-Exempt, and 35 hours per week. * This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit. * This position reports to the Manager of Installations & Packing * This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Art Museum locations.
Physical requirements: * Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus * Job-specific physical requirements * Lift up to 50 pounds * Operate forklifts and elevated lifts with training and certification * Sit or stand for extended periods * Climb and work from ladders * Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
Institutional Requirements * Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums. * Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest. * Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences. * Maintains confidentiality. * Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.
What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to: * Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family * Discounted guest tickets for admission * Discounts on gift memberships * Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams * Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including: * Medical, dental, and vision benefits * Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance * Health savings or flexible spending account program * Retirement savings program with museum match * Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays
*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.