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City of Gastonia, NC

Exhibit Preparer/Artist

City of Gastonia, NC, Gastonia, North Carolina, United States, 28052


Salary :

$51,334.40 - $72,321.60 Annually

Location :

Gastonia, NC

Job Type:

Full Time

Job Number:

01527

Department:

Museum

Division:

Schiele Museum/Programs

Opening Date:

06/27/2024

Closing Date:

8/31/2024 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work

The Schiele Museum of Natural History is a premier educational institution that promotes an understanding and appreciation of the natural world and cultural heritage. Situated in Gastonia, North Carolina, the museum offers engaging exhibits, educational programs, and outreach initiatives to inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning

The Schiele Museum is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Exhibit Preparer/Artist to join our team. This individual will perform intermediate-level technical work assisting in the development and implementation of innovative natural history exhibits, ensuring that they are visually appealing, educational, and engaging for visitors of all ages. Exhibits include interactive, graphic, electronic, and modeling components that illustrate the museum's educational mission through a variety of permanent and portable displays.

Essential Functions/Duties

The following job functions are normal for this position: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations

Performa a variety of artistic and construction functions in the development of an exhibit area; Apply finishes, paints, textures, and other artistic treatments to exhibit elements to enhance their visual appeal and realism; Incorporate storytelling and thematic elements into exhibit displays through creative use of imagery, props, and decorative elements35%Assist in the planning and development of new exhibits; Collaborate with museum staff, curators, and educators to conceptualize, design, and develop exhibit layouts and content; Utilize artistic skills to create sketches, drawings, and digital renderings to visualize exhibit concepts and designs10%Assist in the preservation, mounting, and display of various species of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles; Assist in the collection, preservation, reproduction, and display of various botanical, zoological, and geological specimens for research and dioramas; Install and assemble exhibits according to design specifications, ensuring structural integrity, aesthetic quality, and adherence to safety standards20%Assist in the development and display of graphics and labeling for exhibits; Maintain accurate records of exhibit design plans, fabrication processes, material inventories, and maintenance activities; Document the progress of exhibit projects through photographs, sketches, and written reports15%Assists in the repairs, renovation, and maintenance of existing exhibits; Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of exhibits to ensure they remain in optimal condition for visitors; Repairs and refurbishes exhibit components as needed, addressing issues such as wear and tear, damage, or malfunction20%Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Candidate must demonstrate expertise in a combination of production techniques related to exhibit fabrication and design in a natural history setting. These include skills used in 2 and 3-dimensional arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, mold, and model making, combined with established fabrication skills including woodworking and metalwork. Additional work with resins, plastics, paints, plaster, and organic materials, including plants and taxidermy, may be required as needed, and are relative to the position.

Prior experience in a gallery setting is desirable, but not required Candidate must be able to highlight the combination of skills and experience they bring to the position and exhibit team

Demonstrate an aptitude to acquire and develop skills on the job as new challenges are presented.

A general knowledge of natural science themes is required to perform the duties of the position; i.e. botanical, zoological, and geological themes, and principles of the groundwork for scenery and natural habitat replication.

Further fabrication experience beyond these themes is relative to the position and should be highlighted in visual examples of work the candidate may be asked to submit. Knowledge of museum best practices, standards, and guidelines for exhibit design and conservation

Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

Education/ExperienceGraduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in art, industrial or theatrical design, or related field,

Moderate experience in, graphic design, art, exhibit fabrication, installation, and maintenance Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Physical Demands

1. The physical activity of this position includes:Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or couching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips. Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts. Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

The physical requirements of this positionVery Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The visual acuity requirements include color, depth perception, and field of visionThe worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws and mills where seeing job is at or within arm's reach; performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature such as carpenters, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this positionThe worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside. The worker is subject to noise: There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals. The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation. The worker is required to wear a respirator.

Special Requirements/Additional InformationMust possess a valid, appropriate driver's license with an acceptable driving history

Drug screening, criminal background, and reference checks are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H).

High Deductible Health Plan with HSADentalVisionLifeSupplemental Insurance PlansPension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)401(k)457Short-term/Long-term DisabilityDependent Care PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramOn-Site Health ClinicEmployee Educational Assistance ProgramSick Leave (12 days per year)Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per yearHolidays (11 days per year)Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at