Collections Photographer Job at Autry Museum of the American West in Bitch

Position Summary

The Collections Photographer creates images the Autry uses to connect collections and exhibitions with its audience both inside the museum and online. The primary duty of this role is to image museum collection artifacts for cataloging, web, and print use. Additionally, this role fulfills requests for gallery documentation, images for marketing materials and social media, the store website, and staff created presentations.

Essential Functions

Works as a key member of the digitization and digital asset management team, supporting other museum staff with their photography efforts and providing access. Coordinates and prepares as necessary. Follows established file management and workflow procedures to ensure access to image files.

1. Photography: Using a digital SLR camera and appropriate set up and background, takes web-quality digital images of designated artifacts in the collection. Takes artifact safety into account as primary objective. Additionally, fulfills requests for gallery documentation, images for marketing materials and social media, the store website, and staff created presentations. Names, edits, and formats images, creates appropriate derivatives and files all images.
2. Electronic Image Files: Organizes image files and helps maintain organization. Oversees image proofing. Corrects images as needed.
3. Coordination and Pre-production: From planning to image delivery, consults with all involved co-workers on matters related to scheduling and object handling. Considers concerns of artifact conservation, exhibit timeline, cultural sensitivity, and Rights and Reproductions.
4. Budget: Creates the annual budget covering photography equipment needs. Plans for new and replacement equipment within the budgeting timeline of the organization.
5. Equipment Maintenance: Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of equipment and supplies and inventory.
6. Collections Handling: Retrieves and replaces artifacts that are to be imaged, according to proper museum/conservation procedures and techniques and recording artifact location changes as needed.

Other Functions

Other Duties as Required: The staff members of the Autry Museum of the American West act as a team to promote and perform to the best interests of the institution. As a member of this team, the Collections Photographer will occasionally be called upon to participate in institution-wide projects, and to participate in special department projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

1. BA or BFA Degree in Photography or equivalent experience
2. Five (5) to six (6) years minimum photo studio work experience, as well as experience in photo studio management

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

1. Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
2. An expertise in file management
3. Strong interpersonal skills along with verbal and written communication skills
4. Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and exceptional teamwork

WORKING CONDITIONS

The ability to work long hours in front of a computer screen; Extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting, frequent stooping and bending, with lifting objects weighing up to 35 pounds on occasion.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL

We take the health and safety of our colleagues, visitors, and their families very seriously. To that end, we have concluded that the best way to ensure the safety of everyone is to require that all staff be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Please know that in order to become employed by Autry Museum you may provide satisfactory proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. More information will be provided as we move along in the recruitment process.

Benefits Package

1. Best-in-class healthcare insurance plans:

• 2 Medical HMOs - Narrow Network and Full Network
• 2 Medical PPOs - Traditional and High Deductible PPO with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 2 Dental Plans
• 1 Vision Plan
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to cover eligible costs of healthcare

• Voluntary Life Insurance
• AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Insurance

Please note you must be a California resident - we are not a multi-state employer.