Museum Collection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position: Mount Shop Supervisor

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Exhibitions

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

Under minimal supervision, the Mount Shop Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mount Shop while serving as the primary working mount maker. Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include supervising Mount Shop staff, coordinating workflow, maintaining a safe and organized shop environment, preparing time estimates, tracking labor and materials, and ensuring the secure handling and storage of objects within the Mount Shop vault.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and develops object mounts based on exhibit case layouts, object requirements, and approved mount standards; utilizes established mount design references, templates, and approved mount types maintained within departmental resource files and documentation systems.

• Fabricates, modifies, tests, and finishes museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects.

• Installs and de-installs objects and mounts in exhibit cases and galleries.

• Assists with mount prototypes and refinements to improve fabrication efficiency and object support.

• Organizes workflow and production priorities within the Mount Shop.

• Object photo documentation and measurements, database uploads into EMu, and/or collecting and preparing materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.

• Supervises Preparators I, II, and III and assigns work based on project priorities and needs.

• Provides hands-on training and instruction to staff in mount fabrication techniques and shop practices.

• Sets up work for fabrication crews and serves as crew leader when needed.

• Generates labor duration estimates for mount fabrication, installation, and de-installation activities.

• Tracks labor hours and material usage for assigned projects.

• Coordinates Mount Shop schedules with project managers, production staff, and exhibit supervisors.

• Coordinates conservation requirements related to mount fabrication and object handling.

• Researches and purchases materials and supplies used in mount fabrication.

• Develops installation and de-installation documentation and procedures for mounts when required.

• Participates in interviewing and onboarding new Mount Shop staff.

• Provides input in employee performance evaluations and disciplinary processes as appropriate.

• Coordinates work performed by outside mountmaking contractors and assists with bid packages when necessary.

• Represents the Mount Shop on the departmental Safety Committee.

• Maintains accountability for objects entering and leaving the secure Mount Shop storage vault.

• Travels as required to support the exhibition installations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, , Bachelor of Arts A, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Five to ten years of experience fabricating museum-quality mounts for exhibitions.

• Demonstrated experience supervising employees or leading project crews in a museum fabrication environment.

• Thorough knowledge of museum mountmaking materials, fabrication techniques, and shop equipment.

• Strong fabrication skills using metal, acrylic, wood, and other museum-grade materials.

• Understanding of object preservation principles and proper support methods for a wide variety of collections.

• Ability to interpret exhibit drawings, case layouts, and installation documentation.

• Ability to safely handle fragile and valuable museum objects.

• Ability to train and mentor preparators in mount fabrication techniques.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet production deadlines.

• Experience using collection databases such as KEMu and FileMaker.

• Proficiency in Photography, measuring, and documentation skills.

• Effective verbal and written communication, staff supervision and team leadership skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with conservators, exhibit production staff, and other museum departments.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision Production Director.

Supervision Exercised:

Provides general direction and task supervision to Preparators I-III.

Work Hours and Shift:

35 hours per week. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm with occasional before, after or weekend hours required. Typically, scheduled in advance.

Hybrid Eligibility:

Eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation:

Not Applicable.

Other working conditions: Must be able to lift 50 lbs and if needed, complete the Respirator Fit Test.

Pay Range: 63,500/Annually

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.