Research Asst/Tech

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Asst/Tech Department Exhibition Management | Museum of Anthropology | Faculty of Arts Compensation Range $29.27 - $31.92 CAD Hourly Posting End Date March 11, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date May 31, 2025. There are 2 open auxiliary positions.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
The Auxiliary Preparator is an important member of the exhibition production team. This role constructs, prepares, installs and dismantles a variety of exhibitions at the Museum of Anthropology, and other locations as required, including two and three dimensional, and audio visual works. The Auxiliary Preparator assists with maintenance of the Museum's exhibition galleries, wood shop, paint shop, and shipping and receiving areas. Assists with the handling of works of art and objects when needed, following training and direction from Collections staff. The Auxiliary Preparator performs their work in a safe manner, following relevant health and safety policies and procedures. This includes the safe use of tools, equipment, work assists and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Organizational Status
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) researches, collects, publishes, and exhibits world arts and cultures. The museum is a recognized "Class A" institution and has collegial relations with major institutions and communities all over the world. There is an active schedule of temporary exhibitions, and MOA produces and installs three major shows annually in its two temporary exhibit galleries, in addition to smaller ones in the rest of the museum. The position is responsible and reports to the Exhibition Manager and cooperates with museum staff, students, volunteers, visiting artists, and guest curators.

Work Performed

• Assemble and construct display cases, stands, screens, information panels, temporary walls, and other display structures.
• Produce and install didactic panels, exhibition furniture and lighting.
• Repair and paint gallery walls, temporary walls and cases.
• Mount and position audio/visual equipment used in exhibitions.
• Operate electric lift for safe positioning while painting, mounting oversized artworks and lighting exhibitions.
• Position and replace lighting for temporary and permanent exhibitions.
• Inspect exhibition areas on a daily basis, inform Exhibition Manager of any concerns.
• Dismantle exhibitions and displays using professional museum standards in the care and handling of artwork at all times.
• Assist when needed in receiving, unloading, moving and mounting works of art, including oversized and fragile works, using professional museum standards in care and handling.
• Assist in moving crates and/or artworks to storage or exhibition area, and store empty crates safely in storage room or off-site storage facilities.
• Organize and maintain supplies and equipment in the wood shop, paint shop, galleries and design lab.
• Assist with transporting and installing artworks from the collection on loan to other UBC departments and offices.
• Participate in ongoing maintenance of the museum’s galleries and public space and notify Exhibition Manager of any concerns.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position is expected to use good judgement carrying tasks through to completion. Considerable personal initiative is expected, and responsibilities are carried out with minimal supervision. If installation/de-installation schedules are not adhered to, it could impact exhibition openings that have been publicized, possibly incurring additional expense and damage to MOA's reputation. Failure to use appropriate care and handling could put the safety of valuable and irreplaceable artworks at risk. Improper handling and packaging of artworks loaned from other institutions and private collections could result in damage, and impact MOA's and the University's reputation and ability to borrow artworks in the future. Improper or unsafe work practices could result in personal injury or injury to others.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Exhibition Manager.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience/background in studio or art history, theatre or film preferred.
• Experience in the installation of artworks in a professional art gallery is essential.
• Good carpentry skills are required, with training in wood shop work procedures and production methods.
• Familiarity with electrical fixtures and components.
• Extensive experience using a variety of machines, tools, materials, including electric lifts, professional table saw, drills, and framing tools.
• Familiarity with audio/visual equipment and computers required.
• Ability to work well and maintain professional and proper handling and care of artworks under stress and pressure of deadlines in a team environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights).
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand job-related technical drawings. (e.g., blueprints, electrical circuit diagrams, plans, work sketches).
• Ability to accurately measure, fit, and lay out.
• Effective communication skills.
• Completion of MOA care and handling training upon hiring.