Installation Technician
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum seeks a skilled Installation Technician to support exhibition installations, packing and storage solutions. This position requires strong art handling expertise and the ability to work collaboratively on installation projects while maintaining the highest standards of collections care.
Specifically, you will:
Install and deinstall artwork for gallery installations, exhibitions, storage, and special projects as assigned
Handle, pack, transport, and store art objects according to museum protocols and industry standards
Collaborate with conservators, curatorial, and exhibition design on installations, storage needs, and special projects as assigned, and if asked, attend planning meetings, and providing essential input on logistics, timing, and resources
Assist in the packing or mount shop as needed
Assist in crate inventory, including offsite retrieval, unpacking, truck loading/off-loading
Maintain tools, equipment, and workspace in good condition
Courier loans to other institutions, as assigned
TSA STA certification, including screening alternate training, required (background check required)
Maintain TSA Supervisor Alternative screening certification
Operate installation equipment (ladders, lifts, forklifts, gantries) with proper training and certification
Proficiency with hand, power, and shop tools; woodworking and/or mount fabrication skills preferred
Conduct site visits to evaluate art objects for packing and transportation
Support curatorial, conservation, photography, and other departments with safe art handling
Problem-solve and execute installation techniques
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration
Follow safety protocols and museum policies
Position and Compensation Details
The hourly rate for this position is $22.00.
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 Director of Collections
This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art 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
Role is to be performed onsite, Monday through Friday, 8 AM-4 PM, with some additional hours as necessary
Lift up to 50 pounds
Operate forklifts and elevated lifts with training and certification
Sit or stand for extended periods
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.
