Job Opportunity at IMMA
Open Competition for the role of
Technical Crew Member
Part Time
Contract of Employment
IMMA:
The Irish Museum of Modern Art, based in what was the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, an extraordinary 17th century building, set upon a hilltop of 48 acres overlooking the river Liffey, is a witness to at least a millennium of change. All of which feeds into our contemporary thinking and commitment to celebrate this remarkable site. At IMMA we have begun to create a space unique with contemporary culture. This is a space where local and global connect, a space where contemporary art and contemporary life meet, challenge and inspire one another.
Role Purpose:
Technical Crew Members at IMMA, the Irish Modern Museum of Art play a critical role in the preparation, installation, and maintenance of Art exhibitions and the IMMA collection. This position requires a keen eye for detail, an understanding of art handling techniques, and the ability to work collaboratively with curators, artists, audio visual experts, conservators, and other museum staff.
The Art Technician ensures that all artworks and exhibitions are installed and displayed in strict accordance with museum best practices and that the integrity and safety of artworks are always maintained both in the galleries on site and within the IMMA collection,
In addition, the Technical Crew Member focuses on audio-visual and media technologies, ensuring that multimedia artworks and installations function flawlessly and enhance the visitor experience.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support museum operations and events.
Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities:
Exhibitions:
Preparation: Assist in the planning, design and preparation of AV equipment, furniture, gallery spaces and displays for new exhibits and events.
Installation: Safely install artworks and AV equipment, ensuring all elements are operational and aligned with the curatorial vision. Ensure that all artworks are unpacked, handled, and installed in strict accordance with Art Museum best practice.
Maintenance: Provide day-to-day operational support to ensure all exhibits function correctly. Troubleshooting any issues related to art installations and exhibitions.
De-installation: Remove and pack artworks, AV and other equipment following the conclusion of exhibitions.
Talks and Events:
The Technical Crew Member also supports talks, presentations and other museum activity which often require setting up PA systems, multi-channel audio visuals etc. Often these events are off site and, in the evening or at weekends.
Innovation and Training:
Stay informed about the latest trends in AV and art presentation. Suggesting and implementing innovative solutions to enhance the visitor experience. Train and keep updated on related software including programming the DALI lighting system, using Sketch-up and other similar apps for designing exhibitions, programming media players, video editing etc.
Care of the Collection:
Modern art collections often include diverse media, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, digital works, and mixed media pieces, each requiring specialized care. The care of a modern art collection requires a variety of tasks to ensure the artworks are properly handled, preserved, and displayed. Technical Crew Members in modern art collections must adapt to the unique challenges posed by contemporary artworks, which often incorporate unconventional materials and technologies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that artworks are presented in their best condition and preserved for future generations.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensure that all work is in compliance with best practice and museum policies, particularly in the handling and setup of artworks. Attend training in safety courses such as Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Forklift Operation.
Assisting in Equipment and Materials Management and Procurement including:
AV Equipment
A wide variety of the latest AV equipment such as projectors, media players, computers, sound systems, mixing desks etc. Artists commonly use older AV equipment so acquiring knowledge on how to use and maintain old film and slide projectors, older mechanical and electrical devices and analog playback systems, VHS, CD’s, and DVD’s is also a requirement of the job.
Materials
Assisting management of materials including packing and preservation materials, wood and paint stores, acrylic, signage production and furniture.
Workshops and storage areas
There are several workshops, tool rooms and large storage areas that need maintenance and management.
Technical Equipment
There is a wide variety of equipment and tools that need maintenance, management and regular documented health and safety checks including: forklift and other lifting equipment, ladders and mobile access towers, chop saws, table saw etc.
Key responsibilities to be undertaken based on priorities agreed with Line Manager and subject to the needs of the Department/ Programme.
Key Performance Indicators
Artwork Handling and Compliance with Conservation Standards
Description: Adherence to best practices in conservation during handling, storage, or transportation. Attention to detail and accuracy of work in preparing and handling artworks.
Metric: Assessment of tasks performed in compliance with established conservation guidelines (e.g., crating, packaging, installing).
Efficiency, Productivity, Quality of Work
Description: Effective allocation and use of time during simultaneous projects, such as installations and conservation work. and installing artworks.
Metric: Assessment of the adherence to project timelines and deadlines. Assessment of the quality of work.
Communication and Collaboration
Description: The ability to work collaboratively with curators, artists, and other staff. Effectively communicate technical information to non-specialists.
Metric: Feedback from team members or supervisors on collaborative tasks.
Technical Skills
Description: Knowledge of the application of the equipment, techniques and technology required for art handling, conservation, and installation of art exhibitions. Ability to adapt to complex or unique installation requirements.
Metric: Assessment of technical proficiency and ability to learn and implement new techniques or technologies.
Health and Safety
Description: Adherence to Health and Safety protocols and practices. Ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with art handling and exhibition installations. Compliance with Personal Protective Equipment use. Adherence to safe lifting and handling practices. Regular checks of tools, equipment, and machinery used by Technical Crew Members to ensure they are safe and in good working order.
Metric: Assessment of adherence and compliance to Health and Safety protocols and practices. Successfully completing the mandatory health and safety training courses.
Requirements
The successful candidate will have:
Qualifications
• Third level education or the equivalent experience required and proven knowledge and practices in relevant fields related to this post.
Experience
• Experience in handling and installing art, alongside proven experience in a technical support role.
• Strong understanding of both artistic concerns and technical aspects of exhibition setup.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to address both technical and artistic challenges.
Competencies
• Good communication skills for collaborating with artists, curators, other museum staff and visitors.
Skills
• Technical proficiency with modern multimedia technologies, art installation tools, and computer systems.
• Ability to trouble shoot and repair technical equipment.
• Strong organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail and a keen aesthetic eye.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
Terms and Conditions
Salary Scale: IMMA Technician (PPC) Scale Point as at 01st October 2024 – Pt 1 €38,387 full time. This will be pro rated for part time working hours.
The Fulltime Salary Scale = €38,387; €40,726; €42,897; €45,523; €48,329; €51,337; €54,665
Candidates should note the Irish Museum of Modern Art complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and guidelines on Public Sector pay and conditions of employment and pension provisions. Entry level will be at Point 1 of this Grade.
Contract Duration: Permanent Contract of Employment
Hours of Work: Part time, 3 days per week.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 29th November 2024
Interview dates: Middle of December – Beginning of January
Commencement Date: January 2025
Why Work with Us?
• Opportunity to get involved in IMMA’s 2024-2028 Strategy, development of key themes in response to current global cultural concerns which will shape our programming over the next five years.
• The opportunity to work in a beautiful serene historic 17th Century Building surrounded by 48 acres of Meadows and Gardens – an oasis in Dublin City.
• Free Parking / Secure Bike Sheds.
• Career development opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and training.
• Erasmus + Staff Mobility Scheme funding by European Union 2024-2025.
• Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Wellbeing Committee.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Public Sector leave benefits.
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Great team environment working to our Core Tenets: Contemporary, Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration and Globally Connected.
• Opportunities to attend special museum events and exhibitions.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the museum and cultural sectors.
How to Apply: Applicants to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae via:
https://imma.bamboohr.com/careers/43
