Mount Shop SupervisorUnder 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 ResponsibilitiesDesigns 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.QualificationsBachelor 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 from 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: EligibleLocation: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605Union 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