Exhibits Preparator

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Exhibits Preparator

Department

Administrative Support | Exhibits and Design | Beaty Biodiversity Museum | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

February 25, 2025

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

Job End Date

This is a part time position at 0.60FTE (22.5 hours/week). Note that compensation will be prorated accordingly.

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 Description Summary

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum, part of UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Centre, houses over 2.1 million natural history specimens, presents educational programs and exhibits and includes a teaching lab, auditorium, and a museum store. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is divided into several major collections - Spencer Entomological Collection, Cowan Tetrapod Collection, Fossil Collection, Fish Collection, Marine Invertebrate Collection and the Herbarium which has several collections within itself. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum presents dynamic, interactive and innovative exhibitions that appeal to diverse audiences. Exhibitions address current issues while being engaging and rooted in biodiversity and the collections. Success is predicated in a healthy stream of rotating and new exhibitions.

The Exhibits Preparator is responsible for designing and fabricating custom object supports for 3-dimensional objects, preparing exhibit labels and signage, matting and framing artwork, and fabricating other exhibit elements and educational products as required. This position is also responsible for obtaining quotes for necessary materials, and sourcing supplies needed to complete assigned tasks

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Manager of Exhibitions, Beaty Biodiversity Museum.

Work Performed

This position is responsible for:

- Assessing the support requirements of objects within the research and outreach collections and designing and fabricating suitable supports (trays, foam, shelves, etc.) according to general guidelines to meet those requirements. Creative solutions will be required.
- Fabrication of exhibits or education kits including specimen supports, labels, signage, and other items as required. Materials used may be in paper, wood, metal, foam, plastic, or other material formats
- Matting and framing artwork and preparing artwork for shipping
- Making and mounting specimen labels for use in exhibits or educational products.
- Monitoring and maintaining supply levels and informing supervisor for reordering when necessary.
- Assisting with the training of Work Learn students and volunteers.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Museum is a public trustee of rare and valuable collections; the Exhibits Preparator is responsible for the safe keeping/handling of both public and private collections. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical and other consequences for lenders and for the University.

Supervision Received

Some initiative and decision making is expected within established guidelines. The position receives supervision from the Manager of Exhibitions. Performance is judged by results.

Supervision Given

This position may assist in the day-to-day supervision of Work Learn students, interns and volunteers as required.

Minimum Qualifications
- 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Demonstrated competency in design and fabrication/assembly of specialized support solutions for museum or related collections. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Museum object handling experience and other relevant museum training or experience, particularly within the areas of preventive conservation, is required. Experience with power tools, woodworking equipment, and light metalwork is required. General familiarity with a wider range of media including sculpture, têxtiles, and digital fabrication is an asset. Computer skills including word processing and file management, as well as basic digital photography and graphic design is required. Awareness and sensitivity to issues concerning biological collections is desired. Experience with matting and framing artwork is an asset. Experience working in a custom fabrication setting i