Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide front-line co-ordination of the set-up and take-down of internal and external exhibit artifacts. To participate in the supervision, logistic planning and evaluation of exhibit artifacts to ensure their preservation. To act as an expert resource for staff with the administration of OSC artifacts and their inclusion with other interfaces to prototype and test new exhibit experiences in the Weston Family Innovation Centre and areas of the Ontario Science Centre as assigned.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Under general supervision of the Director, Science Content and Design, the incumbent provides logistic planning and front-line co-ordination of the hundreds of artifacts for exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre and for travelling exhibitions.

• Scheduling, receiving, and shipping out objects
• Preparing reports in the set-up and take-down of the exhibitions
• Ability to properly pack artifacts
• Daily monitoring of artifacts
• Overseeing the proper handling of artifacts by other OSC staff for the duration of its stay at the OSC
• Supervising the coordination of staff assigned to install and remove artifacts
• Problem solving artifact issues that may arise in the setup or maintenance of artefacts on public display
• Knowledge of artifact handling, display and conservation issues

2. Acts as an expert resource for internal and external staff for the duration of the travelling exhibitions. This will include:

• Completing conditional reports
• Communicating and directing OSC staff regarding artifact handling and information
• Co-ordinating the proper monitoring and assessment of artifacts by other OSC staff
• Completing the appropriate CITES forms

3. Participates in the maintenance of artifacts contained in exhibits and prototypes.

• Assists OSC experience development staff sourcing and curating artifacts to prototype and test new exhibit experiences.
• Independently problem solves issues that may arise with the artifacts
• Provides training where appropriate to maintain standards of operations

4. Other duties, as assigned.

Staffing and Licencing :

Weekend, holiday, evening work.

Knowledge :

Extensive knowledge of curation, usually gained through a Masters Degree in Museum Studies or a combination of educational experience, to understand object handling, display and conservation issues. Ability to coordinate and communicate with other experts and staff to ensure the proper set-up and take-down of artifacts within major exhibitions. Ability to independently make decisions and problem solve any issues that may occur in the monitoring and maintenance of the artifacts. Knowledge of computer programs and specialized conservation tools (e.g., conservation ovens) to prepare reports, memoranda and emails.

Skills :

Logistical planning and coordination skills to implement systems and processes to organize and monitor artifacts being displayed. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and work cooperatively to ensure that proper handling of the Artifacts is used in the set up and take down of the exhibit. Ability to understand exhibit plans and technical drawings from the Design and Production Department. Ability to independently make decision on problems that arise and to bring it to the Associate Director's attention.

Freedom of Action :

Under the strategic direction of the Director, Science Content and Design, this position is responsible for the administration of OSC artifacts and their inclusion with other interfaces to prototype and test new exhibit experiences in the Weston Family Innovation Centre and other areas of the Ontario Science Centre as assigned.

Work is performed within the OSC and departmental policies, procedures and standards.

Accountability:

The position is accountable for the proper set-up and take-down of Exhibits with artifacts and the supervision of installation and de-installation of objects.

Judgement

Judgement is exercised in determining the most resource effective ways of solving technical and communication problems for OSC and travelling exhibitions. Freedom exists to train Host and Shops staff and to ensure artifacts are being monitored and maintained appropriately. Freedom exists to make on-the-spot assessments and take immediate action to troubleshoot technical difficulties and prepare documentation accordingly.