Overview
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
The Design Interpretation team is responsible for the look, feel, and visitor experience of exhibitions and program materials across our research centers, and other locations as needed. The team develops and maintains a coherent visual identity across all exhibition environments and program materials, overseeing graphic design, 3D design, interactive design, fabrication, framing, installation, and ongoing gallery maintenance.
The Exhibition Installation Assistant will be part of a team that develops, organizes, implements, and executes all aspects relating to the presentation of exhibitions and displays at The New York Public Library’s research centers.
Responsibilities
- Installs and deinstalls exhibition objects for all exhibitions and special displays
- Prepares galleries for installation—including but not limited to case movement, cleaning, painting, spackling, fabric wrapping case interiors and/or wall panels
- Matting and framing, simple mount making, and object preparation— artwork, prints, photographs, documents, and ephemera—in conformity with established conservation specifications
- Moves all necessary tools, hardware, installation materials, hydraulic lifter, work tables, blankets, case lifters, ladders, work carts, tool boxes, bins, lights, light canisters, audio-visual equipment, stanchions, pedestals, cases, bonnets, brochure holders, acrylic holders, object mounts, and fabric, pylons, etc. with regard to the installation and deinstallation of all exhibitions
- Operates shop machinery, including hand and power tools and work carts, as necessary
- Performs carpentry for exhibitions and exhibition areas including demolition, wall repair, painting and fabric wrapping
- Fabricates and constructs exhibition components including pedestals, platforms, bases, vitrines, as needed
- Prepares, dry mounts, and labels graphic elements, ensuring precise positioning and installation, while configuring and adjusting lighting levels in strict compliance with established conservation specifications
- Maintains an organized and clean working environment
- Works with Supervising Maintainer as necessary regarding production elements including measurements, materials, fabrication methods, and lighting
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Education & Certifications
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Bachelor’s degree in art related field or equivalent level of education/experience
Required Experience
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3-5 years relevant experience in museum or gallery; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
Required Skills
- Successfully demonstrated experience with artifact handling, exhibition installation techniques, mount making, and matting and framing
- Ability to interpret and follow detailed instructions with speed and accuracy
- Working familiarity with basic hand and power tools
- Successfully demonstrated knowledge of machinery, materials, methods, practices and safety precautions, construction, exhibition installation and deinstallation, preferably in a gallery setting
- Ability to operate and work from scissor lifts (up to 30’ high) scaffolding and ladders
- Basic knowledge of exhibition lighting
- Basic knowledge of electrical practice, electronics, and mechanical installations
- Demonstrated knowledge of gallery standards and practices
- Demonstrated ability to work tactfully and effectively with staff, outside art handlers, exhibition fabricators, graphic installers, contractors, designers, curators and public at all levels in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
- Strong initiative and work ethic with flexibility to respond to and take action in changing circumstances, often under pressure
- High attention to detail
- Ability to take direction and work in a team environment
- Excellent organizational, communication, and comprehension skills
- Demonstrated ability working in Word, Excel, and Google Drive
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Museum/Gallery setting
- Public library setting
- Requires travel within NYC
Physical Duties
- Physical effort is required, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying
- Lifting up to 50 lbs. required
- Must be comfortable working at heights
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
- Between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; on an as-needed basis
- Evenings and weekends as required
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.
