Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. 

 

Department: Collections & Exhibitions                                    

Supervisor: Manager of Collections & Exhibitions Preparation                                                

Pay Type: Exempt, Salary, Full-Time    

 

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Manager of Collections and Exhibitions Preparation and in partnership with the Collections and Exhibitions team assists with all documentation, preparation, installation, and de-installation of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. 

Essential Functions

• Assists with the preparation of the galleries for exhibition through physical layout and prepare for lighting and painting
• Assists with the fabrication of display cases and furniture as well as providing professional display and mounting solutions for the permanent collection and temporary loans.
• Assists Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, Director of Collections and Exhibitions and Lead Preparator in exhibition planning and logistics. upkeep, and maintenance of temporary exhibitions.
• Assists in the development of the Collections and Exhibitions department budget as it relates to Direct Care of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
• Conducts general maintenance and direct care of the permanent collection as needed.
• Coordinates conservation efforts with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Manager of Collections and Exhibitions Preparation and other Collections and Exhibitions staff as needed. Works with outside contractors when required.
• Maintains collection storage areas and ensures safe and secure storage of supplies and chemicals related to the maintenance of the permanent collection.
• With the Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, other staff as needed assists in developing and implementing policies/procedures for governing the permanent collection, emergency planning, security procedures, and other organizational functions as needed.
• In conjunction with the Registrar oversees the collections management database, develops data entry standards.
• Works with Meijer Gardens staff on integration of collections information with website and other forward facing digital media.
• Assist in reviewing and evaluating objects under consideration for acquisition or accession for condition, needed treatment and ongoing maintenance.
• Assists with the placement and installation of the permanent collection.
• Assists Manager of Collections and Exhibitions Preparation with operational guidance of day-to-day activities of interns and other temporary staff as needed.
• Attends all meetings as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Embrace Meijer Gardens’ mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
• Embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.

Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance, and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds, frequently up to 50 pounds, and occasionally move 100+ pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. Regularly operates in outdoor and challenging weather conditions, including exposure to temperatures exceeding 100°F and dropping below 0°F, rain, high humidity, snow, and direct sunlight. This encompasses both outdoor settings and greenhouse environments. May entail exposure to various workplace hazards such as hazardous materials, loud noise, and extreme heat/cold.