Hourly - Technician/Specialist (Public Art and Gallery Assistant)

Full Job Description

Career Opportunity
The city of Las Vegas is currently accepting applications for the position of Technician/Specialist (Public Art and Gallery Assistant). This role involves performing a variety of specialized technical and administrative functions in support of the city’s Public Art and Gallery Program.

This is an hourly level position in the Technician series. This position is distinguished from other Technician positions by the assigned duties. This position may be summer, seasonal, or year-round depending on the department’s needs. Scheduled hours for this position are limited to 19 hours or less per week (shift may vary). Hourly employees are also limited to 1,560 hours of work in any 18-month period.

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current/future openings.

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Public Art and Gallery Program Assistant is responsible for delivering administrative and technical support to the Public Art and Gallery Program. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of general office operations, visual art practices, art collections, and art handling procedures. The ability to work independently while managing a full range of responsibilities is required.

Supervision Received
Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory or management staff.

Requirements

Essential Functions

1. Serves as a gallery attendant during weekend hours, acting as the primary on-site staff member responsible for opening and closing the gallery; greeting and assisting visitors; monitoring exhibitions; providing general information regarding artworks, exhibitions, and programs; and ensuring the safety, and proper care of the facility and artworks.

2. Inputs, updates, retrieves, and maintains data in a variety of databases and record systems; prepares reports as required; and performs recordkeeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical and administrative duties.

3. Assists with the handling, transportation, and installation of artworks owned by or on loan to the city of Las Vegas Public Art and Gallery Program, in accordance with established procedures and professional standards.

4. Examines artworks and documents the condition using standard condition reports, employing industry-established methods, terminology, and review processes.

5. Performs basic preparatory work related to exhibition installation, which may include minor repair of display vitrines, pedestals, and shipping or storage crates.

6. Follows established work methods, techniques, and schedules, and complies with applicable city and departmental policies, procedures, standards, and specifications.

7. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Marginal Functions
Answers the telephone; provides a wide variety of assistance to the general public in a courteous manner.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Formal and informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• 1 year of experience in visual arts, and/or art handling, and/or conservation, or administration.
• Skilled use in Excel, Word, Power Point and Microsoft Outlook (e-mail, calendar).

License or Certificate

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.

Additional Information

Knowledge of

• Basic art handling procedures.
• Principles and practices of visual arts, art gallery operations, objectives, and guidelines.
• Principles of visitor services and strategies for providing a positive and inclusive gallery experience.
• Basic record keeping practices and techniques.
• Principles and practices of cultural services.
• Modern office procedures and equipment.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to

• Provide courteous, professional, and informative assistance to visitors to ensure a positive gallery experience.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, artists, volunteers, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce policies and procedures in a consistent and professional manner.
• Independently perform the most difficult work assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism - Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.
• Effective Communication - Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.
• Customer Focus - Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.
• Adaptability - Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.
• Problem Solving - Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.
• Productive Partnerships - Develops maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.
• Technical and Safety Expertise - Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

• Location: Office environment and outdoor environment; travel from site to site.
• Hazards: Work pressures of fast-paced, high-volume operation. Exposure to computer screens. Exposure to all seasons of weather conditions. Exposure to chemicals.
• Equipment Used: Computer, general office equipment, audiovisual equipment, general cleaning supplies, general construction supplies, general art supplies.
• Safety Equipment: Occasional use of gloves, eye protection, breathing protection.

Physical Conditions
Essential and marginal functions require:

• Standing/walking: Frequently, in combination with walking, for short distances in office or gallery areas, and walking to other office areas up to 1-3 miles per shift depending on activities;may exceed 3 miles on occasion.
• Sitting: Frequently, at times on adjustable office chair at desk while performing administrative duties.
• Lift/carry: Frequently, 1-25lbs., artworks, materials, supplies. Occasionally, up to 50lbs., artworks, materials.
• Push/pull: Frequently, using both arms and hands, requiring force of 75-100 lbs.,opening crates, crating materials, etc.
• Climbing: Frequently, on stairs, ladders,on and off platforms.
• Bending/twisting: Frequently, at waist, knees and neck to and from seated position while setting up exhibits. Extended bending can occur in set up and take down activities.
• Kneeling/crouching/crawling: Not usually required. Kneeling may occur infrequently.
• Hands/arms: Constant use of both hands and arms in reaching, handling, grasping and fingering while operating phone, computer keyboard,filing, using small hand tools, operating vehicles.
• Sight: Constantly, in monitoring activities, dealing with public, etc.; visual requirements include hand/eye coordination and visual acuity in near- and mid-ranges.
• Speech/hearing: Constantly, in answering telephones, communicating with public, giving and receiving instructions.
• Maintaining effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: Making observations. Communicating with others. Reading and writing. Operating assigned equipment.
• Maintaining mental capacity which allows the capability of: Making sound decisions.
• Effective interaction and communication with others.
• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Selection Process
Final candidate selection may include hiring interview (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements of the job." Some positions may require preliminary background checks.

NOTE: Eligible applicants will be contacted via phone or e-mail only if moving forward to the interview process. If you are not contacted, your application will remain active for a period of four (4) months.