We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute

The Conservation Frame Technician, Art Bridges Cohort Program assists in a collection-sharing partnership between the PMA and eight museums across Pennsylvania. Supported by a grant from Art Bridges, this loan-sharing and exhibition initiative aims to activate American Art collections, broaden audience access, and increase the capacities of participating institutions (Partners). The Conservation Frame Technician will work with the Conservation Framer to prepare works of art for loan to the eight museums in the collection sharing partnership.
At its core, the Art Bridges Cohort Program is a collaborative undertaking. The Conservation Frame Technician works closely with the PMA’s conservation, curatorial, photography and art handling departments; preparing the artwork to the PMA Conservation Department’s standards to advance collaborative strategies that align with the project’s overarching goals.

Specifically, you will:

• Work with the Conservation Framer to prepare artwork to travel pertaining to the cohort program loans.
• Secure artwork in frames using conservation methods. Make sure that materials used for framing are updated and conservation approved.
• Measure and order high quality non-glare glazing (laminated glass or acrylic) and cut these materials as needed.
• Install auxiliary elements such as buildups, padded backing boards, microclimate vitrines, acrylic and laminated glass glazing.
• Conserve original, artist made or period frames, including consolidation of gilding, inpainting and fill/gilding of losses.
• Carve or cast molds for lost frame elements.
• Construct and finish reproduction period frames, travel frames and shadow box frames.
• Share the organization, cleaning and maintenance of materials, supplies, the woodshop and framing studio.
• When not primarily focused on the Art Bridges initiative, additional duties may include, but are not limited to, supporting a broad range of Conservation Framing activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• Prior experience working in a woodshop
• Strong woodworking skills
• Competence with hand and power tools
• Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner in managing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Care and attention to detail in carrying out tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and ability to work with a diverse team

Position and Compensation Details

• The hourly rate for this position is $22.00
• This position is part-time, non-exempt, and 14 hours per week
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit
• This position reports to the Conservation Framer

• This is a term position aligned with Art Bridges grant funding and expected to last until December 31, 2024

• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Able to move items weighing over 40 pounds
  • Work of Frame Technician requires acute corrected vision, fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and ability to work safely with hand and power tools.
• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum, and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

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