Mount Maker

The Cleveland Museum of Art seeks a Mount Maker who is responsible for the fabrication of mounts, armatures, and support structures for art objects in the museum’s permanent collection and for special exhibitions from other institutions when requested. Work with designers, curators, and conservators to create mounts that both protect the object and aesthetically enhance its presentation.

Responsibilities   

• Create mounts and other support structures for art objects to the highest professional museum standards. A variety of materials will be used including, but not limited to, metals, wood, plastics, and fabric.


• Extensive daily use of band saw, table saw, drill press, rotary shapers, sanders, welding and soldering equipment and advanced metal techniques required.


• Shop must be maintained and kept as a safe and clean environment for the safety of employees and artwork that is being worked on and stored on location. Security procedures for museum art storage areas are observed. Objects must be locked in storage cabinets nightly, workspace locked and secured.


• Handling of art objects required. Conservational standards apply.


• Accurately estimate time and materials for museum projects.


• Mix and match paint colors when mounts require painted surface. Faux painting techniques often required.


• Installation of objects in cases and galleries.


• Inform supervisor of inventory needs and order or request supplies to maintain smooth and continuous production.


• Assist other areas of Gallery Production, Collection Management, and Conservation departments when requested by supervisor.


• Will collaborate with designers and Conservation on projects. 


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Key Competencies

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); additional training in trade school helpful; Two or more years’ experience and/or training in welding techniques and metalwork, basic carpentry, and art handling; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employee must possess a valid driver's license. Employee should have the ability to read scaled, detail drawings or layouts and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines. Overtime will be required at times. Prior experience of metalworking in a shop environment needed.  Painting and carpentry skills also required. Basic understanding of art medias and materials helpful.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to safely handle fragile, cumbersome, and valuable objects.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.

A flexible mindset and professional demeanor are critical to this role as the employee interacts with all levels of museum staff and the public. The employee must be a team-oriented individual who works well in a collaborative environment.

Hourly rate- $24.038 ($50,000/annual) 

Full-time Benefits include:  

• Partner level membership to CMA 




• Free, unlimited admission to select Cleveland Museum of Art ticketed exhibitions (two adult member tickets per visit, subject to availability)


• 50% off admission to select ticketed exhibitions for members' guests


• Free admission to select ticketed exhibitions for unlimited children, 17 and younger, when accompanied by a member


• Priority registration and discounts for museum art classes for adults and children


• 20% discount in the museum store


• 10% discount in the museum restaurant and café


• Annual subscription to Cleveland Art members magazine




• Free Garage Parking


• Your employment relationship with the museum qualifies you for free or discounted admissions to other cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Zoo, etc.


• Medical


• Dental


• Vision


• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance


• Voluntary Life


• Short Term Disability


• Long Term Disability


• HSA


• FSA