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Job Title: Letterpress Printer/Museum Preparator
Where: The Palace Press, New Mexico History Museum, State of New Mexico
Location: Santa Fe, NM
For More Information & to Apply:
https://careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_...
Contact Information: Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder, Palace Press Curator
(505) 476-5096, [email protected]
Salary
$18.34 - $29.34 Hourly
$38,140 - $61,024 Annually
This position is a Pay Band 55
Posting Details
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, nationally significant local landmark, and destination for anyone who wants to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico, the dynamics that have shaped our state, and the relationships that connect our region with the rest of the world.
Located on the north side of the Plaza in Santa Fe, the Museum’s campus consists of three buildings with a total area of 140,000 square feet. Annual visitation is estimated to be approximately 80,000, including out-of-state tourists, New Mexico residents, and school groups. The Palace Press is a special program operated by the Museum’s department of curation and exhibits.
https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Why does the job exist?
This position provides critical skills in support of the Palace Press which is an integral part of the New Mexico History Museum and is physically located within the historic Palace of the Governors. As directed by the Palace Press curator, the position is involved with all aspects of the Press. These include, but are not limited to, safe operation and maintenance of historic letterpress and book art equipment within the shop, assisting with design and production of printed products, meeting with Museum visitors, answering public inquiries and research questions, and training volunteers. The position will also assist with development, fabrication, and installation of other Museum programs and exhibitions that are not directly related to the Press.
How does it get done?
This position provides essential support for day-to-day Palace Press operations and the interpretive, collection, and educational programs of the New Mexico History Museum.
Key responsibilities include:
(a) maintenance and operation of letterpress printing equipment, hand-setting metal and wood type and make-ready operations
(b) Digital design; preparing designs for photopolymer plates
(c) organizing and coordinating publication projects
(d) exhibition production (cutting mats, glass and Plexiglas, frame fabrication, installing frame hardware) assisting with gallery preparation and installation, and project printing
(e) engaging with museum visitors, working with volunteers, maintaining and ordering supplies, answering inquiries, and other duties as assigned
Who are the customers?
This position directly supports the Palace Press Curator, other staff curators, collections staff, and educators of the New Mexico History Museum, exhibition designers and technicians, and ultimately the visiting public.
Ideal Candidate
(a) A degree in Applied Arts, including classes in art, design, book arts, letterpress printing, manual arts, and/or museology
(b) Knowledge of letterpress equipment and maintenance, specifically Vandercook and platen press operation, safe usage of guillotine paper cutter and board shears, printing with handset metal and wood type
(c) Comfortable with technology and computers, and associated design applications
(d) Comfortable working in a public-facing environment and interacting with the public, including presenting press demonstrations
(e) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to meet deadlines
Minimum Qualification
High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years experience applying archival principles, preservation methods and techniques to exhibits for conservation and aesthetic purposes. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are typical of fabrication shops, museum galleries, and storage areas for museum collections. Most work is conducted in rooms within a comfortable range of temperature and humidity. Shop spaces can include exposure to toxic materials, dust, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment. Work requires extensive standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and some ladder usage. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Work can include repetitive actions and motions.
Work is conducted in a hybrid print shop/studio/gallery environment as part of the Palace Press at the New Mexico History Museum. The facility is housed in the Place of the Governors, a historic adobe building located on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Palace Press serves as a working example of letterpress operations reflecting the highest standards of the printing trade, including the proper set-up, adjustment and operation of various kinds of printing presses and operations, regular use of ink, paper, solvents, etc., and a variety of cutting tools. A familiarity with historic typefaces and their uses is essential. The Palace Press is an educational environment and interaction with the visiting public is a regular aspect of the workspace.
Vandercook press room.jpeg
