UAP | Urban Art Projects believes incredible things don"t just happen; they"re created, nurtured, believed in. Spanning art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – UAP works with artists and creatives to make incredible things all over the world. Visit uapcompany.com for more information.
UAP collaborates with emerging and renowned artists, architects, developers, and designers; to deliver creative outcomes for the public realm. We engage in all aspects of the delivery process from curatorial services and design development, through to fabrication and installation.
The UAP Preservation department is a rapidly growing service offering within the multinational fabrication company UAP. The department offers conservation and preservation services to a broad range of clients, not limited to but including artists, commercial galleries, private and public institutions, private collections, municipalities and developers. The department also supports the broader UAP company internally across the business development, project management and production teams, to provide ongoing Preservation knowledge that can inform best practices for the company.
Role Description
The Preservation Technician is a key part of the growing UAP Preservation team. The role will be an active participant and collaborator in the ongoing growth and development of the Preservation department, working closely with the other technicians, conservators, studio manager, and broader foundry staff to deliver preservation projects through the examination, assessment, and treatment of object-based modern and contemporary artworks.
The ideal candidate will hold a strong working knowledge of modern and contemporary outdoor sculpture and/or public and monumental art fabrication, finishing and foundry processes. Knowledge of industrial and automotive coatings, paint finishes and/or fiberglass materials and techniques would be especially helpful. Crating and knowledge of best practice handling and packing for fabricated sculpture and contemporary art is a plus. The Technician will collaborate with other Preservation staff, and guide junior technicians and interns within the department, while also promoting and demonstrating safe working practices, and effective communication both within the department and broader UAP teams.
Priorities for the Technician will be to receive incoming and prepare outgoing artworks for shipping, including but not limited to studio area preparation, un-crating and re-crating, documentation and/or packing of artworks. Co-ordination and movement of large, fragile objects is required, and forklift skills would be advantageous. Artwork examination, and preparation of treatment proposal drafts and estimates in collaboration with the other department team members and UAP Estimators. The technician will be expected to carry out in-house and onsite examination and treatment of artworks in conversation with the department director, studio manager, conservators, technicians and Foundry team members. In addition to hands-on work, they will also need to record and capture notes during treatment from Preservation and other UAP department activities for inclusion in outgoing treatment reports.
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years' experience within a fabrication or foundry setting and hold an interest in art conservation and/or preservation. The position requires a track record working on numerous projects concurrently in a calm and efficient manner; knowledge of outdoor and/or metal sculpture fabrication and finishing techniques, proven high-level time-management and communication abilities; and a strong orientation toward collaborative teamwork with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Participation in mentoring junior department team members and interns is expected.
Qualifications
- Applicants should have at least 5 years of practical experience
- Applicants must have experience working with a diverse array of metal alloys along with other typical sculpture fabrication materials and associated techniques of repair (welding, casting, fabrication, finishing)
- Must possess a strong knowledge of art materials, methods, and degradation, and have a significant conservation treatment record for three-dimensional and mixed media contemporary artwork that demonstrates excellence in the field
- Previous experience in and comfortability with outdoor sculpture maintenance such as routine cleanings, removal of organic materials and/or graffiti, and application of waxes or other coatings
- Previous experience in art handling, installation, and rigging
- Experience in packing artworks, crate design, and pallet construction. Knowledge of archival art packing materials and their applications
- Clear commitment to respectful collaboration, listening to other points of view, and finding workable solutions to problems
- Interest in training and mentoring junior staff
- Excellent communication skills, including presentation and interpersonal skills across a diverse range of stakeholders and communities
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment with high net-worth clientele
- Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Suites (e.g., Google Drive, Google Slides, Excel, etc.)
- Interest in and comfortability in fine art foundry and fabrication environments, culture and practices are essential
- Exposure to, experience and/or interest in preservation, restoration and/or conservation-based work is a plus
Requirements
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight
- Ability to work from a ladder and scaffolding
- Experience with fork lift and sculpture lift and/or willingness to learn
- Willingness to work outdoor as needed
Pay Range
$26.44/hr - $37.02/hr
Benefits
UAP offers competitive compensation based on experience and skills. In addition, we offer avenues for professional growth within the company. UAP offers a generous comprehensive health and wellness benefits package offering medical, dental and vision plans, along with flexible spending plans for both medical and dependent care, commuter and transit plans. We have an employee assistance program. A retirement savings plan with 4% matching contribution. Company paid short-term and long-term disability coverage along with life insurance coverage. Paid holidays, paid time off and paid sick leave.

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