Position: Artist Residency Site & Studio Manager
Reports to: Director of Education & Community Engagement
Classification: Exempt, full-time
Mission &Description of the Museum
The Metal Museum is the only institution of its kind dedicated exclusively to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of fine metalwork. Through world-class exhibitions, a renowned permanent collection, working Metals Studios, and innovative educational and community engagement programs, the Museum serves as a center for metal arts. The Museum supports artists, fosters craftsmanship, inspires lifelong learning, and connects diverse audiences with the rich traditions and evolving future of metal arts.
Purpose
The Metal Museum is launching an artist's residency program at its Bluff Campus. This full-time position helps ensure the campus, including the Foundry and Smithy, the artist's residence, and the grounds, remains safe, functional, and welcoming for resident artists and the public. The Artist Residency Site & Studio Manager is responsible for daily site readiness during the campus’ five-day public schedule, including opening and securing the campus gates, monitoring the grounds and public areas, and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs. The Manager serves as the primary on-site studio point of contact for resident artists, supporting them as they work independently and offering safety oversight and technical guidance as needed. They also oversee safety orientation, day-to-day shop oversight, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and manage consumables and supply orders.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
This is a new position for a developing program. The roles and responsibilities of this position will likely evolve over time.
Bluff Campus Grounds, Public Access & Events
- Open the Bluff Campus gates and designated public areas before established public hours and secure the gates, buildings, and public areas at closing.
- Help maintain the Bluff Campus’ regular five-day public schedule by monitoring site readiness, communicating access concerns, and ensuring the designated public areas are available and prepared for visitors.
- Conduct routine inspections of the grounds and other public spaces for litter, damage, hazards, vandalism, or maintenance needs.
- Coordinate routine grounds maintenance, landscaping, contracted services, and approved repairs with Facilities/Operations staff, vendors, and contractors.
- Perform routine grounds upkeep within the established scope of the position, including removing litter, maintaining orderly public areas, cleaning shop bathrooms, and addressing minor site needs.
- Report urgent grounds, building, security, or safety concerns promptly to the Director of Operations and restrict public access to affected areas when necessary.
- May be asked to support Bluff Campus events by coordinating gate and building access, vendor and participant arrivals, parking and loading access, site readiness, basic set-up and breakdown, safety oversight, and post-event closing procedures.
- Coordinate with the staff members responsible for each event regarding schedules, facility needs, visitor access, and division of responsibilities.
Artist Residence Support
- Orient incoming residents to housing amenities, house rules, shared spaces, and security procedures upon arrival.
- Coordinate housing check-in and checkout for resident artists, including documenting the condition of the residence and furnishings, collecting and issuing keys, arranging contracted cleaning and approved repairs, replenishing standard household supplies, reporting damage or policy concerns, and preparing the residence for the next occupant.
- Communicate with incoming residents about studio capabilities, material ordering, local vendors, and what to bring.
- Orient incoming resident artists to studio rules, security procedures, equipment function, and safety guidelines, including safety training documents. Schedule periodic check-ins with resident artists to understand needs, flag safety concerns, and identify equipment or supply issues early.
- Facilitate studio turnover between residents: inspect studio spaces prior to departure, document condition, coordinate cleaning and repairs, and reset spaces before the next arrival.
Studio Operations & Safety
- Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for resident artists regarding studio access, policies, and day-to-day studio use.
- Open and close studios as scheduled; complete daily start-up/shutdown and safety checklists.
- Manage keys/studio access and coordinate studio use schedules and bookings for residents and approved users, as applicable.
- Conduct routine safety and facility checks; ensure PPE, ventilation, and safety systems are in place and functioning.
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and help ensure safe handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of materials and chemicals.
- Maintain cleaning and organization protocols to keep studios tidy, functional, and welcoming.
- Address unsafe behavior immediately and keep the Director of Education & Community Engagement informed of any incidents.
- Fill out incident forms for any incidents reported via visiting artists, volunteers, or vendors.
Equipment, Tools, Supplies & Maintenance
- Oversee the Metal Studios commissary inventory and resident supply and consumable purchases.
- Maintain an accurate list of studio equipment and capacities for the Smithy and Foundry Studios on the Bluff Campus.
- Develop and follow a preventative maintenance schedule; document maintenance, service dates, and repairs.
- Troubleshoot common equipment issues and coordinate vendor/contractor repairs as needed in collaboration with the Director of the Metal Studios. Identify and recommend tooling, equipment, and studio improvements based on documented operational needs, safety considerations, approved program goals, and resident feedback.
- Obtain required budget and technical approvals before purchasing, modifying, or installing equipment. Coordinate installation through appropriately qualified Museum staff, vendors, or contractors.
- Track consumables and shared materials; maintain basic inventory lists and submit order requests to the Director of Education & Community Engagement. Coordinate deliveries and pickups; communicate purchasing needs and assist with procurement as assigned.
Documentation, Coordination & Site Support
- Maintain clear documentation of daily operations (daily checklists, maintenance logs, incident/near-miss reports, inventories, training records) and share regular updates with the Director of Education & Community Engagement.
- Serve as a point of contact for vendors needing access to the campus for repairs, day-to-day operations, and deliveries.
- Provide occasional on-call support for urgent studio/site issues (after-hours safety concerns, leaks, power issues).
- Assist in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Bluff Campus Studios; update as equipment, layouts, or policies change.
- Support residency public-facing moments (open studios, talks, small events) by helping with studio readiness, basic set-up and breakdown, and safety oversight as needed.
- Coordinate with Facilities/Operations staff and contractors for building and grounds maintenance, studio infrastructure repairs, and access needs. Facilitate contracted cleaning of residence, both regularly scheduled cleaning and turnover between resident artists.
- Manage inventory and availability of shared toiletries and cleaning supplies in the studios and residence.
- Collaborate with the Event Coordinator to ensure event grounds are properly prepared and ready for vendor and event setup.
Institutional Responsibilities
- Support the Museum’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. Commit to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, cooperation, and openness to others’ perspectives.
- Represent the Museum at various programs and functions, including, but not limited to, receptions, lectures, and artist talks.
- Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, greeting guests, monitoring building cleanliness, and assisting with Bluff Campus events.
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and/or sit for long periods of time. They must have physical dexterity and the ability to carefully handle objects, as well as the ability to lift and move items of various weights and sizes. The position occasionally requires lifting and/or moving objects weighing up to 50 lbs. This role works in active metal studios and will be exposed to heat, noise, dust, fumes, and moving equipment. The Manager must model safe practices, use required PPE and help maintain a culture where residents can work confidently and responsibly.
Qualifications & Qualities of the Ideal Candidate
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 2+ years of professional experience in a metal studio or fabrication environment is required.
- Experience working in an artist residency, community studio, or arts nonprofit is preferred.
- Working knowledge of at least two of the following areas: forging/smithing, welding/fabrication, or casting/foundry processes.
- Comfort enforcing safety rules with consistency and clarity in a shared workspace.
- Experience with basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; ability to communicate clearly with vendors/contractors when outside repair is needed.
- Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills (inventories, maintenance logs, basic tracking for supplies).
- Clear communication skills and a service-oriented approach to supporting resident artists.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Experience managing hazardous materials and coordinating hazardous waste disposal with an outside vendor.
- Experience tracking consumable use and ordering supplies.
Hours, Compensation, and Benefits
The regular schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00PM. This role is intended to be scheduled at approximately 37.5 hours per week with 30-minute lunch breaks. The schedule is intended to support the Bluff Campus’ five-day public operating schedule and includes responsibility for opening the campus before public hours and securing it after closing. The schedule may occasionally shift to accommodate resident arrivals and departures, Museum events, maintenance needs, and other campus operations. Occasional evening, or Sunday work may be required, with the schedule adjusted or additional hours compensated in accordance with Museum policy. Starting salary is $50,000. Salary is contingent on experience and ability.
Benefits include health insurance and a 3% Simple IRA employer match after 2 years of employment. The Manager may use the Bluff Campus Metal Studios for personal work outside scheduled work hours. Off-duty use must not interfere with resident access, studio schedules, or safety requirements. Personal projects are expected to use personal materials/consumables unless otherwise approved.
On-site housing may be available and is subject to a rental fee. Housing is governed by a separate written occupancy agreement and housing policy. Acceptance of housing does not place the employee continuously on duty. Any assigned after hours response responsibilities, response expectations, and timekeeping requirements will be established separately in writing.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@metalmusuem.org with Artist Residency Site & Studio Manager on the subject line. Please, no phone calls.
The Metal Museum is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
