Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer

Overview

The Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) at Utah State University seeks a part-time skilled Museum Photographer & Artwork Installer to document the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and gallery installations and to occasionally assist with the safe installation and deinstallation of artwork.

This position combines professional studio photography, digital image processing, art handling, and exhibition installation. The successful candidate will produce high-quality, color-accurate images for research, teaching, publication, reproduction, and collections management while ensuring the safe handling and installation of artwork in accordance with museum standards. The position works closely with the collections and exhibitions team, which includes registration, curatorial, and art installers.

Responsibilities

1. Collection and Exhibition Photography (80%)

• Photograph two- and three-dimensional artworks, including paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and mixed-media objects.
• Photograph gallery installations, special exhibitions, and artworks in exhibition settings.
• Set up and operate professional cameras, macro lenses, studio lighting, strobes, and color-calibration equipment.
• Develop appropriate lighting and composition strategies based on each object’s materials, dimensions, surface characteristics, and photographic requirements.
• Coordinate photography schedules and requests with the Director of Exhibitions and Collections.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to image capture, lighting, and photographic equipment.

2. Digital Image Processing and Management (10%)

• Process images using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or comparable software to prepare files for print, digital reproduction, research, and archival use.
• Maintain color accuracy and image quality in accordance with museum standards.
• Follow established digital imaging workflows, including file naming, metadata entry, quality control, and file organization.
• Maintain accurate photographic records and prepare image files for archival storage and authorized use.

3. Artwork Handling and Installation (10%)

• Assist with the installation and deinstallation of artworks for exhibitions, collection rotations, and other museum activities.
• Safely handle, move, stage, and position artworks in accordance with museum procedures and conservation standards.
• Assist with the installation of artwork using appropriate mounting hardware, tools, lifts, and other equipment, as required and when properly trained and authorized.
• Collaborate with the Collections/Exhibitions team to plan and execute installations that meet exhibition requirements and protect the artwork.
• Identify and communicate potential risks to artwork, personnel, or facilities during handling and installation.
• Coordinate assignments and deadlines effectively and perform related duties in support of the museum’s collections and exhibition programs.
• Follow NEHMA and Utah State University policies, safety procedures, and professional standards for collection care.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience photographing two- and three-dimensional artwork in a professional studio or museum setting.
• Proficiency with professional DSLR or mirrorless cameras, macro lenses, studio lighting, strobes, and color-calibration tools.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or comparable image-processing software.
• Experience handling unique and non-traditional artwork and assisting with exhibition installation and deinstallation, including the use of installation hardware and tools.
• Knowledge of safe art-handling practices and the care of fragile, historical, or valuable objects.
• Experience using Capture One Software.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with museum professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or formal training in photography, fine arts, museum studies, or a related field.
• Experience photographing museum collections or historical artifacts.
• Familiarity with collections databases, digital asset management, and archival imaging workflows.
• Experience operating lifts or other specialized installation equipment, with appropriate training and authorization.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$50.00/hour

ADA

This position requires moderate physical effort. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking and standing. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

titleix@usu.edu

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov

*updated 08/2026