[TheForge] Foundry Operations Manager @ The Metal Museum

[Dave Mudge]

This is a wonderful job opportunity for the right person.
If you haven't visited the Metal Museum you should consider making a
weekend trip.
It is impressive...
dave m
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Metal Museum
Job Description - Foundry Operations Manager

Reports to: Shop Foreman

Purpose
To develop and manage a robust foundry program, including classes,
demonstrations,
commissions and museum line product development.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities
* Generate revenue through foundry activities, including commissions,
classes, special
events and product line.
* Estimate and complete commissions for clients.
* Work with Project Coordinator to invoice and communicate with clients.
* Work with Membership/Outreach Manager to develop and teach foundry
classes and
workshops and to provide hands-on activities (scratch blocks, bowls, etc.)
at special
events.
* Conduct regularly scheduled casting demonstrations, as well as periodic
iron pours.
* Work with the Museum Store Manager to determine the type, quantity and
retail value of
items for the product line and develop molds, patterns and other tools to
produce
product line.
* Track and report material usage and order materials, including, but not
limited to, gas,
resin bond / petro bond sand, consumable supplies, aluminum, bronze and
iron.
* Assist in developing annual budget and review with Shop Foreman on a
monthly basis.
* Coordinate part-time foundry employee(s), volunteers and foundry
artists-in-resident.
* Identify and recommend shop improvements.
* Foster relationships with local and regional art and metals programs to
secure interns
and develop collaborative projects.
* Maintain the foundry by keeping it clean and organized and report damaged
or broken
equipment.


Qualifications
Education: MFA or equivalent experience with a focus on metal casting.
Experience: A minimum of three years of foundry experience.
Skills/Abilities: The ideal candidate has a proven working knowledge of:
* Pattern making and modeling
* Bronze, aluminum and iron casting
* Petro bonded and resin bonded sand molds
* Operation of gas furnaces and coke fired cupolas
* Chasing, finishing and patination processes
* Building, maintaining and repairing casting equipment
Other:
* Ability to adapt to changing technologies, materials and processes
* Friendly and willing to interact and educate Museum visitors
* Able to communicate clearly and concisely

Benefits
Benefits include health insurance and a Simple IRA employer match after 2
years of
employment. The Foundry Operations Manager will have access to the Lawler
Foundry for
personal projects as outlined in the Metals Shop Usage Policy. Access to
the blacksmith shop
and conservation lab for personal projects will be granted by special
permission and may incur
shop charges as outlined in the Metals Shop Usage Policy.


The Lawler Foundry
The Lawler Foundry on the grounds of the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
was made
possible by a generous donation from the Lawler Foundry in Birmingham,
Alabama. The
facility is key to furthering the mission of the Museum by educating the
public as well as artists
in metal casting techniques, and producing high-quality castings for the
Museum gift store
product line and commissions.

The standard molding medium is green sand (Petro-Bond) prepared on site and
capable of
very high detail and finish quality. Resin bonded sand is used when
required. Bronze and
aluminum are the metals typically cast, but the Museum has a small cupola
for cast iron.

The space is 784 square feet, with 476 square feet dedicated to the
molding, casting,
classroom and green sand processing area. The remainder is for storage,
finishing and
special projects.
Besides access to the tools in the blacksmithing/fabrication shop and
conservation lab, the
Museum also has a woodworking shop with somewhat limited tooling that can
support pattern
work.

Equipment and materials specific to the foundry includes:
* A minimum of 800# of prepared petro-bond molding sand
* Storage for 1000#+ pounds of sand for resin sand molds.
* Sand muller - 150# capacity for processing green sand.
* Johnson Gas Appliance Co. crucible furnace capable of handling up to a
No. 20
crucible.
* Small naturally-aspirated furnace (#8 crucible capacity) for small
aluminum castings.
* 17" diameter cupola - app. 120# tap, located outside.
* 1/2 ton capacity bridge crane in the molding/casting area.
* International jolt-squeezer - 16" dia. squeeze cylinder.
* 2 pneumatic bench rammers.
* Assorted green sand molding hand tools.
* On-site built and commercial flasks from jewelry size to 30" x 30".
* An awesome weathervane on the roof and the best view of the Mississippi
River
anywhere.


Application Procedures

To be considered for this position, please submit the following by April 1,
2014 (deadline has
been extended).
* A resume, including a specific 'technical skills' section as it relates
to this foundry
position.
* Up to 20 images of current work.
* A contact list of three references.

Please submit materials to:

Carissa Hussong
Executive Director
Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum Drive
Memphis, TN 38106
info at metalmuseum.org


For more information, please contact Carissa Hussong at
carissa at metlamuseum.org
or 901-774-6380.