Preparator

Job Title:  Preparator
Reports to:  Head Preparator
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Summary:
The Preparator works in close collaboration with the Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities, and Security staff, and under the supervision of the Head Preparator, to plan, install, de-install, and care for the collection, loans, and temporary exhibitions. The ideal candidate for this role will excel at executing complex installations, working directly with living artists, be self-motivated, skilled at creative problem-solving, and demonstrate calm sound judgment.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Install, De-install, move, pack, and unpack artwork in accordance with museum standards.
  • Adjust and maintain gallery lighting
  • Mount fabrication and framing, as needed.
  • Fabrication of pedestals, fixtures, and other finished structures, as needed.
  • Support the maintenance of galleries and updates to the woodshop, collection storage, and the off-site warehouse.
  • Provide constructive feedback on installation plans regarding feasibility and implementation. 
  • Attend meetings related to exhibition planning and regularly engage in related correspondence, as needed.
  • Work with the Collections and Exhibitions department on maintaining best practices for art handling, storage, packing, and crating.
  • Serve as international and domestic courier as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in a museum, or for other professional art handling companies. 
  • Excellent work ethic, craftsmanship, practical problem solving, creative thinking, embracing collaborative practice, and understanding of team spirit. 
  • Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, collaborators and artists. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy while performing job duties.
  • Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation of various types of artworks.
  • General mount making, fabrication, and construction skills including woodshop and carpentry experience, working knowledge of gallery lighting.
  • Experience operating fork/aerial lifts; have or be willing and able to obtain a lift operator certificate.
  • Excellent mathematics and measuring skills.
  • Ability to read and understand shop drawings, blueprints, and design plans.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for courier trips, installations, conferences, etc.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

  • Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time with limited breaks
  • Ability to use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arm, and reach above shoulder height.
  • The employee is regularly required to climb or balance, squat, kneel, and crouch. 
  • The employee must regularly be able to lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds and move heavy objects as required.
  • Ability to climb ladders, operate mechanical lifts and power tools
  • Ability, mobility, and license to drive a motor vehicle
  • Acute vision, hearing, voice, smell, and sense of touch
  • Employees are required to move about their work area, between buildings and the campus grounds, ascend and descend stairs
  • Must be able to wear PPE when necessary