Preparator (open rank) at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Preparator for Exhibitions, this role provides manual labor support and assistance in packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transportation, installation, deinstallation and related tasks for all artwork in featured and permanent exhibitions both inside the museum and on the museum grounds. Candidates should be skilled in two or more areas of specialization, such as framing, mount-making, A/V equipment, carpentry, or handling of oversized artwork, while maintaining standard planning, preparation, design, and installation of museum exhibits, art collections, or other display materials. The successful candidate will design and construct display materials and coordinate the packing, moving, maintenance, and safety of artwork with minimal oversight.





Qualifications & Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities

• Assists Senior Preparator, Registrar or Curator in planning, design, installation, and de-installation of art, condition reports or other exhibits for public display.
  
• Designs and constructs packing and storage solutions, display accessories, and related items as needed
  
• Packs, moves, and maintains collections; researches and implements efficient packing and display methods.
  
• Maintains appropriate installation and maintenance documentation as required.

• May lead, guide, and train staff employees, interns, and/or volunteers in performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of interns as directed.
  
• Proficient with all aspects of installation and collection rotations in permanent gallery spaces, temporary gallery spaces, and outdoor sculpture trails.
  
• Basic understanding of preventative maintenance care.
  
• Handles loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.
  
• Stages artwork for viewings by Registration and Curatorial.
  
• Prepares housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes. Coordinates the matting and framing of artwork for exhibition. Assists with the care and cleanliness of all casework and platforms throughout the museum facility on a regular basis.
  
• Participates in the maintenance and inventory of materials, tools and equipment.
  
• Helps to maintain an organized, clean, and functional working prep space.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
  
• Proficiency with basic hand tools, power tools, and wood shop equipment
  
• Knowledge of art and art history
  
• Excellent attention to detail
  
• Communication skills
  
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to manage project load

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of museum, gallery, or installation experience preferred (rank commensurate with experience)

With regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move collection objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
  
• Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Incumbent must meet a flexible work schedule including evenings, and weekends.