Title: Preparator
Reports To: Collections Manager
Supervises: Art Handlers
General Purpose:
The Museum Preparator is responsible for all aspects of museum exhibition preparation and installation and helps oversee the safe handling of all works of art in the 21c collection, including incoming and outgoing loans. The position requires a broad variety of experience, flexibility, and demonstrable hands-on abilities with a range of tasks. The Preparator oversees Art Handlers as well as part time contract labor, orders and manages supplies, and contributes to the management of the departmental budget. Exhibition-related tasks include proper art handling, installation and de-installation. It also includes the construction of exhibition furniture, gallery painting, and lighting. In collaboration with the entire museum team, the Preparator acts as a custodian for collection and loaned objects. Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Preparator may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing works for exhibition, shipping and receiving, and other collection-related projects. Must be willing to travel to install and deinstall exhibitions for duration ranging from 1-2 days to 2 weeks. Position also requires driving heavy-duty trucks over long distances and may require occasional work on weekends and evenings as necessary.
Responsibilities

  • Installation, movement, storage and preparation of works of art in galleries and storage areas.
  • Construction of packs/crates based on needs of individual works. Work with Collections Manager to
    determine proper packing materials and requirements.
  • Assist in the retrofitting of previously constructed crates.
  • Packing and unpacking of artworks.
  • Pull works for exhibition and stage them in an efficient and organized manner.


  • Keeping track of Change-out documents.


  • Assess condition and test artworks prior to exhibitions.


  • Loading trucks safely using the correct methods of strapping artwork and organization based on the needs of each load.


  • Working under the guidance of the Registrar and Collections Manager, creating, maintaining, and
    updating related documentation for artworks in the collection, as well as, incoming and outgoing loans.
  • Communicate efficiently and effectively with museum team.
  • Moving crated/packed works on and off trucks.
  • Maintenance of the museum’s workshop and related tools, hardware, and other equipment.



RequirementsSkills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Three to five years of museum or gallery experience.
  • Demonstration of organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to focus on tasks, and ability to
    communicate effectively.
  • Ability to effectively supervise and lead a team of art handlers
  • Ability to follow instructions and to quickly and safely accomplish tasks.
  • Experience with ordering supplies, managing expenses, and understanding annual and monthly budgets.
  • Experience installing a wide variety of artworks, including digital media works.
  • Experience with condition reports.
  • Extensive knowledge of design and construction of museum exhibits; mountmaking principles; lighting concepts and systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; and ADA requirements.
  • Extensive knowledge of art handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights.
  • Extensive knowledge in using the standard tools, practices and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry as well as cabinet work.
  • Experience with the use and application of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
  • Lift and move heavy objects as required
  • Interpret working drawings
  • Participate effectively as a member of a cross-functional team
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum, hotel, and restaurant staff, the general public, and representatives from other museums
  • Explain and carry out methods and procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable art objects.
  • Must be able to pass DOT required physical examinations necessary to acquire a medical examiner’s

certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

  • Experience driving a 26’ truck and both a fork and scissor fork lift.
  • Other duties as needed and required.