Job Description:
Reporting to the Head Preparator, the Senior Preparator for Exhibitions assists with all technical aspects of museum-quality art handling related to exhibitions and the maintenance of art objects in the Museum buildings and on the grounds, including: receiving, shipping, packing, framing, mounting and storage. This position assists with the maintenance of exhibition spaces, shop areas, and storage areas. The Senior Preparator for Exhibitions is responsible for leading installations of temporary exhibitions of all sizes and managing a focus team concentrating on exhibition preparation and the care and installation of loans to the Museum.


Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
• Under the supervision of the Head Preparator, act as project leader for specific projects in varying disciplines of exhibition preparation, including lighting design mount making, and providing recommendations for casework. Project management includes planning, scheduling, contractor oversight, and ordering inventory of necessary materials.
• Under general supervision by the Head Preparator, the Senior Preparator for Exhibitions is responsible for the assignment and management of projects and tasks on his or her focus team.
• Work with Exhibition Planning, Exhibition Design, Curatorial, Registration, and Facilities to manage all aspects of special exhibition installation throughout the Museum.
• Develop installation/deinstallation schedule for special exhibitions (in consultation with exhibition registrar) and codify schedule for share-out with Art Management, Curatorial, and Design.
• Work with visiting artists or studio assistants to realize site-specific artist installations.
• Coordinate the installation and maintenance of outdoor sculpture loans in conjunction with the Head Preparator and Trails & Grounds.
• Manage all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Manage the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
• Assist registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing loans of artwork, objects, and artifacts.
• Under the direction of the Head Preparator and in consultation with Registration, design (and fabricate as necessary) safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for temporary storage and transportation purposes.
• Ensure the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
• Work with Exhibition Design and Curatorial to implement exhibition lighting.
• Coordinate the matting and framing of artwork for exhibition purposes.
• Coordinate mountmaking for loans and permanent collection objects.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and supervise installation.
• Supervise departmental staff, independent contractors, and interns, as assigned.
• Keep apprised of approved and current art handling, packing and crating, and safety standards as well as basic conservation guidelines for the care of artwork.
• Participate in professional development to expand knowledge and become an authority on best practices and standards in the field.
• Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Art Management department and museum functions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in an art related field
• Skilled and knowledgeable in regards to art-handling procedures and installation techniques for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of media, sizes and weights
• Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
• Ability to lead a team and to delegate effectively to direct reports.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
Work Experience
• Minimum of 5 years museum or gallery experience in art handling, exhibition installation, packing and storage.
• Minimum of 1 year proven supervisory and management experience.
In 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
Skills and Abilities
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team during projects and on a daily basis.
• Highly motivated and goal oriented.
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
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 art 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, workshop 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. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.

Rate of Pay: $49,520 - $66,200 FT/exempt
All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. Crystal Bridges requires all employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, or meet Arkansas state requirements, subject to accommodations. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.
Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.