Lead Preparator at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art&Design
The Lead Preparator works under the supervision of the Director of Exhibitions to assist in the organization, management and installation of exhibitions at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, Inc. (“SAM”). Responsibilities include supervision of contractors, overall project management, assisting with the development of annual project budgets and collaborating with curators, artists and the SAM staff to plan and execute exhibition projects. The Lead Preparator oversees the safe and careful handling, maintenance and overall stewardship of all objects placed within the Museum's care. Given the diverse scope of SAM's exhibition program, encompassing conventional and experimental art forms, the Lead Preparator will perform various tasks related to planning, construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions. This is a full-time onsite position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working closely with the Curatorial Department and artists to execute all aspects of exhibition production, including, but not limited to, attending meetings, planning and establishing a production schedule, leading installation teams, identifying vendors, providing installation renderings, designing and fabricating exhibition furniture and monitoring deadlines and budgets.
Collaborate with Director of Exhibitions to set punch lists and departmental tasks by crew members and contractors.
Develop gallery maintenance procedures with Director of Exhibitions and maintain all gallery spaces, workspaces and artworks on display.
Ensure adherence to the Museum's care and safe handling standards by all team members, employing best practices.
Oversee receiving, releasing, loading and unloading shipments of art as assigned. Direct crews in safe loading and unloading of trucks.
Maintain and replenish inventory of supplies and materials for packing and installation.
Work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
Effectively relate to and collaborate with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel.
Foster a collegial and synergistic environment, contributing to the development of department staff at all skill levels.
Display creativity in solving technical problems and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
Attend all mandatory safety and equipment training sessions. Comply with and uphold safety standards for all equipment use.
Operate fork/aerial lifts.
Participate in billing and accounting duties per exhibition or project as assigned.
Collaborate closely with other departments, particularly Facilities and Security, to provide continued assistance to the greater museum and compliance with all mandatory regulations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience in multi-media and AV installation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe CS, Sketchup and or other relevant Exhibition Design Software.
Rigging experience and relevant certification to use forklifts, personnel lifts and other motorized equipment.
Knowledge of contemporary art.
Advanced knowledge of museum best practices, including the safe handling, care and installation of all art objects, installation hardware and gallery lighting.
Advanced fabrication and construction skills; extensive experience working with hand, mechanical and power tools.
Excellent manual dexterity and visual acuity skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask on a variety of concurrent projects. Effectively manage details as well as the larger scope of any given project.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum:
High school diploma or equivalent
Five years of experience in museum preparation or related field, including professional artist studio practices and galleries
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