THE GRACE MUSEUM

JOB DESCRIPTION: PREPARATOR
Date Updated and Approved: December 21, 2011


JOB CATEGORY: Full Time, Salary Exempt

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Preparator is accountable to the Chief Curator and the Executive Director and works with the Registrar.

AUTHORITY: The Preparator has the authority to carry out the duties of the office within the framework of the bylaws, policies, plans, and budget approved by the Board of Trustees.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The Preparator is employed by the Executive Director in consultation with the Executive Committee and is subject to the personnel policies set by the Board for such period as the working agreement is mutually satisfactory to employer and employee.

JOB SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Preparator performs a broad range of preparatory duties including exhibition installation/de-installation and exhibition maintenance, as well as collections management duties including assisting in processing accessions and deaccessions, permanent collection inventory and collections storage organization.

STRATEGIC JOB DESCRIPTION
1. Your first priority – Is to achieve the organization’s purpose.
2. Your second priority – Is to help others achieve the organization’s purpose.
3. Your third priority – Is to carry out your job function.

Specific Job Responsibilities and Duties:

Preparatory responsibilities and duties:
> Works with Chief Curator on exhibition layout
> Installs and de-installs all permanent and temporary exhibitions. Installation may require carpentry, paneling, painting, cases, partitions, bases, suspended objects, flooring, electrical wiring, lighting, plastics, didactics, graphics, labels, photos, mount making, setting up audio-visual equipment including interactive videos and computers, etc.
> Provides preventative maintenance and repair to all exhibits. Ensures the continuing proper performance of all audio-visual, interactive and computer-aided displays. Promptly troubleshoots and repairs malfunctioning equipment or damaged exhibit material
> Works with the Registrar to maintain displayed art and artifacts in proper environment and to eliminate risk to art and artifacts
> Maintain and repair permanent exhibitions throughout the facility including Children’s Museum and the history gallery.
> Pack or unpack objects according to museum standards for transport and storage
> Occasionally assist with transport of art or history objects
> Assist Registrar with organization of permanent collections storage
> Maintain preparatory work spaces and orders curatorial supplies as needed

Collections responsibilities and duties:
> Works with Registrar to inventory and document permanent collection objects and exhibit furniture/props
> Works with Registrar to condition report art and history objects
> Works with Registrar to catalog and inventory backlog of acquisitions
> Assists Registrar in overseeing and working with interns
> Assists Registrar with processing new acquisitions
> Assists Registrar with preparing loan documentation when necessary
> Process deaccessions from the permanent collection
> Implements the Collections Management Policy
> Works with the Chief Curator and Registrar on major collections storage renovation

Other:
> Participate in professional development when available
> Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Education/ Experience
> Bachelor’s degree and three years professional experience in art handling, exhibition installation or in a related field required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
> Experience with current technology utilized in the museum field

Skills /Abilities:
> Demonstrates knowledge of standard museum procedures
> Possesses outstanding organizational skills as well as flexibility
> Possesses good interpersonal skills and self-motivation
> Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills
> Must be a team player with ability to work independently
> Knowledge of power tools, fabrication materials, installation and lighting techniques
> Ability to lift 50 lbs.
> Basic computer skills required: Microsoft Office and Past Perfect experience is desirable
> Driver’s license required


To apply for this position, send a letter of interest, resume and 3 professional references to finance@thegracemuseum.org. Send in application by January 13, 2012 for best consideration, but position is open until filled.

The Grace Museum welcomes referrals and nominations for this position.

The Grace Museum
102 Cypress Street
Abilene, Texas 79601
325.673.4587
www.thegracemuseum.org


Mission Statement
The Grace Museum builds connections through new experiences in art, science and history within the evolving Texas story through exhibitions, programs and collection.