Job Description
Job Title:
Museum Preparator #13652
Job ID:
13652
Location: Main Campus-Berkeley
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Department
Regular/Temporary:
PA Hearst Mus of Anthropology
Temporary

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Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: March 30, 2012
Departmental Overview
The Museum was founded in 1901 by Phoebe Apperson Hearst, a visionary who saw the Hearst as the cultural cornerstone of one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Today, the Hearst Museum houses the oldest and largest anthropological collection in the Western U.S., preserving and interpreting a global record of material culture as represented by more than 3.8 million cataloged objects. The Museum aims to promote the history and diversity of human cultures through research, education, exhibitions and public programs.

The Phoebe Hearst Museum has received funds to relocate a substantial portion of its ethnographic and archaeological collections from campus to its off-site storage facility in Richmond. The Preparator’s role is critical in selecting, packing, unpacking and shelving objects in their new location at the museum’s off-site storage facility. Working with the Project Assistant, Senior Preparator and permanent museum staff, the incumbent will help organize and prepare collections in anticipation of the move, assist in the physical move as needed and in reshelving the objects in their new location.
Responsibilities
Object Packing & Location Tracking
Select, evaluate, pack & stabilize objects for travel; based on knowledge & training determine safest, most efficient method to pack and palletize a variety of objects made of both organic and inorganic materials; may assist in the fabrication of travel and/or storage mounts; load boxed objects onto pallets paying careful attention to weight, fragility and size of each object; shrink-wrap packed pallets; label all packed boxes and generate pallet lists; assist in the design of and help build safe travel systems for bulky/oversized objects. Once in new location unpack and shelve objects into predetermined storage locations & track new location.

Administrative Duties
Assist Project Manager in labeling packed objects & pallets and in tracking all location changes.

Working with other project staff, organize and maintain packing and staging areas for move; regularly clean and remove trash from work areas; monitor use of supplies and notify project manager of needs.
Required Qualifications
- Patience and attention to detail
- Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
- Ability to be punctual and dependable
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Manual dexterity/ability to carefully carry and handle museum objects
- Ability to safely climb and descend stairs carrying museum objects
- Ability to climb and descend a step ladder to safely retrieve or place objects in storage units
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Must be able and willing to drive the museum’s van
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous museum collections handling experience, preferably in an ethnographic or archaeological museum
- Ability to assess artifact condition and determine the best approach for handling fragile objects
Salary & Benefits
Monthly: $2273 -$2331
Annual: $27,276 - $27,972
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single attachment when applying.
Driving Required
A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.
Other Information
This is a full-time 18-month position which is not subject to career conversion under Article 31, Positions/Appointments in the UC-UPTE Agreement, Section 3c.
Criminal Background Check
This position has been designated as sensitive and may require a Criminal Background Check. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.