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View Full Version : Chief Preparator- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene, OR



erika.katayama
06-25-2013, 08:06 AM
Chief Preparator
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon

Fixed Term – fulltime
$40,000 to $45,000 salary range
12 month renewable appointment
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, a dynamic public university art museum with a collection of 13,000+ works of art across all media with particular strengths in Asian art (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean), Pacific Northwest art, Russian icons, European and American modern and contemporary art, and growing strength in Latin American art, with an active program of special exhibitions, changing installations, and traveling exhibitions, seeks a Chief Preparator.
The Chief Preparator oversees and participates in all aspects of installation of the permanent collection and exhibitions in the galleries; the packing and crating of works of art; management of the carpentry shop; and all matters pertaining to the safe handling of works of art in the collection and on loan to the Museum. Delegates work assignments among installation staff, and assures the timely completion of all work at the highest level of quality. Collaborates with curators/directors in developing exhibition designs, layout, installation production planning schedules, signage, and other exhibition treatments using the museum’s database and online planning and collaboration tools. Oversees and participates in exhibition implementation including hanging works of art of varying size and weight at varying heights as required, Assists museum registrar in coordinating and implementing the traveling exhibition program. Designs and fabricates bases, pedestals, cases, graphics, and other supports for display of works of art that ensure the safety and attractive display of the objects, with economical and efficient use of materials. Moves works of art of varying sizes and weight in and out of storage areas as needed. Oversees and participates in the design and construction of crates for art transport, working in?house or contracting with outside vendors. Oversees and assists with packing and unpacking shipments of works of art, in consultation with registrar. Assists with preparation of the department’s annual budget and for individual projects.
Supervises assistant preparators, which include students and temporary staff. Assists with monitoring environmental needs in museum galleries and art storage and is responsible for the day-to-day cleaning and maintenance of art on view. Works closely with the building and display media manager with gallery preparations and technical installations. The Chief Preparator’s day to day direct report is to the collection manager.
Essential skills, knowledges, and abilities:
Demonstrated proficiency in handling works of art in a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, textiles, works?on?paper, ceramics, metalwork, glass, stone, and new media, as well as familiarity with the fabrication of exhibition/display furniture and mounts required by such art. Experience in exhibition layout configuration, and in the design and implementation of gallery and exhibition lighting. Sensitivity to sustainable practices in reuse of materials. Position requires strong computer skills using programs relevant to job responsibilities (such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CAD-design and collection management software). Ability and willingness to master new technology as needed. Valid driver’s license. Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage a variety of activities with shifting deadlines. Ability to make independent decisions about problems that arise within the scope of the job’s responsibilities. Strong oral and written communication skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail a must. Proven supervisory skills. Ability to work effectively with museum staff, university departments, and vendors to accomplish goals of the Museum. Familiarity with a university setting preferred.
Job Requirements:
Undergraduate degree from an accredited four?year college or university is required, in a related field is strongly preferred. At least five years’ progressively responsible experience in handling and installation of art required, experience with permanent collections and exhibition?preparation in an art museum is strongly preferred. Supervisory skills with managing students and temporary staff preferred. Employee must be willing and able to rearrange their work schedule or to work overtime including weekends if necessary to accommodate deadlines and priorities.
Special Physical Requirements: Must have physical ability to use diverse hand and power tools (including cabinet and shop equipment of varying sizes and complexity), hydraulic lifts, dollies, etc. Must have good dexterity, hand?eye coordination, and ability to climb and work on ladder for extended periods of time; to reach hands above shoulder level; to move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.); and to stand or walk for a seven hour day.
THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Is located 110 miles south of Portland, and has an enrollment of over 24,000. The Eugene metro area (pop. 213,000) is in a region noted for its dynamic quality of life and progressive cultural environment. We are about an hour’s drive from the Pacific coast and the Cascade mountains. The university is an AAU research institution and a member of the Pac-12 conference. The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. We seek qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity.
Application Procedures:
For full consideration, applicants must submit:


Cover letter, which addresses applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position
Current Resume, which includes dates of employment
Name, phone number and address of three professional references
Please send all documents as an attachment and enter “JSMA-Prep” in the subject line

Finalist must complete a criminal background check.
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials by 5:00 PM on July 14, 2013. The position will remain open until filled. You may submit application materials by email to: kurtn@uoregon.edu (Preferred)
Or by U.S. Postal Service to:
Kurt Neugebauer, Associate Director
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
1223 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1223