Lead Preparator, Bentonville, AR - posted 8/10/10

Please visit http://crystalbridges.org/jobs/ to apply.


Lead Preparator
Location: Bentonville, AR Department: Collections Management
Type: Full Time Experience: Experienced
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Position Summary
The Lead Preparator is responsible for the layout, installation, and preparation of art objects for all museum exhibitions. This position will determine art preparation needs, and will plan, schedule, and follow a timeline to meet exhibition program deadlines. The Lead Preparator will assist in the budget planning for exhibitions and collection-rotations and will be responsible for working within the approved exhibition and collection-rotation budgets. This position will supervise one or more positions and/or interns.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Plans the physical installation and preparation of museum exhibitions, as well as the installation and deinstallation of the Permanent Collection, including the movement of artwork, packing, crating and receiving of artwork.
• Perform the physical preparation of artwork and exhibition spaces including matting and framing; casework preparation, carpentry, construction, or purchase; art object mount-making; object label production; vinyl and didactic mounting.
• In conjunction with the Registrar establish and implement proper procedures for handling of artwork to ensure the safety of artwork and its successful installation and regularly schedule and conduct art handling and object care training for staff.
• Install and maintain exhibit signage/graphics.
• Adjust and maintains gallery lighting.
• In conjunction with the Registrar, manage and maintain outdoor sculpture.
• Research, develop, and evaluate object installation needs in determining costs/budgets for object preparation, gallery preparations, photography, art handling, and display furniture and fixtures.
• Maintain workshop area including organization and ordering of supplies and materials.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment and, ensure adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the operation of the preparation studio, its workshop, and in the handling of art
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist in the monitoring of environmental conditions and artwork in galleries and in storage
• Assist in the planning, trouble shooting and implementation of a collections storage
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans worldwide.
• Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:

• B.A. in an art related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of art handling procedures for two and three dimensional art object in a variety of materials, sizes and weights including the rigging and movement of art.
• In-depth knowledge of museum quality packing, crating and framing.
• Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; also proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
• Some knowledge of computerized database systems, preferably TMS (The Museum System) preferred
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office software to include: Outlook, Word, Excel.

Work Experience:

• Five or more years of art handling, fabrication, installation, and preparatory experience in a museum environment.

An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Certified to drive a forklift

Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm about being a member of a team developing a major new art museum with a strong visitor-centered community dynamic.
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have excellent attendance and punctuality.

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 collection 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 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. On 24-hour emergency call by telephone and/or cell phone required. Incumbent must meet a flexible work schedule including evenings, and weekends and available on-call for emergencies

Compensation
Crystal Bridges offers competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Procedure
To be considered for candidacy for this position, submit cover letter and resume online or to Human Resources, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, P.O. Box 1169 Bentonville, AR 72712-1169. If submitting by mail, please reference Lead Preparator position opening. No phone calls please.
The successful applicant will be required to pass a routine background and consumer credit check and drug screening.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Thank you,
Aleesha Nissen
Assistant Registrar
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art