Senior Preparator - Saint Louis Art Museum

JOB DESCRIPTION: Senior Preparator


REPORTS TO: Director of Art Preparation & Installation

SUPERVISES: Preparators and Collections Care Assistants as assigned by the Director of Art Preparation.

SPECIFICATIONS: BA/BS/BFA preferred. Required: high school diploma, 3 years’ experience in exhibit installation and art preparation or equivalent experience with museum or gallery work. Knowledge of current museum professional standards and best practices for handling works of art, collections care, installation of art objects, archival and artistic materials, technical skills in construction fabrication, the use of tools and equipment, and experience with computer database systems, preferably TMS (The Museum System). Job requires good communication skills, ability to collaborate, attention to detail. Physical activity such as lifting, crouching, kneeling and use of ladders.


JOB PURPOSE: To provide for the safe handling, storage, movement, and installation of all types of works of art. Supervision and oversight of API department as directed by the Director of Art Preparation & Installation.


DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED:

• Assists, coordinates, and implements API projects as assigned by the Director of API; Assists in organizing, scheduling, and oversight of projects to ensure that the API department has the appropriate information and calendars are adequately updated. Oversee that projects are completed and within designated schedules.

• Communicates effectively with Director of API, within department, Collections Division, and Museum staff; Provides status updates on projects, personnel and staffing, materials and equipment, for efficient and safe project completion. Attends meetings as assigned and provides input and summaries to Director of API.

• Install / de-install works of art in galleries as required for all permanent collection artworks, exhibitions, loans, gallery rotations and other projects as assigned for the Museum.

• Assist in scheduling, coordination and facilitation for the movement of art objects within the Museum campus, offsite storage, and outside constituents under the direction of the Director of API for the purposes of gallery installations and rotations, acquisition/de-acquisition meetings, packing and shipping, photography, conservation, scholar examinations, and other projects as assigned.

• Ensure works of art are properly identified and that accurate locations for all art movement is entered accordingly within the Museum’s database system. Prepare, coordinate and assist with annual collections inventorying and auditing to confirm status of collection locations.

• Appropriately store and secure artworks within Museum storage areas for short- and long-term preservation. Including storage housing fabrication, stabilization, and to facilitate safe handling and movement to/from storage. Maintain and organize storage spaces for efficiency and proper art handling for museum staff.

• Prepare platforms, pedestals/plinths, and casework, for installation of works of art on display in the Museum’s galleries. Ensure they are appropriate for display, monitored and maintained. Prepare exhibition furniture for display by reviewing that casework is approved to aid in the installation, display and preservation of works of art.

• Organize crates, packing containers and/or materials, and equipment within onsite and off-site storage as well as existing crates and other packing containers and/or other materials.

• Works with the Director of API to maintain up-to-date methods and assist in the continued development and improvement of installation procedures, storage organization and art movement. Develop familiarity with the collection and assist in recording specialized handling or installation needs for various works of art.

• Other projects not outlined could be assigned.

The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.

If interested please submit resume and application: https://www.slam.org/careers-opportu...pen-positions/