Preparator Saint Louis Art Museum 10/27/2020

SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM
ART PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION DEPARTMENT


JOB DESCRIPTION: Preparator (non-exempt, grade G)

REPORTS TO: Head of Art Preparation and Installation

SUPERVISES: No one

SPECIFICATIONS:

BFA, BA, BS or commensurate work and/or educational experience. At least 1-2 years’ experience in exhibit installation, art preparation or equivalent experience in museum or gallery work. Knowledge of professional museum protocols, collections care, installation of fine art, archival and artistic materials, tools and equipment. Job requires good communication skills, ability to collaborate, attention to detail, and the capability to lift heavy objects. Must be able to obtain or possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.

Knowledge of the following is preferred:

· Current museum professional standards and best practices for handling and storage of museum collections.
· Technical skills in basic construction, fabrication, and installation methods.
· Understanding of museum packing and crating methodologies.
· Experience with computerized database systems, preferably TMS (The Museum System).


JOB PURPOSE:

To provide for the safe handling, storage, movement, installation/de-installation, and collections care for all types of works of art for the Saint Louis Art Museum.


RESPONSIBILITIES/WORK PERFORMED:



· Install / de-install works of art for the Museum pertaining to all of the permanent collection installations or rotations, exhibitions, acquisitions and other projects as assigned.

· The safe movement of art objects for Museum with the purposes of installations, exhibitions, acquisitions, packing and shipping, photography, conservation, scholar examinations, and other projects as assigned.

· See that works of art are appropriately housed, stored, and secured for long-term preservation in Museum storage.

· Maintain, monitor, and the care of art objects for the Museum within all storage areas and galleries for permanent collection objects, loans, and acquisitions.

· Organize, maintain and monitor the Museum’s on-site and off-site storage areas for appropriate long-term preservation of the art objects, shipping (crating and packing) materials, safety, and cleanliness.

· Record and appropriately number museum acquisitions.

· Inventory of the Museum collection.

· Maintain, record, and report accurate and current locations for all art object movements within the Museum for purposes of auditing.

· Ensure that platforms, pedestals, and casework for works of art on display in the Museum’s galleries are appropriate for safe long-term object display, preservation, monitored and maintained.

· Assist in the pick-up and delivery of art objects, the installation / de-installation of objects, and other projects as assigned off-site as requested for the Museum.

· Safely and appropriately pack or unpack and the crating of art objects for shipments or movement.

· Transport artworks, display materials, and installation equipment with museum vehicle.

· Develop familiarity with the collection and assist in recording specialized handling or installation needs for various works of art.

· Assist in the continued development and improvement of current procedures.

· Assist Head of API in planning and implementing upcoming work assignments; also help to make sure that workspaces are organized and well supplied.

· May be responsible for special projects as assigned by the Head of API.


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.

Please apply at https://www.slam.org/