LEAD PREPARATOR

BASIC FUNCTION:
The Lead Preparator is responsible for all aspects of museum exhibition and permanent collection installations and helps oversee the safe handling and movement of all works of art in the museum. This position assists with care and maintenance of the collection on display and in storage.
POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:
The Lead Preparator reports to the Senior Registrar, supervises a part-time Assistant Preparator and freelance staff, and works collaboratively with registrarial, curatorial, and exhibition staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Works with registrarial, curatorial, and exhibition staff to plan logistics for exhibition and permanent collection gallery installations.
  2. Responsible for managing the workload/workflow of museum preparation activities, which includes directing projects for the part-time Assistant Preparator and supervising contract art handlers to install and deinstall works.
  3. Prepares objects for exhibition - including matting, framing, and mount making – or storage.
  4. Packing and crating of works for shipping.
  5. Assists with installation of exhibition graphics.
  6. Oversees lighting and monitors light levels in galleries.
  7. Maintains exhibition and object display areas and does routine checks of the galleries.
  8. Maintains collections storage and workspace areas and ensures their cleanliness.
  9. Assist with periodic inventories of collection.
  10. Works with photographer to facilitate access to works.
  11. Maintains inventory of exhibition cases, panels, platforms and other exhibition furniture.
  12. Prepares estimates for prep supplies and works needing mounts, reframing, or matting, as needed
  13. Prepares virtual layout design for permanent collection gallery installations in SketchUp.
  14. Other related tasks as assigned by the Senior Registrar.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. The successful candidate is a highly skilled, detail-oriented individual with the following qualifications:
  2. 4 years professional experience handling works of art, with a minimum of 2 years in a museum environment strongly preferred.
  3. Bachelor’s degree in art history, fine art, museum studies or equivalent work experience in the museum field is preferred.
  4. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands.
  5. Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with all levels of constituents, both internal and external teams.
  6. Exceptional organizational skills: ability to set priorities and adapt as these priorities shift, handle multiple assignments and deadlines.
  7. Display excellent judgment, while operating in a flexible and professional manner.
  8. Basic carpentry and mount making skills.
  9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and SketchUp is preferred.
  10. Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs), climb ladders and use scissor lifts.
  11. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

SALARY/HOURLY RATE:
$52,000–55,000

To apply, please send your resume to Julianne Ruocco at jruocco@brandywine.org