Preparator
(Full time, Non-exempt)

https://fristartmuseum.org/careers/

Job Summary: The Preparator will work closely with curators, registrars, exhibition designers, conservators, artists, and other museum staff to produce high-quality exhibitions. The Preparator supervises contract art handlers and assists in the planning, preparation, security, installation and deinstallation of museum exhibitions and other display materials. Key responsibilities include working with art handling teams on display, packing, crating, transporting, and maintenance of exhibitions, galleries, art storage areas, and preparatory spaces.
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Essential Job Functions: Working under the Head Preparator, and coordinating closely with other Frist Staff, the Preparator:


·Adheres to and helps to enforce the Frist’s art handling policy.

·Helps with planning installations with exhibition designers, curators, artists, graphic designers, and staff from other institutions.

·Works with contract art handlers in the preparation of artwork and the installation and de-installation of exhibitions; participates in fabrication in preparation for exhibitions (including construction of display furniture, mat-cutting and framing, mount making); unloads and loads trucks, unpacks and packs artworks; installs exhibition graphics, signage, and labels.

·Monitors the condition of exhibitions; identifies problem areas and recommends solutions; works with registrar to arrange the necessary repair/maintenance.

·Maintains tools and equipment; assists with budgeting and forecasting

·Ensures adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the handling of art and in all preparation work and workshop spaces.

·Operates museum van or rental vehicles as needed for art transport and procurement of tools and supplies.

·Works with museum security personnel and registrars to ensure security policies and procedures are followed with regard to all art on exhibit.201

·Performs other duties as required.

Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree and five years of progressively responsible experience directly related to the essential job functions.
Skills and Abilities:


·Demonstrated successful experience in the management of major projects. Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement projects; simultaneously oversee a variety of projects.

·Ability to plan, supervise, motivate, and evaluate contract art handlers; participate effectively as a member of a cross-functional team; establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum staff, volunteers, the general public, and representatives from other museums.

·Knowledge of art handling procedures for two-and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights, including the rigging and movement of art; mount making principles, and lighting concepts.

·Knowledge of art handling training practices and procedures. Ability to explain and carry out methods and procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable objects of art.

·Knowledge of safe art storage, packing, crating, and transport techniques and procedures.

·Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.

·Computer proficiency; ability to develop spreadsheets and schedules.

·Knowledge of the design and construction of museum exhibits.

·Knowledge and experience in using standard tools, practices and methods in painting and basic carpentry. Skill in the use and care of standard hand and power tools.

·Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures.

·Strong time management and organizational skills. Ability to meet deadlines efficiently.

·Ability to develop and manage budgets; prepare cost estimates; make sound purchasing decisions.

·Ability to interpret working drawings; develop and implement design concepts.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Demands may include:


·Ability to climb ladders and stairs.

·Ability to lift materials up to 80 pounds.

·Ability to stoop, bend, and kneel.

·Ability to stand for up to eight (8) hours per day.

·Work in hydraulic lifts and possibly on scaffolding at up to 18 feet from the ground.

·Ability to operate forklift, man-lift, power tools, and other equipment and machinery requiring constant attention.

·Work around paints, solvents, and other similar products in a workshop environment and around historic and art artifacts that may give off dust or off-gassing smells (taking all due precautions prescribed by OSHA regulations; FAM is equipped for safe handling of such materials).

Interested candidates, please contact:
Sheri Horn, Human Resources Director
Email: shorn@fristartmuseum.org or 615.744-3320