Museum Preparator

Job Description

The Museum Preparator, will report to and assist the Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator with the proper care, maintenance, handling, and exhibition of works of art, natural science objects, and artifacts, which comprise the collections of the University Museums. This position will also assist with preparing, installing, and de-installing a full schedule of changing exhibitions in various venues on campus using objects from the museums’ collections and objects loaned by other institutions or individuals.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Exhibition Preparation, Production, Installation, and Deinstallation (45%)

• Assists the Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator with technical and physical aspects of exhibition planning, preparation, production, installation, and deinstallation
• Prepares exhibition spaces in advance of exhibitions, including building all temporary walls, installation components, exhibition casework, and display furniture as needed; handles and moves art objects and exhibition casework
• Prepares all artworks for installation, including mounting, matting and framing artworks for display; constructs all object display mounts; unframes and prepares collections object for storage after exhibitions; assists in crating and uncrating objects; as needed, assists with condition reporting of each object before and after exhibition
• Assists the Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator with time-based media installations, including researching audiovisual requirements for exhibitions; assists with audio visual equipment installation, set up and regular maintenance
• Assists artists during installation and throughout commissioning process, as needed
• Ensures exhibitions and objects are installed according to the highest museum standards and best practices, and in accordance with programmatic, conservation, aesthetic and ADA requirements
• Throughout the run of all exhibitions, conducts regular gallery monitoring and maintenance, including weekly cleaning of all casework, glazing, and other exhibition components in both the Harnett Museum of Art and the Lora Robins Gallery
• Assists in all aspects of exhibition de-installation
• Archives exhibition documents throughout exhibition planning, installation and de-installation and maintains exhibition folders
• Assists with proper lighting of exhibited objects, including setting and maintaining proper light levels; and in reporting changes in the condition of objects

Exhibition Design (20%)

• Designs, fabricates and installs all exhibition signage and didactics, including title displays, introduction texts, text panels, object labels, and other graphic materials, using Adobe Creative suite, in consultation with exhibition curators
• Coordinates on and off campus printing service vendors 
• Produces exhibition layouts with professional design CAD software, including in SketchUp, according to the specifications of exhibition curators

Collections Care and Maintenance (20%)

• As assigned, prepares artworks for storage and long-term care, including  mounting and matting loose works on paper and building boxes, clamshells, and protective enclosures
• Maintains and updates collection object information in TMS, including updating object sizes, locations, frame specifications, and condition
• Conducts monthly monitoring of storage spaces on campus where collection objects are housed, ensuring objects are safely and properly stored and storage areas are maintained at professional levels of environmental and security control
• Reports changes in the condition of collection objects
• Under supervision, cleans collection objects as needed
• Facilitates the safe and timely transport of exhibition objects as requested by museum staff and under the guidance of the Exhibitions Manager and Lead Preparator; assists with packing and preparing objects of value and delicacy for safe travel

Museum Facilities (10%)

• Assists Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator with facilities maintenance and upkeep, including the organization of art storage spaces and museum workshops
• Maintains, organizes and keeps clean framing workshop; maintains framing tools and equipment; assists with inventorying materials and supplies, including frame stock 
• Cleans and organizes workshop facilities and museum storage spaces
• Ensures workshop procedures and safety standards are followed

Program Assistance (5%)

• Assists with the set-up for museum programs, including audio visual equipment, as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

This person will regularly interface with faculty, staff, and with students whose research is collections related or whose art projects are to be exhibited on campus. Individual will work with students enrolled in courses in the Department of Art and Art History, and with students workers in the Museum. May interact with Modlin Center staff, University Facilities, Information Services, and Boatwright Library.
 

Regular external contacts include visiting exhibition curators, artists, speakers, museum patrons, lenders to exhibitions, donors of objects to the collection, registrars and preparators at other institutions, and art shipping representatives and drivers.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: This person monitors student workers in the Art Preparator Workshop and supervises student workers in the Museums, as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work conditions are primarily inside, however, infrequent outside work will occur. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to paint, solvents, adhesives, and air-borne particles, and to minimize risk while using specialty hand and power tools.

Position requires ability to climb ladders; to have flexibility and ease of mobility; ability to lift and move large and heavy objects using basic moving equipment; and ability to stand for long periods of time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, skills & ability:

• Ability to multi-task, problem solve, and collaborate
• Familiarity with carpentry, plastering, painting, exhibition casework moving, ladder climbing, and lighting
• Substantial experience with matting and framing of artworks and creating display mounts
• Experience with time-based media installation
• Substantial experience with CAD design software, including SketchUp, and the Adobe creative suite
• Familiarity with TMS (The Museum System)
• Understanding of best museum practices, an appreciation for the stewardship of the objects in our care and the concept of preservation in general
• Excellent communication skills
• Valid driver's license for last 3 years and successful completion of driving check

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of art preparator experience, or 3-4 years of art preparator experience, or any combination of education and experience, MFA degree preferred.
• Knowledge of museum best practices, an appreciation for the stewardship, safety and care, and preservation of fine art.

Scheduled Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; 38.75 hours per week. May require some travel and flexible schedule depending on University Museum events.

Grade 5 Hourly non exempt: $21.09 to $31.38