Preparation of works of art for display, including matting, hinging, framing, and mounting

Installation and production of exhibitions, which includes appropriate lighting and may sometimes involve audio/visual components

Art packing, unpacking, and crating, including fabrication of storage containers, packing cases and crates

Moving artworks as needed and coordinating the art movements for incoming and outgoing loans, accessions, classes, presentations, programs, exhibitions, and storage, in conjunction with the registrars and curators

Maintenance and environmental monitoring of 13,000 square feet of public gallery space, which includes installing and maintaining light fixtures and light levels; painting and repairing walls; dusting of cases, vitrines, frames, and art objects; and monitoring and changing hygrothermograph charts

Preparation and/or fabrication of exhibition furniture, bases, pedestals, cases, shelving, vitrines, frames, mounts, barriers and risers; light wall construction; and preparing and mounting object labels and fabricating signs

Inventory, ordering, and maintenance of exhibition furniture, lighting supplies, crates, props, paint, construction materials, and exhibition and packing supplies and working with outside vendors, contractors, and College purchasing personnel to secure same

Maintaining and organizing preparator workspace and equipment, and assisting in managing art storage spaces

Maintenance of several outdoor sculptures

Planning and initiating complex or multiple-day assignments

Supervision of a full-time Assistant Preparator

When necessary, liaising with the registrars to hire, train, and supervise contract workers, determining time and workforce needs and ensuring that work is completed according to stipulated prices and agreements

Working collaboratively with other museum staff members and volunteers, as well as with outside professionals, scholars, faculty, students, senior administration, collectors, and artists

Serving as building representative, and acting as liaison with the museum director and College physical plant/facilities and security personnel, as well as pest control contractors and janitorial personnel

Preparation for the semi-annual Art Rental program, which involves working two Saturday mornings each year

Working in conjunction with the director, registrar, and curators to develop and maintain installation schedules and shared calendars

Working with other staff for the safety and security of works on exhibition and in storage

Accurate and timely maintenance of art movement logs and other record-keeping related to collection inventory control

Setting out chairs, tables, easels, screens, and other equipment for events, and safely moving equipment and materials through galleries and in storage areas

Other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree is required; MA or MFA is preferred

Extensive experience in fine art handling and installation, with a minimum of five years’ experience in a museum or gallery setting as a fine art preparator; prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience handling paintings, sculpture, works on paper, textiles, and related media, and of matting and framing

Knowledge of industry-accepted conservation mounting techniques and materials for works on paper, and of conservation matting and framing including mat cutting, frame chopping and joining, and glazing

Experience with fine art packing, crating, and transportation best practices

Ability to organize and plan schedules within a changing work environment while adhering to the time-sensitive nature of museum production work, and to coordinate several tasks simultaneously

Ability to move confidently among a sizeable range of media and to properly analyze the physical requirements and the inherent risks associated with object handling

Superb communication skills, both verbal and written, computer literacy, and prompt attention to email and phone communications

Strong interpersonal skills, collegiality towards colleagues, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team, as well as an ability both to take direction and to act independently and decisively, while understanding fully the responsibilities associated with museum productions

Working knowledge of artists’ methods, materials, and techniques, as well as a general knowledge of art history; strong design ability is preferred

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple projects effectively

A high degree of professionalism, close attention to detail, self-motivation, and ability to meet deadlines

Demonstrated proficiency in carpentry skills and use of shop tools and equipment; comfort in climbing ladders and scaffolding and operating aerial lifts, along with ability to lift, push, pull, and support heavy objects, crates, and other items

Knowledge of environmental and safety rules, and promotion of a culture of safety

Valid driver’s license and ability to arrange for the pickup and delivery of exhibition furniture from off-site facilities; at times the incumbent may need to purchase and/or collect museum equipment and supplies from local vendors

Supervisory experience

Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours, including two Art Rental Saturday mornings each year; occasional after-hours on-call support; in emergency situations, ability to respond after-hours

Experience and willingness to act as museum courier on regional, national, and international trips

Finalist will be required to successfully complete a background check