Preparator

Birmingham Museum of Art

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The Preparation Department shares responsibility for the safe handling, presentation, storage, documentation and transport of all art objects entrusted into the museum’s care. This department works collaboratively to achieve quality work that is on time and performed according to internal processes and professional standards. Preparators work closely with the registrars, curatorial, conservation and design teams in performing their duties.

Responsibilities
  1. Installs and deinstalls art in permanent galleries and changing exhibition spaces.

  2. Prepares art for display that may include matting, framing and mountmaking.

  3. Prepares casework for display that may include carpentry, painting and fabric wrapping.

  4. Packs art for shipment.

  5. Maintains appearance of permanent gallery spaces including wall repair, painting, lighting and labels.

  6. Works with registrars on packing/unpacking art, storage vault projects and collection surveys.

  7. Works with curators and exhibition designer on placement, display and lighting of artwork.

  8. Transports art locally and regionally by museum truck as well as non-art items to offsite storage.

  9. Maintains tools, supplies and organization of all prep workspaces and storage areas with fellow

preparators.

  1. Uses museum inventory database (TMS) as directed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most work is indoors in climate-controlled galleries, the main preparation area, carpentry shop and storage areas. Outdoor activities include outdoor sculpture cleaning, transporting items to offsite storage and art transport by museum truck.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of one’s arms and legs and moving one’s whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, squatting, grabbing, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, stretching, twisting, reaching and handling of materials in the course of completing work assignments.

Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone and more with assistance from others.

Ability to climb and work from ladders, scaffolding and scissor lift.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of art handling best practices in a museum setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of standard art installation methods.

Demonstrated problem solving skills in a variety of situations.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to function as an integral team member.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Detail oriented with a high level of craftsmanship.

Ability to hold, position, and operate hand, air and power tools.

Ability to use personal protection equipment to protect eyes, nose and skin, including wearing safety protective

equipment (e.g. safety goggles, earplugs, dust mask, safety harness, hardhat) as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Bachelor’s degree in an area of studio art required

  2. Minimum 4 years of art handling and installation experience in a museum/gallery setting required

  3. Basic computer skills required; experience in Google and Microsoft Office Suites preferred

  4. Applicants with a studio focus in sculpture, jewelry-making or AV/new media a plus

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a benefits package.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

Valid driver’s license.

How to Apply

Candidates are required to submit PDFs:

  • Letter of interest outlining the ways in which their professional experience aligns with the responsibilities of this position

  • Resume

  • Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two professional references

No phone calls or emails, please. Review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

TO APPLY GO TO THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE:

https://www.artsbma.org/opportunities/preparator-2/

Apply
Posted on November 18