Preparator

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Under the supervision of the Director of Collections, the Preparator’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safe preparation, installation, handling, and care of art objects for exhibition and loan. This position helps develop and implement best practices for the preservation and presentation of museum objects on view or slated for exhibition.

The Preparator supports UMFA’s mission by facilitating a dynamic and robust schedule of gallery rotations and exhibitions, and by contributing to the overall care, safety, and display of the Museum’s collections and loaned works.

Responsibilities

Object Preparation

  • Plans and executes the matting and framing of two-dimensional works of art and fabricates mounts for displaying three-dimensional objects.

  • Assesses the stability of objects slotted for exhibition in collaboration with the Conservator.

  • Ensures all preparation is completed using professional museum standards and non-destructive materials and techniques.

Exhibition Design, Installation, and Lighting

  • Under supervision of the Director of Collections, collaborates with the exhibition team to plan and execute exhibition installations.

  • Installs and deinstalls artworks, mounts, and exhibition furniture.

  • Hangs two-dimensional works of art and installs three-dimensional objects and mounts.

  • Conducts gallery lighting and A/V installation for exhibitions.

  • Installs gallery graphics, labels, and signage as needed.

  • Develops schematics for mounting plans and documents installation methods in the museum’s Argus Collections Management System.

Gallery Preparation and Maintenance

  • Prepares galleries for installation, including patching, painting, case preparation, and cleaning.

  • Performs daily gallery maintenance, including dusting platforms, pedestals, vitrines, and floors.

  • Assists in the maintenance of outdoor sculpture installations.

  • Ensures exhibit materials and supplies are ordered, delivered, and organized on schedule.

Art Handling and Packing

  • Participates in the safe movement, packing, and unpacking of art objects throughout the museum.

  • Loads and unloads art shipments and exhibition materials from trucks.

  • Transports artworks locally using the museum’s delivery vehicle.

Fabrication and Shop Maintenance

  • Constructs pedestals, mounts, platforms, and other exhibition-related fabrications.

  • Ability to retrofit previously fabricated crates for the transportation of artwork.

  • Maintains and organizes the museum’s wood and metal shop, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and tool functionality. Recommend the purchasing and/or repair of hand and power tools and safety equipment.

  • Tracks inventory of tools and materials and ensures compliance with Environmental - Health and Safety standards.

Supervision and Training

  • Participates in training on museum standards for art handling, installation, shop safety, and other trainings assigned as needed.

  • May provide work direction for part-time staff or contractors assigned to projects.

  • Provides training related to art installation, and workshop safety.

Administrative and Project Coordination

  • Develops and implements procedures and guidelines related to art preparation and exhibition work.

  • Contributes to department and exhibition budgets; manages expenditures for equipment and materials.

  • Researches and recommends new procedures, materials, and technologies that enhance efficiency and adherence to best practices.

  • Participates in departmental meetings, exhibition planning, and cross-departmental projects.

  • Liaises with external vendors and service providers as needed.

  • Works collaboratively and efficiently with all members of Collections as well as members in other museum departments.

Requirements

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Manufacturing / Production Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.