Trisha Parker
08-21-2017, 05:42 AM
Position Summary
The Lead Preparator is responsible for all technical aspects of museum-quality art handling related to exhibitions and permanent collection installations and maintenance of art objects in the Museum buildings and on the grounds, including: receiving, shipping, packing, framing, mounting and storage. Working in conjunction with Curatorial, Registration, and Exhibitions departments, the Lead Preparator is a key team member for planning and implementing the Museum’s ambitious schedule of special exhibitions and permanent collection rotations.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented manager who can work in a fast-paced environment under pressure and be able to prioritize a range of responsibilities and time-sensitive requests. Attention to detail is essential as well as strong communication skills and the ability to follow through and handle a high level of volume and complexity.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
· Plan and manage the installation/de-installation of exhibitions, rotations, and individual artworks, coordinating schedules and details with the Registration and Exhibitions team.
· Install and maintain outdoor sculpture, in conjunction with the Head of Collections Management and Trails & Grounds.
· Work with Registration, Curatorial and Exhibitions (and/or artists and lenders) to identify needs or issues pertaining to upcoming exhibitions or specific artworks.
· Work directly with artists on site-specific installations.
· Coordinate and work with staff to execute handling, crating, packing and transportation of artwork to, from, and within the Museum.
· Oversee performance of the physical preparation of artwork, including matting, framing, casework preparation, and object mount-making.
· Oversee adjustment and maintenance of gallery lighting, in collaboration with Curatorial and Exhibitions.
· Supervise tool and equipment operation associated with woodworking, electrical, light construction, and audio-visual displays.
· Oversee the maintenance and operation of all work areas, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
· Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices in the operations of the Preparation team, including proper procedures for utilizing paint, solvents, and power tools.
· Retain proper inventory of supplies and materials.
· Plan, prioritize, and schedule short-term and long-term projects of the Preparation team and set job assignments to meet institutional deadlines and priorities.
· In conjunction with the Head of Collections Management, establish and implement proper procedures for art handling, and conduct regular training.
· Develop and administer the Preparation budget, assist in developing special project budgets, and prepare cost and material estimates for new installations.
· Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
· Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.
· Supervise departmental staff, independent contractors, and interns.
· Develop and implement a recruitment plan as relate to acquiring and meeting the staffing needs of the Preparation team.
· Assure a safe and healthy work environment through knowledge of best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
· B.A. in an art related field
· Demonstrated 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.
· In-depth knowledge of museum-quality packing, crating and framing.
· Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
· Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
· Experience with collection management software, TMS (The Museum System) preferred.
Work Experience:
· Minimum of five years museum experience in art handling, exhibition installation, packing and storage.
· Minimum of three years of proven supervisory and management experience.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.
Licenses and Certifications:
· Valid Driver’s License
· Forklift certification
Skills and Abilities:
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and management skills.
· Proven ability to work on complex projects as team leader and major contributor.
· Skilled trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
· Excellent organizational and time management skills.
· Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques, principles, and practices.
· Knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques and construction processes.
· Knowledge of preventive conservation, security, storage, shipping and receiving.
· Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work also requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.
https://crystalbridges.org/careers-internships/
The Lead Preparator is responsible for all technical aspects of museum-quality art handling related to exhibitions and permanent collection installations and maintenance of art objects in the Museum buildings and on the grounds, including: receiving, shipping, packing, framing, mounting and storage. Working in conjunction with Curatorial, Registration, and Exhibitions departments, the Lead Preparator is a key team member for planning and implementing the Museum’s ambitious schedule of special exhibitions and permanent collection rotations.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented manager who can work in a fast-paced environment under pressure and be able to prioritize a range of responsibilities and time-sensitive requests. Attention to detail is essential as well as strong communication skills and the ability to follow through and handle a high level of volume and complexity.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
· Plan and manage the installation/de-installation of exhibitions, rotations, and individual artworks, coordinating schedules and details with the Registration and Exhibitions team.
· Install and maintain outdoor sculpture, in conjunction with the Head of Collections Management and Trails & Grounds.
· Work with Registration, Curatorial and Exhibitions (and/or artists and lenders) to identify needs or issues pertaining to upcoming exhibitions or specific artworks.
· Work directly with artists on site-specific installations.
· Coordinate and work with staff to execute handling, crating, packing and transportation of artwork to, from, and within the Museum.
· Oversee performance of the physical preparation of artwork, including matting, framing, casework preparation, and object mount-making.
· Oversee adjustment and maintenance of gallery lighting, in collaboration with Curatorial and Exhibitions.
· Supervise tool and equipment operation associated with woodworking, electrical, light construction, and audio-visual displays.
· Oversee the maintenance and operation of all work areas, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
· Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices in the operations of the Preparation team, including proper procedures for utilizing paint, solvents, and power tools.
· Retain proper inventory of supplies and materials.
· Plan, prioritize, and schedule short-term and long-term projects of the Preparation team and set job assignments to meet institutional deadlines and priorities.
· In conjunction with the Head of Collections Management, establish and implement proper procedures for art handling, and conduct regular training.
· Develop and administer the Preparation budget, assist in developing special project budgets, and prepare cost and material estimates for new installations.
· Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
· Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.
· Supervise departmental staff, independent contractors, and interns.
· Develop and implement a recruitment plan as relate to acquiring and meeting the staffing needs of the Preparation team.
· Assure a safe and healthy work environment through knowledge of best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
· B.A. in an art related field
· Demonstrated 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.
· In-depth knowledge of museum-quality packing, crating and framing.
· Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
· Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
· Experience with collection management software, TMS (The Museum System) preferred.
Work Experience:
· Minimum of five years museum experience in art handling, exhibition installation, packing and storage.
· Minimum of three years of proven supervisory and management experience.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.
Licenses and Certifications:
· Valid Driver’s License
· Forklift certification
Skills and Abilities:
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and management skills.
· Proven ability to work on complex projects as team leader and major contributor.
· Skilled trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
· Excellent organizational and time management skills.
· Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques, principles, and practices.
· Knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques and construction processes.
· Knowledge of preventive conservation, security, storage, shipping and receiving.
· Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work also requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.
https://crystalbridges.org/careers-internships/