The preparator at the Colby College Museum of Art reports to and works closely with the senior preparator and others in the physical care and handling and installation of the Museum’s stellar art collection and exhibition loans. This includes handling, movement, preparation, matting, framing, installing, and packing of artwork and the preparation and maintenance of gallery spaces and display. As part of the collections team, the preparator works closely with colleagues across the museum to realize the physical production of exhibitions as well as ongoing stewardship, daily care, and use of the collection. The position is key in helping to realize the museum’s mission of access and education as well as making possible the museum’s contribution to the field of art through collection care and display and the presentation of a dynamic and leading-edge program of exhibitions.
THE MUSEUM AND ITS MISSION
The Colby College Museum of Art is a collecting and teaching museum dedicated to the preservation, display, and interpretation of the visual arts. We embrace within our collections works of art from diverse cultures and historical periods, with a focus on American art, and commitment to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We manage these resources for the benefit of the Colby College community, the region, and the nation and aspire to display works that embody the highest standards of achievement.
A COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Working to advance equity and inclusion in the field of American art—and, by doing so, in the wider world—is core to our mission. We feel the urgency of national and campus conversations on inequality and are keenly aware of the unique responsibility that we have as an academic art museum—as a place where we can listen, ask questions, and challenge assumptions—to engage in this dialogue, and to act. We affirm the Colby Museum’s commitment to multidisciplinary teaching and learning and our potential for deep engagement with students will be leveraged in this effort toward fighting racialized violence, injustice, and inequality; and we encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Exhibition preparation including, but not limited to, framing, preparing, hanging, moving of heavy sculpture, installation, de-installation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork
Artwork preparation, hinging, matting and framing; designing and fabricating museum mounts for display; basic collections care, and basic cleaning of objects in the Museum collection
Moving object cases and other exhibit furniture, installing art in all media – mounting vinyl text, object labels, photographs and other didactic exhibition material, lighting artworks, and other installation elements
Design and fabricate archival mounts, boxes, trays, etc. for long-term storage of artworks in the collection
With registrar for collections, manage correct housing of collection objects and packing/crating for shipment
Install and deinstall collection works in Landay Teaching Gallery for class visits and curricular use
Maintain accurate storage location of artwork, reporting daily to the registrar for collections on any movement of artwork to be entered into the database
Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
1-3 years of prior experience with the care and handling of high-value fine art objects in a museum or related setting
Experience installing the work of living artists, handling a diversity of media, and working with varied curatorial approaches strongly preferred
Manual dexterity and care in the handling of art objects; ability to carefully follow established procedures with attention to detail
Experience cutting mats, hinging, and framing works on paper; framing canvases
Basic carpentry skills/knowledge of standard tools, practices, and methods in painting, rough and finish carpentry preferred
Experience in safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, and specialized equipment
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team, exercise judgment, establish priorities, and complete projects with minimal supervision and to adjust as new projects are assigned
Able to lead installation project assignments and assign tasks to temporary preparatory crew members
Experience in a professional environment, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team and a diverse organization and to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and community partners
Commitment to fostering an antiracist, equitable work environment supportive of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life paths
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel) and Google Suite (e.g., Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets); prior experience with collection database systems and/or ability to learn new systems quickly and use a variety of digital work tools specific to Colby College.
Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Reporting to the senior preparator and part of the collections team, the preparator works closely with registrars, manager of exhibitions and publications, curatorial, and operations colleagues and has ongoing interactions with all museum teams as well as college facilities and other staff and external collaborators and vendors. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: General open office and campus environment. Position involves both sitting and frequent movement. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, climb ladders and scaffolding, work at heights, and stand for extended periods is required. Ability to use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects. Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, dust masks, gloves and/or Tyvek suits as required. Work outside of normal business hours may occasionally be required, especially during periods of installation/deinstallation. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College. TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to: Preparator - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855
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