The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis is hiring for the full-time (37.5 hrs) position of Associate Preparator. This position is responsible for the professional care and safe handling of sensitive fine art in the collection and on loan, both on and off the premises. This position provides essential access to the museum's important collection - from facilitating student and faculty research to collaborating with teams of preparators and other museum colleagues to plan for, install and deinstall exhibitions in compliance with AAM (American Alliance of Museums) recognized best practices. Provides general oversight of building maintenance in coordination with security and preparation department and Assistant Director of Collections & Exhibitions. Reports to the Lead Preparator.
Installation and deinstallation of art exhibitions—both national and international loan-based art exhibitions as well as permanent art collection rotations—including unpacking and packing of artwork; fabrication and installation of display furniture and casework, temporary walls, gallery lighting, and labels as well as other exhibition signage. Responsible for oversight of associated contractors and vendors.
Partner with Museum Preparation and Registration staff in the execution of art collection care-related activities, the design and fabrication of storage mounts (including matting and hinging), enclosures and associated safekeeping measures.
Facilitate access to artworks for faculty, student and researchers and other related purposes.
Care for and conserve fine art in the museum and at other related campus locations - including the museum's outdoor sculpture. Routinely monitor and maintain museum spaces, including galleries, art storage rooms, workspaces, and equipment storage areas.
Provide general oversight of building maintenance in collaboration with security and preparation department and Assistant Director of Collections & Exhibitions, including scheduling and overseeing maintenance and repairs; participate in facilities-related planning activities.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
May be asked to undertake national and international courier-related travel.
Ability to work outside of normal business hours and alternating weekends.
Typical work conditions include museum galleries, fine art storage locations, art preparation spaces and outdoors when undertaking maintenance on select sculptures.
Physical Effort
Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Must be comfortable working at heights of up to 30 feet.
Typically on feet, climbing ladders, bending, crouching, stooping, lifting, etc.
Equipment
Must be able to operate walk-behind forklifts, man-lifts, power tools, and table saws.
Aerial lift and forklift certifications are required but can be obtained after hire (within one year).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Art Handling, Exhibition Installation, Lighting, Or Related (3 Years)
Skills:
Art Handling, Audiovisual Equipment, Collections Care, Light Carpentry, Microsoft Office, Technical Drawings, Technical Troubleshooting
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Art Lighting, Autodesk AutoCAD, Construction Documentations, Decision Making, Electronic Security Systems, Exhibition Installation, Fine Arts, Graphic Design Software, Interpersonal Communication, Multitasking, Museum Collections, Museum Exhibits, Oral Communications, Safety Security, Security Equipments, Sound Judgment, Stage Design, Time Management, Written Communication
Grade
G08-H
Salary Range
$21.17 - $32.85 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.
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