Head Preparator

Job Title:  Head Preparator
Reports to:  Director of Collections and Exhibition Management
FLSA Status:  Exempt

Summary:

The Head Preparator works in close collaboration with the Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities, and Security staff, to plan, install, de-install, and care for the collection, loans, and temporary exhibitions. The ideal candidate for this role will excel in executing complex installations, working directly with living artists, and managing a team. The candidate will be organized, self-motivated, skilled at creative problem solving, and demonstrate calm, sound judgment.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Oversee a team of approximately 8 preparators and occasional contractors, manage daily schedules and team assignments, and proactively identify schedule conflicts where additional staffing may be required.
  • Supervise, mentor, train, and oversee direct reports to ensure the effective and efficient operation of all assigned activities; facilitate strong performance and achievement; and provide ongoing feedback to direct reports and conduct performance reviews.
  • Assess installation plans for feasibility and implementation, and provide constructive feedback.
  • Install, de-install, pack, and unpack artwork in accordance with museum standards.
  • Devising rigging and hoisting plans, liaise with crane operators and other vendors when required.
  • Oversee training and compliance with all OSHA-related activity within the department, and oversee all safety-related procedures for the department.
  • Adjust and maintain gallery lighting, as needed.
  • Work with the Collections and Exhibitions department on maintaining best practices for art, handling, storage, packing, and crating.
  • Oversee mount fabrication and framing.
  • In collaboration with Senior Preparator, oversee construction and painting of pedestals, fixtures, and other finished structures, in coordination with exhibitions staff.
  • In collaboration with Exhibitions, ensure that the galleries and displays are well-maintained and adhere to museum best practices.
  • In collaboration with Senior Preparator, oversee maintenance and updates to the woodshop, collection storage, and the off-site warehouse.
  • Organize, maintain, and inventory exhibition furniture and other accessories (mounts, cleats, frames, etc.).
  • Partner with senior leadership and the department on updating and implementing emergency response plans as they relate to the collection and loans.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions Management and senior leadership, review service agreements and vendor agreements as needed.
  • Process all department documentation: invoices, schedules, vacation requests, time sheets, draft budget submissions, etc.
  • Attend meetings related to exhibition planning and regularly engage in related correspondence.
  • Serve as international and domestic courier as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in a museum, or for other professional art handling companies , with at least 2 years’ supervisory experience.
  • Excellent work ethic, craftsmanship, practical problem-solving, creative thinking, embracing collaborative practice, and understanding of team spirit.
  • The ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, collaborators, and artists.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy while performing job duties.
  • Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation of various types of artworks.
  • General mount making, fabrication, and construction skills, including woodshop and carpentry experience, and working knowledge of gallery lighting.
  • Experience operating fork/aerial lifts; have or be willing and able to obtain a lift operator certificate.
  • Excellent mathematics and measuring skills.
  • Ability to read and understand shop drawings, blueprints, and design plans.
  • CAD or SketchUp skills preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for courier trips, installations, conferences, etc.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

  • Some duties of this position require being able to work outside, potentially in inclement weather, for extended periods of time.
  • Duties require sitting at a desk.
  • Duties require working in dusty and loud environments.
  • Potential for overtime and weekends during installation periods
  • Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time with limited breaks
  • Ability to use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arm, and reach above shoulder height.
  • The employee is regularly required to climb or balance, squat, kneel, and crouch.
  • The employee must regularly be able to lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds and move heavy objects as required.
  • Ability to climb ladders, operate mechanical lifts and power tools
  • Ability, mobility, and license to drive a motor vehicle
  • Acute vision, hearing, voice, smell, and sense of touch
  • Employees are required to move about their work area, between buildings and the campus grounds, ascend and descend stairs
  • Must be able to wear PPE when necessary