The Wolfsonian–Florida International University seeks an experienced museum peparator to work closely with the Collections and Conservation and Library teams on collections management activities. Under the direction of the senior preparator, the preparator will ensure safe handling of works of art in the course of exhibition planning, production, and installation.
Responsibilities
- Oversees art handling and transport for exhibition installation, research requests, collections review, and photography, employing safe art handling practices for 2D and 3D works, including heavy sculptural works and furniture.
- Assists with all phases of exhibition production, including building walls, platforms, casework, vitrines, object and book mounts. Maintains design shop and inventory of shop supplies. Works with carpentry, plastics, metals, drywall and paint.
- Assists the museum collections staff in organizing and maintaining collections storage, retrieving and replacing works on request, and allocating storage for new acquisitions. Retrieves collections for researchers in accordance with use guidelines; trains visiting researchers in proper handling of collections.
- Maintains stock supplies and equipment. Identifies suppliers and places orders, arranges servicing and writes bids for new or replacement materials.
- Maintains condition and cleanliness of display areas and ensures that all equipment and lighting is functioning according to exhibition design plans.
- Participates in maintenance of 14,000 square feet of exhibition space and 25,000 square feet of storage space across several locations. Operates a motor vehicle to transport equipment, supplies and exhibits between locations.
- Participates in rolling inventory check with collections management team.
- Liaises with print production companies to coordinate the creation and installation of wall text and other exhibition graphics.
- Monitors environmental conditions in galleries and storage spaces. Participates in integrated pest management program.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and organized workshop that adheres to OSHA standards and FIU's safety guidelines for a healthy working environment when using paints, solvents, power tools and other shop equipment; keeps an accurate inventory of tools, equipment and materials; ensures that workshop equipment and tools are in proper working order. Maintains stock supplies and equipment. Identifies suppliers and places orders, arranges servicing and writes bids for new or replacement materials.
- Performs essential duties in any emergencies such as hurricanes, public health emergencies, and/or any other university emergency closing. The employee is expected to be available to report to work as needed during university emergency closings with appropriate notification of a department administrator.
Desired Qualifications
- Education in Art, Art History, or a related field, along with experience in art handling and working in a museum or gallery setting.
- General knowledge of carpentry, materials, fabrication techniques and construction processes. Skills in drywall, plastics, metals, adhesives, painting and wood essential.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practice in mount making for museum objects.
Salary
$45,000–$50,000