Assistant Exhibitions Preparator, Paper Conservation

Museum of Fine Arts•Boston, MA

15h•$57,219 - $58,935•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Exhibitions Preparator, Paper, this role involves preparing art on paper for loan, exhibition, and storage. The position requires assisting in the preparation, mounting, and packing of art objects, managing projects, collaborating with various museum departments, designing specialized supports, and ensuring the safe handling and installation of artwork. The role also includes monitoring artwork condition, researching materials and techniques, and maintaining records and supplies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in art related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.
At least three years of practical experience in art handling and preparation of works on paper in a museum or equivalent environment.
Awareness of inherent vulnerability of paper based artwork and exercise appropriate care and handling.
Comfortable working with high value artwork.
Knowledge of conservation concerns, archival materials, and storage and installation standards for works on paper.
Familiarity with the latest in field practices and techniques.
Excellent communication skills and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Facility with the TMS database preferred.
Familiarity with operating a computerized mat cutter a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation, mounting, and packing of art objects for exhibition display, transport, and storage. Including but not limited to, framing and unframing, cutting window mats, hinging artwork, and creating custom enclosures.
Manage projects as assigned by Senior Exhibitions Preparator, including alerting supervisor and stakeholders to potential problems and proposing solutions.
Collaborate with conservators, curators, project managers, designers, and others as required to support the production of exhibitions, installations, and loans.
Design and execute specialized supports for proper storage of art objects to promote their long-term preservation.
Take active role in gallery and exhibition installations to ensure safe handling of art objects.
Prepare and protect objects for handling and movement, and transport objects within the museum.
Monitor the condition of art objects in storage and on exhibit, recommend steps to address problems and assist with condition reporting following departmental standards.
Research materials and develop fabrication techniques and strategies. Keep abreast of latest developments in storage and display solutions through professional publications, courses, and conferences.
Become familiar with the collection of works on paper in order to evaluate and address specific and special handling and storage needs.
Create and produce matting/framing records and reports in the collections management database.
Label art objects according to collections management procedures.
Travel, courier - be responsible for art in transit and for safe install of touring exhibitions and loans - understanding and applying professional standards and conservation protocols.
Order and maintain shop materials and supplies as needed.
Perform routine dusting and cleaning in galleries.