Audio Visual Preparator
About The Position
The New Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a skilled Preparator in its Exhibitions Department. The position partners with two other full-time Preparators and the wider Exhibitions Department to meet exhibition needs from planning through installation and dispersal. The Preparator works closely with the Chief Preparator, Registrars, Installation Crew, Curatorial Department, and Operations Staff. The role involves assisting with the planning, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of artist projects and exhibitions; producing exhibition furniture, mounts, crates, and related elements; and working in galleries as part of the installation crew. Gallery work may include construction, painting, object handling and installation, object lighting, and installing digital or other media. The role also includes maintaining production and art-storage facilities, routine exhibition maintenance, producing and installing didactic materials, art handling and occasional art transport, and assisting other Preparators and Exhibitions Crew. The position anticipates 40 hours per week: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday and 1:00 PM–9:00 PM Thursday for the Museum’s public late night. Work on weekends and evenings is frequently required in alignment with the exhibitions calendar. The position is eligible for the Museum’s employee benefits programs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, or a related field.
- At least 2 years of experience working with museum-quality art installations.
- Ability to move or assist in moving heavy objects and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to operate a scissor lift, pump lift card, and pallet jack.
- Proficiency in fabrication, production, and workshop skills and safety, including use of hand and power tools.
- Ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of and interest in contemporary art.
- Prior experience with SketchUp.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning, fabricating, installing, and maintaining artist projects and exhibitions.
- Produce exhibition furniture, mounts, crates, and other elements related to artist projects or installations.
- Work in galleries as part of exhibition installation crews, including construction, painting, object handling and installation, object lighting, and installation of film, computer, audio/video, or other media.
- Maintain safe, clean, and organized production workshop and art-storage facilities.
- Perform routine maintenance of exhibitions and artist projects, including cleaning, light replacement, and paint touch-up.
- Assist with producing and installing didactic materials, including wall labels, graphic panels, and cut-vinyl signage.
- Perform routine art handling and occasional transport of artworks for exhibitions, artist projects, events, and other activities.
- Guide and assist other Preparators and Exhibitions Crew as needed.
- Perform other duties within the scope of the Preparator’s job responsibilities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Health Reimbursement Program through the Difference Card.
- Commuter Benefits Program through the Difference Card.
- Voluntary short-term disability plan and long-term disability.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Other voluntary benefits.
- 15 days of paid time off for full-time employees.
- 8 sick days off for full-time employees.
- 13 holidays off for full-time employees, as applicable through the fiscal year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
