Exhibition Preparator

Huntington Public Library • San Marino, CA

1d • $27 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Preparator is a member of the institution’s Preparation Department, under the Registration and Collection Management Department. This position is integral in the consistent planning and implementation of the Institution’s schedule of special exhibitions, permanent collection rotations, and collections care. This position is part of a team of preparatory staff. The position’s primary responsibility is to assist in all handling, display preparations, installation, packing, and storage and care of artworks according to museum standards. This position will also assist with tasks including, but not limited to, organizing supplies, general maintenance and upkeep of all gallery spaces and preparatory facilities, and maintaining lighting in galleries. Reports to Head of Preparations. This is an on-call position, with no set weekly hours.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in preparation, construction, collections management, and installation in a public gallery or museum setting.
• Familiarity with standard industry materials, processes, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Good working knowledge of installation methods required; mounting, matting, framing, woodworking and/or metalworking skills a plus.
• Experience using heavy equipment, including scissor-lift, gantry, pallet jack, table lift, required.
• Must have safe driving record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional objects in various materials, sizes, and weights, including the rigging and movement of large-scale objects.
• Knowledge of museum-quality packing, crating, and framing.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Conduct self in a professional manner and establish positive working relationships with museum staff, representatives from other arts institutions, consultants, artists, and vendors

Nice To Haves

• Ability to plan, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Ability to ensure adherence to the institution’s brand in all activities
• Facility with word processing, Excel, Outlook/Gmail
• Proven solutions-oriented, diplomatic problem solver and true team player
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Assists with the installation/de-installation of exhibitions, gallery rotations, and collection rehousing projects, with colleagues in the Registration, Exhibitions, and Preservation department.
• Duties will include, but are not limited to: Receiving, unpacking and, packing artworks Matting and framing artworks Hanging and placement of artwork Performing carpentry work such as retrofitting crates and making or modifying pedestals Spackling and painting Handling artworks on loan and permanent collections Lighting exhibitions Creating or modifying mounts i.e., book cradles, buildups, slants Drive art preparation vehicles to transport art on and off campus, i.e., return loans to local lenders, LAX airport runs.
• Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of special exhibitions once opened to the public, to ensure the gallery space remains clean, well-lit, and all audio-visual components are functioning, from the opening to the closing of the exhibition.
• Assists with maintenance of regular gallery dusting and cleaning as scheduled.
• Works with Registration and Collections Management colleagues to transport art between collections storage facilities and galleries, and to off-site locations for framing, photography, loan return/pickup, etc.

Benefits

• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants.
• Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions.
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees