Lead Preparator
About The Position
The Vancouver Art Gallery is seeking a Lead Preparator to support the planning, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions and collections. Working closely with the Director of Museum Services and teams across Registration, Conservation, Curatorial, AV, and Design, this role helps bring exhibitions to life while ensuring museum best practices for art handling and installation. The Lead Preparator oversees exhibition production from concept through installation and de-installation, coordinating schedules, staffing, contractors, and technical requirements for multiple concurrent projects. The role includes supervising preparators and installation crews, mentoring junior staff, and leading onsite problem-solving during exhibition changeovers and special projects.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, studio art or a related field
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in museum or gallery preparation or related work
- At least two (2) years in a supervisory position within a museum, gallery or studio environment
- Strong art handling and installation experience, with a wide range of contemporary artworks and media
- Strong leadership, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and similar software
- Knowledge of museum best practices, gallery lighting, fabrication, and workplace safety standards
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work with ladders, lifts, hand tools, and power tools, and to walk and stand for extended periods of time
Nice To Haves
- Experience supervising within a unionized environment is preferred
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with curators, artists, designers, registrars, conservators, and AV staff to coordinate exhibition production and installations
- Develop exhibition layouts, floor plans, installation strategies, and technical solutions
- Identify fabrication, display, lighting, painting, and gallery alteration requirements
- Coordinate custom fabrication, display cases, mounts, framing, and AV installations
- Establish production schedules and oversee contractors, installation teams, and construction projects
- Perform and supervise artwork handling, packing, crating, moving, hanging, and lighting installation
- Ensure museum-standard care, storage, and transportation of artworks and collections
- Maintain galleries, storage areas, tools, and equipment
- Promote environmentally responsible exhibition practices through material reuse and waste reduction
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and safe operation of lifts, tools, and equipment
Benefits
- Extended medical and dental coverage
- Long-term disability and life insurance
- Joint employer/employee pension contributions
- Generous vacation entitlements
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
