Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Field Museum • Chicago, IL

8d • $19 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Under occasional supervision and as part of a team, the Preparator III (Mountmaker) is responsible for performing highly skilled mountmaking and production work for assigned projects or components of a project. This position may serve as a lead preparator, coordinate the work of up to six Preparators I and II, and oversee the operation of an assigned shop area.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; some college or formal training in a related area is preferred.
• Must have a demonstrated high level of proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and mount making processes and techniques.
• Must have a broad knowledge of materials and hardware.
• Minimum of two or three years of experience in mountmaking, welding, brazing, archival processes, rigging, specialized fabrication techniques, along with a broad understanding of the departmental production activities.
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory skills is necessary.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a project or fabrication team is required.
• Museum experience is strongly preferred.
• This position requires the completion/passing of pulmonary function exam and respirator test (post-employment offer, prior to start date).

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops object mounts based on exhibit case layouts, object requirements, and approved mount standards; utilizes established mount design references, templates, and approved mount types maintained within departmental resource files and documentation systems.
• Fabricates safe, stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens using materials such as metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
• Performs highly skilled mount-related tasks.
• Assists with handling and transporting artifacts within the Museum, maintains the safe storage of objects in the Mount Shop, and tracks incoming/outgoing objects.
• May serve as a project lead, coordinating the work of assigned staff, maintaining tools, equipment, and supplies, and coordinating with other departments, contractors, and suppliers.
• Coordinates with Conservation, Registration, and Collection Managers as needed to support project requirements
• May photograph and measure objects , upload documentation to EMu, and collect and prepare materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.
• May train staff in mount-making methods.
• May assume overall responsibility for the oversight and operation of a major shop area (welding equipment, safety, vault climate).
• May assign and coordinate tasks to a team of up to six preparators for a period of time (6 months or fewer).
• May assist with determining specific material needs, quantities, construction sequences, finishes, and installation procedures and initiate purchase orders.
• May review shop drawings, materials, and mount designs for projects.
• Assist with the organization and content of traveling exhibits, records, packing instructions, assembly information, inventories, and related tasks.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED