Museum Preparator, Palmer Museum of Art

Penn State University • University Park, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Palmer Museum of Art is seeking a Museum Preparator to assist with exhibition installation, art handling and transport, collections care, and shop maintenance. The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania. As a collaborative member of the preparation team, the Museum Preparator will strive to accomplish the museum's mission and to support its strategic direction as set by the Director and the senior leadership of the college and university.

Requirements

• Knowledge of best practices in the field of museum preparation
• Ability to think strategically and apply creative methods to solve installation problems
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Experience in fine art handling and installation, as well as working in a museum or gallery setting is a requirement.
• Candidates must also be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe and proper installation of all artworks.
• Participate in exhibition changeover duties, including preparing and painting gallery walls and exhibition furniture, installation of exhibition design elements, and assisting with lighting themes.
• Assist in the construction of exhibition furniture and accessories, mounts, and any other exhibition-related needs.
• Assist with installing special exhibition loans and permanent collection objects.
• Assist with art moves including transport of objects in collections care facilities.
• Keep proper documentation of art and collection moves and specific projects.
• Pack and retrofit crates as needed.
• Assist with the packaging and storing of collection items.
• Participate in gallery maintenance and preventative conservation (e.g., care of outdoor sculpture).
• Other responsibilities include maintaining the gallery and back-of-house areas (e.g., the wood shop, storage facilities, and loading dock) and assisting with updating departmental inventories.
• The Museum Preparator will move and assist in moving heavy objects, as well as work near the top of the museum’s double-height ceilings – all with proper safety precautions.
• This position will also occasionally drive the museum’s vehicles for art transports.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level