Part -Time Art Handler

New Museum of Contemporary Art•New York, NY

9d•$38

About The Position

This role will report to the Chief Preparator and Director of Exhibitions Management. Part-Time Preparators work closely with full-time Preparators, the Chief Preparator, Registrars, the Curatorial Department, and Operations Staff to complete the needs of an exhibition through installation. Part-Time Preparator is an on-call position with shifts dependent on the Museum’s exhibition schedules and needs. Eight-hour shifts, 10:00am - 6:00pm are typical. However, installation schedules may vary. The position will require occasional work on weekends and evenings as required by the Museum’s exhibitions’ calendar. The role is a Local 2110 UAW union position. The hourly rate of pay is $38.00. Accrued sick time is available.

Requirements

At least 2 years’ experience working with museum-quality art installations is required.
Preparators must be able to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds), operate a pump lift cart and pallet jack, and have the ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum.

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidates can operate a scissor lift with appropriate certification.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Preparator, and in close collaboration with the Registrars, responsible for installing all Museum exhibitions as directed by the exhibition schedule;
As part of a team, unpack, pack, install, arrange, assemble, deinstall, and prepare artworks for exhibition while ensuring the artworks’ safety;
Demonstrate proper installation and art-handling skills according to museum best practices;
Assist with the release and receipt of art and/or empty crates including loading and unloading from truck to gallery, and performing safety flag duties at the street-level dock;
Assist with all exhibition-related tasks as assigned and needed, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, assembling and securing artworks, making mounts and fabrication, install/deinstalling lighting, cabling and/or AV equipment, and maintaining a clean and safe prep space, tools, and exhibition and back of house areas;
Performs maintenance of exhibitions as needed, including gallery cleaning, vacuuming and sweeping, light replacement, paint touch-up, etc.;
Assists with producing and installing and/or removing didactic materials, including wall labels, graphic panels, and cut vinyl signage;
Assists other Preparators and Exhibitions staff as needed and directed.