Preparator and Installation Coordinator

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•$40,000 - $51,000

About The Position

Responsibilities: Works with Registration staff to ensure care and maintenance of the museum’s permanent art collection and loaned artwork as well as to plan for and implement exhibition changes. Collaborates with curators and registrars while using a high level of organization, communication, budgeting and time management skills to ensure that all museum industry and preventative conservation standards are met. Supervises and provides instruction as needed to staff in the installation/deinstallation of exhibitions and art handling. Prepares galleries for art installations, including but not limited to wall, floor and ceiling preparation, moving modular walls and display furniture, lighting design and implementation, fabricating and installing exhibition components (cases, mounts, etc.), and production and installation of exhibition labels and graphics. With registrars, coordinates activities surrounding care and maintenance of outdoor sculptures, including preparing outdoor sites, rigging, installing and deinstalling artwork, lighting and ongoing care. Purchases, designs and/or fabricates display materials, such as, but not limited to, pedestals, platforms, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. in keeping with museum standards and contractual requirements. Oversees movement and placement of pedestals, plexiglass vitrines, and other furniture used in exhibitions and/or art storage. Supervises and participates in matting and framing artwork in accordance with museum standards. Supervises and participates in the movement of artwork within and without the museum building, including receiving, packing/unpacking, crating, shipping, storage, and occasionally transporting artwork. Operates various equipment, including but not limited to drivable lifts (scissor, manlift, forklift, etc.), basic workshop tools and equipment, including for use with welding, brazing, and plexiglass, used in the normal course of museum business. With registrars and Building Maintenance and Security Supervisor, coordinates and maintains cleanliness and presentation of exhibitions, art storage, workshop and other registration-related workspaces. Maintains an inventory of supplies, tools and equipment integral to exhibition production and art care.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience, preferably in museum exhibits; and two years in a supervisory capacity.
Previous experience working in museum or art gallery
Previous carpentry and fabrication experience; knowledge of workshop safety
Ability to safely maneuver heavy objects
Skill in handling trucks, forklifts, lifts, and other forms of moving equipment
License to drive cars, trucks and vans

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the principles, techniques, tools and equipment used in designing, fabricating, and installing museum-quality exhibitions
Ability to design and fabricate custom display elements in exhibits, such as mounts and specialized furniture.
Knowledge of museum-approved materials and construction methods (acid-free, non-off gassing, archival, etc.)
Knowledge of and experience with archival matting and framing techniques and materials
Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to develop and work within a budget
Familiarity with safe working practices, such as OSHA regulations
Familiarity with Product Safety Data Sheets
Familiarity with ADA regulations

Responsibilities

Works with Registration staff to ensure care and maintenance of the museum’s permanent art collection and loaned artwork as well as to plan for and implement exhibition changes.
Collaborates with curators and registrars while using a high level of organization, communication, budgeting and time management skills to ensure that all museum industry and preventative conservation standards are met.
Supervises and provides instruction as needed to staff in the installation/deinstallation of exhibitions and art handling.
Prepares galleries for art installations, including but not limited to wall, floor and ceiling preparation, moving modular walls and display furniture, lighting design and implementation, fabricating and installing exhibition components (cases, mounts, etc.), and production and installation of exhibition labels and graphics.
With registrars, coordinates activities surrounding care and maintenance of outdoor sculptures, including preparing outdoor sites, rigging, installing and deinstalling artwork, lighting and ongoing care.
Purchases, designs and/or fabricates display materials, such as, but not limited to, pedestals, platforms, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. in keeping with museum standards and contractual requirements.
Oversees movement and placement of pedestals, plexiglass vitrines, and other furniture used in exhibitions and/or art storage.
Supervises and participates in matting and framing artwork in accordance with museum standards.
Supervises and participates in the movement of artwork within and without the museum building, including receiving, packing/unpacking, crating, shipping, storage, and occasionally transporting artwork.
Operates various equipment, including but not limited to drivable lifts (scissor, manlift, forklift, etc.), basic workshop tools and equipment, including for use with welding, brazing, and plexiglass, used in the normal course of museum business.
With registrars and Building Maintenance and Security Supervisor, coordinates and maintains cleanliness and presentation of exhibitions, art storage, workshop and other registration-related workspaces.
Maintains an inventory of supplies, tools and equipment integral to exhibition production and art care.