Preparator (Temporary)

Queens Museum • Corona, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Queens Museum seeks skilled and experienced Preparators for its exhibition season. Preparators work as a team to deinstall, pack, move, install, and otherwise prepare exhibitions for the public. They report to the Exhibitions Production Manager and work closely with artists, curators, the Registrar/Collections team, and the Facilities team. Additional work includes painting, lighting, placing wall labels, framing and matting, constructing pedestals, organizing materials, and other exhibition maintenance and preparation tasks. Depending on experience, the position may involve woodshop equipment, handheld and stationary power tools, and constructing walls, display elements, and crates.

Successful candidates are collaborative, driven team players who can also work independently. They bring in-depth knowledge of exhibition production techniques and strong problem-solving skills across a range of applications, tools, and settings. The role is temporary/seasonal, non-exempt, hourly paid, non-benefits eligible, and onsite at the Queens Museum. The scheduled work period is February 8–March 19, 2027, Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. Preparators are expected to arrive by 9:20 AM for the 9:30 AM workday meeting. The pay rate is $35.00 per hour.

Requirements

• Availability to work Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM, and arrive no later than 9:20 AM for the workday meeting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Ability to thrive in culturally diverse settings and build supportive, professional, and respectful relationships with colleagues.
• Ability to carry out physical maneuvers associated with maintenance, repair, replacement, and general upkeep of equipment and properties.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of installation, fabrication, and art-handling experience in a gallery or museum setting.
• Skill in using hand tools.
• Prior experience and safety training with lift equipment, including hydraulic scissor lifts.
• Working knowledge of best installation and deinstallation processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of contemporary art practice, media, and materials.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in electrical work, video installation, and sound installation, including multimedia installations, multiple-channel video, and varied speaker choreography (strongly preferred).
• Advanced carpentry, fabrication, and/or construction skills (strongly preferred).
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Respect artwork and maintain its safety during exhibition turnover periods.
• Deinstall and install artwork of all types.
• Handle, pack, and unpack artwork.
• Prepare gallery spaces by climbing ladders, patching and painting walls, assisting with lighting, and installing labels and vinyl.
• Depending on experience, assist in constructing display elements such as pedestals and shelves, and exhibition furniture such as benches, bookcases, and tables.
• Use stationary and handheld power tools carefully; work in the woodshop as appropriate.
• Use lifts as necessary, with experience and intention.
• Work with artists, curators, the Registrar/Collections team, and the Facilities team to prepare exhibitions.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed