Preparator (Temp/PT)

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY • St. Louis, MO

2d • $25 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a temporary, seasonal Exhibits Preparator to assist the full-time preparatory staff with exhibit turnarounds and fabrication for the Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Projects include in-house and traveling exhibitions, vary in size and scope, and may involve transporting exhibit materials. The position reports to the Exhibitions Preparator and is closely supervised by the full-time preparatory team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of exhibit installation or carpentry experience, preferably in a nonprofit museum and/or equivalent public sector.
• Ability to routinely handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more.
• Basic to moderate art or artifact handling and installation experience.
• Basic to moderate general fabrication experience, especially in woodworking, metalworking, or acrylic fabrication.
• Basic to moderate experience using shop tools and equipment.
• Detail-oriented, attentive, and a fast learner.
• Adaptable to new situations and skill sets.
• Able to use creative problem-solving to accomplish complex physical projects.
• Able to take clear direction to complete projects and reach goals.
• A solid and consistent communicator.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in visual or studio art or a related field.
• Experience in a nonprofit museum and/or equivalent public sector.
• Experience with lifting tools or machinery.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation and deinstallation of exhibits, including casework, vitrines, platforms, pedestals, risers, temporary walls, rail structures, surfaces, graphic elements, artifacts, and artifact mounts.
• Assist with fabrication of custom exhibit elements such as temporary walls, risers, platforms, and rail structures.
• Perform fabrication work that may include woodworking, light metalworking, acrylic fabrication, fabric wrapping, Marvel sealing, wood staining, and painting.
• Assist with fabrication of artifact mounts, including light metalworking, painting, and finishing.
• Assist with packing and transporting exhibit elements as necessary.
• Assist with maintenance of current exhibits, including repairs, paint touch-ups, and graphic installation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED