Preparator (Temporary)

Queens Museum • New York, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Queens Museum seeks skilled and experienced Preparators to support its exhibition season. Preparators work as a team to deinstall, pack, move, install, and otherwise prepare exhibitions for the public. The role reports to the Exhibitions Production Manager and works 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 role may also involve woodshop equipment, hand-held and stationary power tools, constructing walls, display elements, and crates.

This is a temporary, seasonal, non-exempt hourly position based onsite at the Queens Museum. The scheduled work period is February 8 through March 19, 2027, Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Preparators must arrive no later than 9:20 AM for the 9:30 AM Work Day Meeting. The rate is $35.00 per hour. The position is non-supervisory and not benefits eligible.

Requirements

• Skilled in the use of hand tools.
• Working knowledge of best practices for installation and deinstallation.
• Knowledge of contemporary art practice, media, and materials.
• Ability to perform 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.
• Availability Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and arrival no later than 9:20 AM for the 9:30 AM Work Day Meeting.
• Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in culturally diverse settings and maintain supportive, professional, and respectful relationships with colleagues.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred 5+ years of installation, fabrication, and art-handling experience in a gallery or museum setting.
• Prior experience and safety training for lift equipment, including hydraulic scissor lifts.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in electrical work, video installation, and sound installation across multimedia installations, multiple-channel video, and varied speaker choreography; strongly preferred.
• Advanced carpentry, fabrication, and/or construction skills; strongly preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
• Candidates with advanced experience and skills will be given priority.

Responsibilities

• Approach artwork respectfully and maintain its safety during exhibition turnover periods.
• Deinstall and install all types of artwork.
• Handle, pack, and unpack artwork.
• Prepare gallery spaces, including 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, as well as exhibition furniture such as benches, bookcases, and tables.
• Use stationary and hand-held power tools carefully; work in the woodshop as applicable.
• Use lifts as necessary, with experience and intention.
• Work collaboratively with artists, curators, the Registrar/Collections team, and Facilities team to prepare exhibitions.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed