Preparator

The Mint Museum•Charlotte, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Preparator is a key team member of the Collections & Exhibitions Department. The position is integral to the successful execution of the Museum’s ambitious schedule of exhibitions, installations, and gallery rotations. The Preparator assists with all aspects of installation and deinstallation to include but not limited to object movement, storage, packing/unpacking, inventory, mount making, construction, fabrication, lighting, painting, and associated technology. Serves on exhibition teams for both in-house and traveling exhibitions.

Requirements

BA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or related fields preferred
3- 5 years professional experience installation, preparation, fine art handling, including managing schedules and contractors; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Training and/or experience demonstrating working knowledge of general museum operating procedures
Adheres to best practices for handling, installation, and movement of objects
Enthusiastic, self-motivated, with excellent communication skills, successful in the planning and follow through of tasks/projects
Able to lift heavy crates and art, including paintings, sculpture, and furniture
Experienced in the use of power tools and equipment associated with woodworking, metalworking, construction, lighting, electrical, and audio-visual / computer displays
Must be responsible, dependable, and able to work effectively in a team based multi-task environment
Knowledge of The Mint Museum’s collections, goals, values, and mission
Must maintain confidentiality
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Ability to drive a van and box truck
Current with OSHA standards and guidelines

Nice To Haves

The perfect candidate will be communicative, open to new ideas, and able to accept constructive criticism
Shows initiative and proficiency at problem-solving
Must be a self-starter, resourceful and comfortable working in a small team environment where both self-sufficiency and teamwork are essential
Knowledge and/or background in Fine Arts, design and/or Art History a plus

Responsibilities

Prepare objects for display and storage to include creating specialized supports, mounting, matting and framing
Install and de-install objects, mounts, casework, graphics
Prepare, pack, and crate objects for transit to include the proper retrofitting of crates for re-use
Receive and release packed/crated objects and materials for loan, exhibition, acquisition consideration, and transfer purposes
Actively participate in all off-loading and loading of crates, exhibition furniture, or equipment and conveyance of same within the building or between buildings under the guidance of the Chief Preparator and/or Registration staff
Works collaboratively with internal or external contractors as needed as for the construction, painting, fabrication of exhibition materials, installation, rigging, and construction associated with exhibitions and permanent collection installations
Fabricates materials associated with exhibitions and installations such as exhibition furniture, object mounts & supports, matting, framing, construction of walls, painting, installation, rigging, etc.
Supports established gallery lighting program; installs lights for exhibitions and permanent collection galleries observant of display guidelines as outlined by the registrars
Perform daily, visual inspection and maintenance of exhibition galleries, gallery lighting, maintenance of audio-visual equipment, and troubleshooting, reporting any irregularities to Senior Preparator
Maintain proper maintenance of tools, equipment, and supplies; submits requests for supplies and materials as needed to Chief Preparator; maintain workshop and in-house production areas; cleaning, organizing, and re-stocking as needed
Collaborates with registrars to maintain and upkeep galleries, object storage areas, and department work areas; participates in periodic/annual collection inventories; performs object movement for photography of the collection
Other duties as assigned