Temporary Exhibits Preparator

Missouri History Museum • Saint Louis, MO

244d

About The Position

The Missouri Historical Society seeks Temporary Exhibits Preparators. This position is a seasonal position whose responsibilities are to assist the full-time preparatory staff with exhibit turnarounds and fabrication for both the Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. These projects include both in-house and traveling exhibitions, can vary in size and scope, and can include the transport of exhibit materials as necessary. This position reports to the Exhibitions Preparator but is closely supervised by all members of the full-time preparatory team.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate degree in visual or studio art or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of exhibit installation or carpentry experience, preferably in a nonprofit museum and/or equivalent public sector.
• Must be able to routinely handle objects of up to 50 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Experience with lifting tools or machinery preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the installation and deinstallation of MHS exhibits, including artifact casework, vitrines, platforms, pedestals, or risers, temporary walls, rail structures, and other surfaces, and graphic elements such as labels, banners, cut vinyl, 3D lettering or 3D structures.
• Assisting with the fabrication of custom exhibit elements such as temporary walls, risers, platforms, rail structures, etc., including woodworking, light metalworking, and acrylic fabrication, as well as finishing work such as fabric wrapping, marvel sealing, wood staining, and painting.
• Assisting with the fabrication of artifact mounts as necessary, including light metalworking, painting, and finishing.
• Assisting with the packing and transport of exhibit elements as necessary.
• Assisting with maintenance needs of current exhibits such as repairs, paint touch-ups, and graphic installation.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees