Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Art Preparator is responsible for the handling and movement of any artwork at the Museum’s Elmwood campus, Offsite Storage Facility, and special project locations. They work closely with the Registration, Curatorial, Public Art, and Facilities Departments to ensure the timely installation and maintenance of the museum’s exhibition program, including projects organized in-house as well as those contracted from other institutions. The preparator also supports the Art Preparation Department in day-to-day operations including collection care, prepping works for loan, incoming acquisitions, photography, framing, transportation, and storage. 
 
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Aids in all aspects of the handling and movement of artwork in the collection and on view in exhibitions
Serves as an integral team member, by learning proper processes, materials, and techniques
Responsible for keeping up-to-date in the ways in which to safely handle and properly display works of art in all media
Responsible for the safe and organized storage of all art objects in the Permanent Collection, which includes moving, packing, unpacking, 
receiving, installing, de-installing, and their receipt and release, as needed
Helps maintain a proper up-to-date inventory of any movement of works of art, accessories, and empty crates with the Registrars
Aids in the transport of works of art between the museum’s main campus and offsite storage facility
Assists in the transport of non-art objects such as empty crates, tools, and materials between the museum’s main campus and offsite storage facility
As appropriate, acts as courier for objects in the Collection when on loan to other institutions
Often collaborates with the Public Art team to assists on special projects as needed
Facilitates internal communication by participating in team meetings and sharing knowledge, skills, and experience with co-workers
Assists the staff and outside researchers requiring access to works in the collection 
Maintains a consistent flow of productivity and efficiency
Participates in opportunities to advance professional growth
Performs other duties as emergent situations require

Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Two years plus experience in a museum, gallery, or appropriate fine art services setting
Excellent art installation and art handling skills
Applicable experience in the preparation of art objects for exhibition and loan
Proficient in Microsoft Suite of products

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

A dynamic team player
A highly collaborative approach, with strong interpersonal and problemsolving skills
Organizational skills, demonstrating attention to detail and effective time management
Good judgment in decision making
Excellent communication skills
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and in emergent situations
Ability to drive during transports to and from the Museum’s Offsite Storage Facility
Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and US Passport 
Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
Ability to use varied hand tools
Knowledge of art processes and materials
Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts, as well as work from them when installing, maintaining, or deinstalling artworks on loan or in the Permanent Collection
Comfortable working from heights 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Ideally, previous experience with tracking, rigging, crating, lifts, and other specialized equipment
Ideally, previous experience in framing, woodworking, metalworking, lighting, or construction