Senior Preparator

Job Details

Job Location:

Charlotte, NC 28202

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: Not Specified

Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%

Job Category:
General Labor

Title:

Senior Preparator

Department:
Collections & Exhibitions

Reports To:

Chief Preparator

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Date Prepared: 04/10/2023

Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Senior 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 Senior Preparator assists with all aspects of installation and deinstallation, including but not limited to object movement, storage, packing and unpacking, inventory, mount making, construction, fabrication, lighting, painting, and associated technology. The Senior Preparator serves on exhibition teams for both in-house and traveling exhibitions.

• Prepare objects for display and storage, including creating specialized supports, mounting, matting, and framing; install and deinstall objects, mounts, casework, and graphics.
• Prepare, pack, and crate objects for transit, including the proper retrofitting of crates for reuse. 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 the conveyance of the same within the building or between buildings under the guidance of the Chief Preparator and/or Registration staff.
• Work collaboratively with internal or external contractors as needed for the construction, painting, and fabrication of exhibition materials, as well as installation, rigging, and construction associated with exhibitions and permanent collection installations.
• Fabricate materials associated with exhibitions and installations, such as exhibition furniture, object mounts and supports, matting, framing, walls, and other installation components; perform painting, installation, rigging, and related work as needed.
• Support the established gallery lighting program; install lighting for exhibitions and permanent collection galleries in accordance with display guidelines outlined by the registrars.
• Perform daily visual inspections and maintenance of exhibition galleries and gallery lighting; maintain and troubleshoot audio-visual equipment and report any irregularities to the Chief Preparator.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in proper working condition; submit requests for supplies and materials as needed to the Chief Preparator; maintain workshop and in-house production areas through regular cleaning, organization, and restocking.
• Collaborate with registrars to maintain and upkeep galleries, object storage areas, and department work areas; participate in periodic and annual collection inventories; perform object movement for photography of the collection.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for consideration:

• Education:
  
  BA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or related fields preferred.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  3-5 years professional experience installation, preparation, fine art handling, including managing schedules and contractors; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • 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,…