Assistant Preparator

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N.

C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith

F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.

Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks a skilled Art Handler at the Assistant Preparator level, to join the Art Prep team within the Museum Services Division. Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Assistant Preparator will play an integral part in the execution and fabrication of the exhibition installation and de-installation processes for the museum. This position will collaborate with colleagues across the division and portfolio, including Registration, Collections Management, Design, Exhibitions, Facilities and Operations on planning for installations, gallery maintenance, and object handling.

This position is a one-year opportunity.

• Applies knowledge of current best practice in conservation ethics and art handling techniques, policies and procedures to install artwork as part of a team, including 2D, 3D installations;
  Collaborates on the transportation of art through the museum and preparing works of art for installation as directed by the Chief Preparator
• Responsible for safe installation and deinstallation of works of art, loans, and related exhibition materials
• Maintains gallery appearance, including light dusting of artworks and exhibition casework
• Collaborates with Art Prep team on the organization and maintenance of materials, tools and equipment to use in the object preparation and installation
• Assists in maintaining all shops and work spaces, including maintaining inventory and shop equipment
• Assists Associate Preparators with fabrication, matting, framing, and mount making, as needed
• Assists Chief Preparator with developing budgets for exhibitions and installations
• Maintains a sense of personal responsibility to meet deadlines and deliverables according to schedule and institutional priorities
• Occasionally asked to oversee small crew of art preparators during installation periods
• Assists collections management technicians with art movement, packing, crating, and viewings as needed
• Occasional weekend or night shifts, as needed

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and…