Preparator

Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and nature, Glenstone is a world-class contemporary art museum in Potomac, Maryland. Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor and outdoor spaces enveloped by 300 acres of organically maintained meadow and woodlands. Admission is always free.

The work culture at Glenstone is dynamic and team oriented. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we are proud to foster a workplace where associates feel valued, respected, and accepted. We leverage our collaborative and enriching culture to provide abundant opportunities for all associates to develop new skills, feel connected to our mission, and actively participate in advancing their careers.

Reporting to the Head Preparator, the Preparator plays a critical role supporting and leading installations of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, managing objects in storage while optimizing available space, and preparing works to travel on loan. As a member of the Registration department, the Preparator works closely with colleagues in the Collections Division, including curators, conservators, and collections specialists.

The position performs a range of duties related to exhibition preparation, including installation, deinstallation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork. Duties include supervising teams of temporary and contract art handling personnel, assisting with the evaluation of incoming and outgoing artwork, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and serving as the art handling lead on temporary exhibitions and special projects as assigned. The Preparator further assists the Head Preparator by purchasing supplies, assisting with environmental monitoring, providing maintenance and organization of art storage areas, and managing installation teams to ensure the timely completion of all work to the highest standard.

The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. A positive attitude, willingness to help others, and desire to work in a collaborative team environment is essential. Glenstone seeks an expert problem solver with a proven ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

In addition, we are looking for someone that can embrace Glenstone’s core value of continuous improvement through an interest in professional development to advance their knowledge and expertise to surpass our previous best efforts. Essential to success in this role is the ability to apply creative methods to solve installation challenges, attention to detail, the ability to work well both as part of a team and under own direction, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the desire to exemplify leadership qualities including respect, self-awareness, and empathy while engaging with and mentoring future leaders in the field.

• Serve on exhibition project teams as assigned, including conducting research for appropriate installation methods; inventory and ordering of supplies, working with registrars on schedules and planning, and leading contract art handling teams during installation and deinstallation.
• Develop methods of installation and deinstallation for artworks, including audio/video and multimedia works
• Design and fabricate mounts for the display or long-term storage of two- and three-dimensional artworks. Devise solutions that work with the architectural vision of Glenstone while following museum best practices and principals for the display of contemporary art.
• Operate heavy…