Head Preparator [Tweed Museum of Art University of Minnesota Duluth]

Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives some guidance and direction.

Packs and unpacks art objects, keeps adequate related supplies on hand. Instructs other

employees on proper handling and preparation techniques. Supports collection care and

preservation procedures with registrar. Builds containers, arranges for outside services after

working with registrar on developing specifications. Prepares art via matting, mounting, framing, and making minor repairs with director’s approval. Works with director and curators in planning and designing installations. Prepares scale drawings and models. Installs exhibitions in the galleries. Installs labels and didactic wall copy. Builds props, screen-prints and signs.

Oversees the maintenance and sustainability of exhibitions including the mechanical, digital and audio components. Arranges for technical services when necessary, regarding painting of gallery walls, electrical wiring, and other facility requirements. Assesses need for building maintenance and repairs. Keeps records of temperature and relative humidity within the facility. Coordinates installation and disassembly of exhibits. Maintains exhibits including inspecting, caring, replacing and repairing exhibit items. Coordinates with registrar regarding incoming and outgoing loans and the delivery of art, exhibition items and inter­ museum transits. Assists in the development of educational programming and management of logistics for events. Shares responsibility for collection security. Performs related work as required by director.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Coordinates installation and disassembly of exhibits.
• Determines detailed production schedules, estimating time and cost involved and general procedures.
• Maintains exhibits to include inspecting, caring, replacing and repairing exhibit items.
• Maintains the collection housing and storage areas to museum level standards, and produces mounts, furniture and archival supports for housing and storing of artwork.
• Registers incoming and outgoing loans. Maintains records of collection items, information and use.
• Coordinates processing of accession and de-accession of collection objects, and delivery of art and inter-museum transits.
• Organizes, coordinates and oversees art handling for loans of collection and exhibition items.
• Trains and monitors the work of student workers, technical staff, and volunteers.
• Works cooperatively with staff colleagues as part of the overall program team of the Museum.

Operational Role

Puts into effect what is required by defined job duties and clear objectives following established procedures and protocols; can alter the order in which work is performed but usually not the expected end result which can be improved, but not qualitatively changed.

Scope of Measurable Impact

Actions tend to facilitate work outcomes that meet general reporting requirements, internal checks and balances, regulatory guidelines, or similar results that promote the welfare of students, faculty and staff and safeguard the institution by providing necessary inputs to others in the form of information or finished materials.

Independence and Decision-Making

Job holders are guided by general procedures and professional norms, with periodic checks on accuracy, quality and timeliness of outcomes.

Complexity and Problem Solving

Finds solutions to routine technical or operational problems; once problem is identified, solutions generally can be resolved using conventional or standard procedures.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in art history, museum studies or related fields and 2 years of museum operations experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years. Position involves comparing, verifying and reconciling data to help department achieve overall objectives.