Description
Princeton University
Department
Art Museum – 41400
Position Summary
MUSEUM PREPARATOR
Summary of Position:
Art handling in the museum environment requires a unique skill set that combines practical wisdom and experience with an ability to think critically and imaginatively. The museum preparator is expected to move fluidly among assignments, and yet approach each object deliberately and with prudence.
The successful candidate will report to the Manager of Exhibition Services (MES) and will be a member of the Preparator’s Office which is called upon for preparation, matting, hinging, and framing of works on paper, gallery and campus installations, art packing, local transport, gallery and storage maintenance, light wall construction, A/V media installation, and general collections support.
Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the museum preparator is to fulfill collections handling assignments by strictly adhering to professional practices and ethics for object care, display, movement, and storage. Whether working alone or in a team setting, the preparator handles a broad range of media from a collection of 92,000 museum objects.
Additional responsibilities:
– Provide art handling support for precept classes, scholar’s visits, and other inquiries
– Custom packing, transport, and installation of art objects on campus and in the NY/PHL region
– Team member for exhibition installations
– Assist in the preparation and maintenance of 29,000 square feet of public galleries which may include painting and repairing walls; preparing gallery furniture and mounts, and printing and mounting object labels
– Warehouse handling of gallery furniture, props, and materials
– Assist the Images Services Manager with object movement related to documentary and publication photography
– Rehousing permanent collections within art storage
– Identifying and understanding potential and real workplace hazards for personnel or for art objects
Essential Qualifications
Requirements:
This position requires extensive experience in fine art handling. The preparator will be expected to move confidently among a sizable range of media and to properly analyze the physical requirements and the inherent risk associated with object handling. An ability to plan and organize within a changing work environment while adhering to the time sensitive nature of museum production work is critical. The preparator must be able to communicate clearly, act independently and decisively, and understand fully the responsibilities associated with museum productions. An ability to anticipate the next move, to handle stress, and to stay focused is essential.
Additional requirements:
– Minimum of four years experience in a museum or gallery setting as a fine art preparator or conservation technician
– Considerable installations experience
– Demonstrated experience handling paintings, sculpture, works on paper, textiles, and decorative arts
– In-depth knowledge of artists’ methods, materials, and techniques, as well as a general knowledge of art history
– Excellent communication and problem solving skills
– The ability to work collaboratively and follow instructions
– Detail oriented, self-motivated, and a keen sense of mission
– Knowledge of fine art packing and transportation techniques
– Demonstrated proficiency in primary carpentry skills
– Comfortable climbing ladders and scaffolding and operating aerial lifts
– Willing to operate fork lifts and “stand behind” equipment
– Willing to drive vans and trucks (17,999 pounds GVWR)
– Good physical health with the ability to move swiftly in and out of trucks, as well as lift, push, pull, and support heavy objects, crates, and other sundry items
– The ability to dead lift 75 pounds is required and the successful applicant must pass a rigorous and mandatory physical aptitude test
– Valid driver’s license
– Bachelor’s degree is required, MA or MFA preferred
The final candidate will be required to complete a background check and post-offer pre-employment physical successfully.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Information:
Further information about the Museum and its programs can be found at http://artmuseum.princeton.edu
Directory Title
Job Function
Technical Support
Grade
LTT 050
Standard Hours
40.00
Full-time/Part-time
Full Time
Actual Hours per Week, if casual hourly
Pay Rate, if Casual Hourly
Work Schedule, if other than standard hours
Eligible for Overtime
Yes
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Union Code
Not Applicable
Education Required
Bachelor’s Degree
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled or See Position Summary.
Instructions for Applying
Documents which can be associated with this posting
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Proposed Start Date
End Date, if a Term Appointment
Comments related to end date:
EEO Statement
Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
PI94553378
Job Information
Location:Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, United States
Job ID:28912415
Posted:June 9, 2016
Position Title:Museum Preparator
Company Name:Princeton University
Job Function:ExhibitionsEntry Level:No
