Senior Preparator, Conservation at the Morgan Library & Museum
Job Title: Senior Preparator
Job Status: Full-time
Salary: $55,000 – $63,000
Description:
The Thaw Conservation Center at the Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for the position of Senior Preparator. Primary duties include simple and complex matting, mounting and framing of flat works on paper and parchment in accordance with rigorous conservation standards while managing deadlines for a busy program of exhibitions, loans, digital projects and collections care. Working closely with conservators, curators, registrars and imaging staff, the Senior Preparator will also co-ordinate and supervise the work of the Exhibitions Preparator, the Conservation Assistant, and external vendors supplying frames and mounts, establishing priorities and monitoring workflows to ensure that institutional and departmental deadlines are met. This position reports to the Sherman Fairchild Head of Conservation.
Qualifications:
– Minimum of five years’ experience in handling, matting, framing/unframing, packing/unpacking varied works on paper in a museum, library or private business working to rigorous museum standards
– Bachelor’s degree preferred; interest in and familiarity with the history of art and literature, as reflected in the scope of the Morgan’s collections and exhibitions (see www.themorgan.org )
– Prior experience as a supervisor or team leader desirable
– Familiarity with museum/conservation standards and procedures for handling, matting, framing and mounting of rare and fragile collections on paper and parchment, including sealed packages and other methods for minimizing RH fluctuations
– A high level of skill and attention to detail in the creation of exhibition and storage mats, and assembly of frame packages. Ability to identify frames in need of modification or replacement in order to be safe for museum objects
– Experience with time management, meeting deadlines and preparing project budgets
– General knowledge of preventive conservation practices, especially for works on paper and parchment
– Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet all deadlines; flexibility in scheduling and prioritization of tasks; ability to estimate time and materials costs for individual exhibitions and collections housing projects, keep an inventory of existing frames and other hardware
– Ability to keep accurate records of planned and completed work, using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace
– Ability to locate and track collection objects using collections management database (The Museum System/TMS)
– Ability to work in a neat and careful manner, maintain a safe and organized work area within a larger shared space
– Dexterity in handling many sizes of fragile collection objects, mats and frames; careful attention to safe storage of art objects and projects in progress
– Excellent verbal and written communication; collegial and collaborative attitude essential
Compensation: $55,000 – $63,000, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits plan.
To apply:
Interested applicants should e-mail cover letter, resume and three references to Human Resources at: tcc@themorgan.org Due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.
Important to Note:
Vaccination Requirement
The Morgan Library & Museum complies with New York City Executive Order 225 and requires that all employees be fully vaccinated and have received booster vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.
EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military of veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, stage, and/or local laws.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.