Exhibition Specialist and Preparator at the Museum of the American Revolution
Job Title: Exhibition Specialist and Preparator
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Salary: $50,000- $55,000
Description
The Exhibition Specialist and Preparator is responsible for installing, maintaining and monitoring exhibit elements in the permanent and temporary galleries and for assisting with the care, storage and maintenance of the Museum’s collection. The Exhibition Specialist and Preparator liases with the building operations department and works with Collections and Exhibitions staff to prepare and move objects in the collection for storage, exhibition, loan or study, and to assist with the installation/deinstallation of exhibits. This position reports to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Ensure core exhibition is well maintained by conducting daily inspections (Monday through Friday)
- Oversee figure and case cleaning in the core galleries; training and supervise VEAs at figure and case cleaning
- Assist with pest monitoring in the galleries, as needed
- Manage the lighting plan in the core galleries and special exhibit gallery; change bulbs in these areas
- Plan, draw, build and repair exhibit elements as needed, including mounts
- Support AV Specialist in monitoring/repair of AV in core and temporary galleries
- With Collections and Exhibitions Team, review exhibit design regarding implementation and installation of special exhibits and provide feedback about the feasibility of the design
- Construct crates, packing containers and storage containers, as appropriate, for objects in the MOAR collection and on loan
- Perform basic object cleaning and conservation tasks on the collection and loan objects
- Re-house objects and documents in the collection as needed
- Supervise outside contractors when they are working in gallery spaces
- Work with Building Operations staff to prepare temporary gallery for new exhibition including painting, building walls, pedestals, etc.
- Work with Education Department to monitor, maintain, and update exhibit-related components used in education spaces or galleries
- Construct mockups or prototypes of proposed exhibit elements, as requested
- Assist with installation, de-installation, and movement of objects in core galleries and for special exhibitions
- Assist with the monitoring of temperature, humidity, and light in the core galleries
- Assist with photography of collections and loaned objects, as needed
- Manage exhibit case inventory, including case furniture and mounts
- Assist with shipment receipts and releases
- Framing and matting of items for exhibitions and for storage
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- 3-5 years experience in museum exhibit installation preferred
- Versatile and able to work in a high-pressure environment and meet deadlines
- Proven history of quality workmanship, meticulous attention to detail and pride in workmanship
- Knowledge of basic carpentry techniques, knowledge of paints and adhesives, working knowledge of various hand and power tools
- Basic understanding of AV equipment and basic electrical wiring
- Ability to respond quickly with creative solutions
- Must be a team player and be able to work independently
- Art handling/object handling experience required
- Experience creating and constructing exhibits (or equivalent) preferred
- Knowledge of lighting systems and design is helpful
- Museum experience preferred; knowledge of object conservation standards is a plus
- Computer literacy including MS Office Suite required; CAD knowledge is a plus
- Valid driver’s license
Education:
High School Diploma
TO APPLY
The Museum of the American Revolution (www.AmRevMuseum.org) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, please send a cover letter including, resume and three professional references to employment@amrevmuseum.org.