Preparator at Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Job Title: Preparator

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Description

The preparator holds a key position in the collections department at Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Working closely as a team member with the collections manager and assistant collections manager, the preparator contributes to the stewardship of the museum’s collections and is responsible for duties related to exhibition preparation and installation, deinstallation, packing, crating, movement, and storage of artwork and objects on loan to the museum and in the permanent collection.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares, installs, and deinstalls objects for exhibition. Strategizes and assists with planning installations and deinstallations with collections and curatorial colleagues.
  • Coordinates gallery preparation, including wall and case fabrication, and wall movement, preparation, and painting.
  • Builds platforms, barriers, and casework for permanent collections, exhibitions, and loans.
  • Responsible for lighting of artwork on view in the historic house and galleries to light level specifications; maintains fixture and lamp inventory.
  • Moves and installs/de-installs artwork on loan and in the permanent collections.
  • Assists with packing, crating, receiving, and dispersing loans and exhibitions.
  • Assists with on- and off-site inventory of art and historic house collections (i.e. movement and storage transportation).
  • Collaborates to build storage containers and object cradles in storage rooms during re-housing projects.
  • Creates expense projections related to project needs and budgets, including gallery preparation.
  • Collaborates and assists curatorial staff during the design phase of exhibition floor plans.
  • Arranges and manages contract work for temporary or permanent exhibitions or displays; supervises contractors and manages the budget.
  • Oversees proper and safe operation of power tools for self and contractors.
  • Maintains inventory of supplies and materials related to workshop and art preparation.
  • Manages part-time assistant preparator.

Other Functions:

  • Plays key role as a first responder during collections-related emergencies and must be relied upon to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
  • Serves as courier with other staff members when transporting art.
  • Assists with preventative conservation program including regular cleaning and maintenance work within the historic house and collections storage areas.

Note:

See full job posting on the Wake Forest University website. Applications must be submitted online through Wake Forest University via the Apply Now button on this page.

Requirements

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, museum studies, or a related field and three years of experience in art handling, installation, and preparation, with proven understanding of proper art handling and maintenance of museum objects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of museum installation techniques. Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to read floor plans specifications and diagrams.
  • Skill in use and care of power tools.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and time management skills. Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to identify problems and quickly resolve to ensure efficient installations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google web-based office applications, including Sheets, Docs, and Calendar, and other relevant software.
  • Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
  • Physical Requirements: heavy work; climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing. Close visual acuity. Able to lift art objects both heavy and small, taking necessary precautions.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Sketchup or other exhibition design planning software knowledge.

Accountabilities: 

  • Responsible for own work. Occasional supervisory responsibilities. Some management of expenses.

TO APPLY: 

Apply via full job link