Assistant Preparator at the Portland Museum of Art

Job Title: Assistant Preparator

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Portland, Maine

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Lead Preparator and in close collaboration with the Director of Collections, Registrars, Exhibitions Manager, Curators, and related staff, the Assistant Preparator is responsible for assisting with the handling, packing, matting, framing, installation/de-installation, and lighting of all artwork in accordance with best practice standards and in support of the PMA’s mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Assists with packing, matting, framing, lighting, storage, transport, and installation/deinstallation of all artwork for the permanent collection and exhibitions according to best practice standards.
  • Collaborates with Curators, Exhibition Manager, and Preparators on the design and production of exhibition casework, internal furniture, and specialized mounts. Assists in coordinating all aspects of gallery preparation including the scheduling and supervising of painters, facilities, and other contractors. Mounts and hangs artwork labels and other signage.
  • Provides A/V and tech support for media-based artworks. Installs A/V hardware in gallery spaces, including monitors, projectors, speakers and cables. Maintains A/V inventory for interdepartmental use in collaboration with other departments.
  • Assists with the handling, packing, display, and storage of permanent collection artwork according to museum best practices, including the design and manufacture of long-term display and storage solutions for the permanent collection.
  • Assists Registrars and Curators in scheduling off site storage visits and shipments. Packs and transports works from the museum to offsite storage. Consolidates museum storage for maximum efficiency and assists Registrars with inventories and audits in all storage spaces.
  • Monitors established Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Performs routine gallery and storage area visual checks as well as general maintenance and cleaning to storage and exhibition spaces.
  • Assists with maintaining inventory and safe storage of exhibition casework, vitrines, platforms, risers, and other exhibition furniture. Assists with design and production of new exhibition furniture as needed.
  • Prepares and paints gallery walls as needed and maintains paint inventory and paint schedule for all galleries.
  • Performs general lighting duties in all gallery spaces including changing bulbs, redirecting cans, and repairing fixtures. Assists with technical lighting for new exhibitions and gallery changes. Maintains lighting inventory in conjunction with other departments.
  • Facilitates visits to the Osher Art Study Room with Registration and Curatorial staff and assists Registrars with art movements for appointments.
  • Assists other departments, such as Campus Sustainability, with special projects as needed.
  • Ensures a safe working environment and cleanliness of preparatory room, loading docks, construction shop, and areas in which artwork is processed, moved, or stored.
  • Pays high attention to detail, meets deadlines, and performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
  • Supports the PMA’s strategic goal to advance a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
  • Complies with all Portland Museum of Art safety rules and procedures.
  • Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

High School graduation or equivalent required with 3-5 years of experience in a museum or fine art shipping/art handling company.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Innovative thinker who can balance practical and creative methods to meaningfully engage PMA visitors, the community, and public.
  • Flexible, agile, and supportive staff member who embraces diverse points of view and creative problem solving to achieve the PMA’s mission and goals
  • Curious, open-minded learner who stays current on museum trends and best practices in the handling and display of art.
  • Lift and move heavy objects as required (50+lbs)
  • Knowledge of best practice art handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights.
  • Familiarity with carpentry skills such as framing and basic cabinet construction, as well as tools such as table saws, chopsaws, drill presses, routers, and small hand tools.
  • Ability to operate equipment such as pallet jacks, scissors lifts, materials lifts, and dollies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, vendors, and contractors in person, over the phone and via email.
  • Ability to operate computers and assigned software, including Microsoft Office, EmbArk, and Altru.
  • Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with coworkers and a variety of individuals contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.
  • Valid State of Maine Class C driver’s license required.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The majority of work is performed in a museum or gallery setting or in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc., and always in concert with other people, requiring focus and physical fitness. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, and other office equipment. Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, crouch, climb ladders, and lift and carry heavy objects. Frequently required to handle art. Operates data loggers, psychrometer, loading dock lift gate, ladder, various hand tools and museum-owned or leased vehicles. Work requires extended computer use involving repetitive small muscle tasks. Occasional local, regional, and national travel by truck may be requested.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The PMA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our museum. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status as a whistleblower, marital status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

TERMS:

The Assistant Preparator position is a full-time, full-benefits, non-exempt, hourly, UAW Local 2110 union position with a starting pay rate $23.03 per hour on grade G. The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the museum and will include periodic evening and weekend hours. Please note that the PMA currently requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot.

APPLY:

Please email cover letter and résumé to careers@portlandmuseum.org.

In lieu of a résumé, please upload a completed PMA Employment application (available at this link). Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis in electronic format only until a candidate is hired.