Position Summary The On-Call Preparator supports the planning, preparation, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of permanent collection displays, gallery rotations, and temporary exhibitions across all museum sites. Working collaboratively with Registration, Exhibition Services, Curatorial, Facilities, and outside vendors, the Preparator applies museum-standard art handling and preventive conservation practices to ensure the safe movement, installation, storage, and presentation of works of art. This position contributes to creating engaging, high-quality exhibitions while maintaining the highest standards of collections care and visitor experience. Position requires background check. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Prepare, install, de-install, and relocate two- and three-dimensional artworks and artifacts for permanent collections, gallery rotations, and temporary exhibitions. Handle permanent collection, loaned, and temporary exhibition objects using museum best practices and established art handling procedures. Crate, uncrate, pack, unpack, transport, and move artworks for exhibitions, loans, acquisitions, and storage projects. Participate in loading, unloading, securing, and transporting artworks between museum facilities and off-site storage locations. Perform routine maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibitions, including dusting objects and exhibition furniture, cleaning Plexiglas, replacing labels and lamps, repairing gallery finishes, and monitoring display conditions. Assist registrars with collection inventories, storage projects, object retrieval, and the safe return of artworks to storage while reporting condition concerns or damage. Maintain organized, clean, and safe preparation areas, frame shops, receiving areas, storage vaults, and workspaces; monitor inventory levels for exhibition and packing supplies. Coordinate with other preparators, museum staff, and vendors to support efficient exhibition production. Perform additional duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in art, design, Museum Studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional art-handling experience. Experience preparing and installing museum exhibitions or comparable gallery environments. Thorough knowledge of museum-standard art handling, packing, installation, and preventive conservation practices. Proficiency using hand and power tools. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams. Preferred Qualifications Excellent understanding of museum collections care and exhibition installation standards. Experience with exhibition construction and museum fabrication, including woodworking, metalworking, mount-making and mounting, and framing. Experience packing fine art for travel or outgoing loans. Familiarity with audiovisual systems and digital exhibition technologies. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent understanding of museum collections care and exhibition installation standards. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe handling practices. Effective communication and collaboration skills. Flexibility adapting to changing exhibition schedules and priorities. Commitment to maintaining professional museum standards and an exceptional visitor experience. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, bend, climb ladders, work from aerial lifts, and perform physically demanding installation activities for extended periods. Ability to safely move large, fragile, and valuable artworks using appropriate equipment and techniques.

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person