Preparator

Preparator 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, FL 34108 Full-time

ARTIS-NAPLES 12

reviews Full-time Job Summary The Preparator supports museum operations by planning and executing fabrications, installation and deinstallation of museum exhibitions. The role troubleshoots and coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art handling, packing and transport, location tracking and storage maintenance. Responsibilities include oversight of artworks installed throughout the Artis—Naples cultural campus, supporting maintenance, lighting, signage, and long-term preservation efforts. Working collaboratively across departments, the role contributes to exhibition logistics, disaster preparedness and problem-solving in both exhibition and art storage environments. Committed to upholding the museum's standards of excellence and captivating design, the Preparator fosters a creative, collaborative and efficient approach to exhibition operations and collections preparation, supporting the multidisciplinary mission of Artis—Naples and the integral role of The Baker Museum within a dynamic performing and visual arts institution. Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of Director of Museum Exhibitions and Operations, prepares, handles, installs and deinstalls works of art in accordance with museum standards and best practices as outlined in the American Alliance of Museums Collections Stewardship Standards and Core Standards for Museums. Coordinates with registrars on artwork packing, transportation preparation, location tracking and documentation, storage methods and display solutions for artworks traveling to and from the museum or between offsite locations. Leads and maintains lighting of exhibitions and storage in keeping with contractual requirements/ current best practices. Maintains lighting storage. Oversees artworks installed throughout campus, including coordination of maintenance and signage. Careful long-term planning to improve safety, detail, and accuracy multiple steps in advance. Works collaboratively with Artis—Naples staff across departments.

EXHIBITION PREPARATION & DESIGN

Leads the preparation, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions under the direction of the Director of Museum Exhibitions and Operations. Ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently and in alignment with institutional timelines, coordinating installation teams and exhibition production schedules and collaborating with curatorial staff, registrars, contractors and vendors. Develops installation layouts, exhibition drawings and planning documents; distributes exhibition plans to installation teams to support clear communication of installation requirements and day-to-day operations. Collaborates with the Director of Museum Exhibitions and Operations and Curatorial to create accessible and engaging labels, interactives and other interpretive elements for exhibitions. Manages graphic design production for exhibitions, meeting season exhibition timelines. Includes working with external graphic designers as needed and, at other times, executing graphic design tasks under the direction of Director of Museum Exhibitions and Operations and Curatorial. Oversees preparation of gallery spaces, including wall preparation and painting; manages the fabrication, preparation and installation of exhibition furniture, mounts, casework and structural display components. Maintains working relationships with fabricators, vendors and contractors; assists with vendor coordination and procurement processes as required. Operates specialized equipment, including forklifts and rigging systems, to support the safe movement and installation of large-scale artworks and exhibition materials. Maintains exhibition audio visual media equipment and ensures the proper operation of digital and video components within exhibitions. Assists in operational planning for museum programs or special events involving exhibition spaces or artwork movements.

COLLECTIONS PREPARATION

Assists with the organization, care and operational support of collections storage areas, including determining appropriate storage locations and maintaining storage systems. Manages appropriate collection, crate and pedestal documentation as required. Safe movement and handling of all collections objects and exhibition furniture, meeting industry standards. Supports long-term preservation efforts to optimize storage management and object re-housing.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies, Core Values, Education and Experience Competencies To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

Diversity:

Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics:

Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.

Financial:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Oral Communication:

Speaks clearly and confidently, listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings.

Problem Solving:

Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Teamwork:

Fosters a cooperative work environment by actively participating with colleagues, set priorities and solves problems.

Technical Skills:

Knowledge of computerized information systems used in office systems.

Quality Management:

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Written Communication:

Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents information effectively.

Organizational Core Values Collaborative:

Working internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately in order to realize shared goals.

Transparency:

Behaving and communicating in a manner that exudes openness and sheer honesty.

Excellence:

A standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.

Accountability:

The acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions and results.

Patron-first:

Placing the patron at the center of our efforts.

Integrity:

A commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision. Education/Experience Bachelor's degree in museum studies, fine art, art history, studio art, history or similar required. 3-5 year museum/collection experience or equivalent education required or strong knowledge base for design and fabrication. Skills & Abilities Knowledge of art handling, art storage and display methods, installation techniques and procedures. Principles and practices of museum exhibit and display design, construction, materials and repairs Exhibition scheduling and coordination techniques Working knowledge with the Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and computer-aided design programs such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD or SketchUp, and TMS (The Museum System database by Gallery Systems) are preferred. General understanding of budget and fiscally responsible processes and procedures Experienced with matting and framing of artwork Crate fabrication, object packing, object storage housing Forklift and personnel lift certification Knowledge of art/museum security systems and procedures. Experienced with hand and power tools, carpentry and metal fabrication Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work requires physical activity; handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 pounds (or greater mass that require mechanical assistance). Standing or walking may occur up to 75% of time. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work may be performed in an office, museum, storage facility or field environment. Work Environment The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise followed by long spans of installation in the museum, with exposure to vibrations, noise, electrical connections and outdoor weather conditions. Long periods of standing, exposure to chemicals associated with the conservation and production of works of art. This position description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.