Preparator

POSITION TITLE: Preparator
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time with Benefits
DEPARTMENT: Curatorial
RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Curator / Director of Exhibitions and Collections
GENERAL JOB FUNCTION: Prepare and install works of art and signage for exhibitions and storage. Design and build exhibition and display components. Monitor environmental conditions of museum facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exhibitions

Installation of works of art for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries, to include:

  • Collaborate with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions on exhibition design and installation.
  • Design and develop budgets for the construction of gallery furniture for permanent and temporary exhibitions, programs, and storage. Build furniture in-house or work with outside contractors as needed; install gallery lighting; dry-mount labels and other signage; install signage in galleries; repair and paint walls and pedestals.
  • Maintain tools and equipment required for gallery installation.
  • Mounting, matting, and framing of artwork using appropriate archival techniques and materials.
  • Order framing materials.
  • Order and install signage; preparation of exhibition furniture (i.e. pedestals and moveable walls) in galleries; hanging and/or mounting of works of art according to appropriate professional practices.
  • Maintain basic appearance of galleries, including painting and patching of walls, replacing bulbs/fixtures for lighting, labels, basic cleaning of art, and other repairs/improvements as needed.

Transportation and Shipping

Design and implementation of packing of works of art for travel and transportation of packed artwork including:

  • Soft packing and crating; design and build in-house or work with outside fabricators in crate production; in some cases, traveling with works of art in transit for exhibitions or to/from conservation laboratories.
  • Act as courier and museum representative as necessary; and works collaboratively with MMA Collections Manager in these activities.
  • Drive rental vehicles, to include cargo and transit vans and box trucks, to transport artwork. (Requires a Chauffer’s License in the State of Michigan)

Permanent Collection Preparation and Storage

Proper collections preparation and maintenance, including:

  • Matting and framing acquisitions; revising current mountings; frame repair and adjustment.
  • Ordering and maintaining stock of storage materials; with Collections Manager, participating in cleaning objects in the collection using accepted conservation/archival practices and materials
  • Photographing accessions; works with Director of Collections and Exhibitions and Collections Manager in these activities.

Facilities Environmental Conditions Monitoring

Responsible for:  In conjunction with the Collections Manager, monitoring environmental conditions in galleries and storage areas.

  • Monitoring temperature and humidity levels in exhibition and storage areas.
  • Use building management system (BMS) to monitor and adjust environmental conditions to museum standards.
  • Perform basic maintenance of HVAC systems (changing filters, drain down boilers, etc.). 
  • Monitoring light levels in galleries.

Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Five years of museum or fine arts gallery experience.
  • Familiarity with professional museum exhibition, conservation, packing, and storage practices.
  • Knowledge and direct experience with framing and matting.
  • Knowledge and skill with hand and power tools and mat cutter.
  • Knowledge of track lighting systems.
  • Basic carpentry skills.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in arts related field,  which includes art history/studio arts college coursework or sufficient specific job-related experience if accompanied by coursework and attendance at professional seminar/workshops in object preparation, exhibition design, and art conservation practices.  Knowledge of 3D/graphic design software helpful. 

Salary Range:  $45K-$52K (depending on experience) + generous benefit package. 

Please send cover letter, resume and three references to Kelli Hepler, Executive Assistant, at [email protected] .


Deadline to apply is September 25, 2025.