Position Description: Preparator (Part time)

Part time; non-exempt; 20 hours / week

Reports to: Director of Collections and Exhibitions

Work Schedule: M-W

 

Position Description:

The Preparator assists the Collections and Exhibitions Department with temporary and permanent exhibition related activities. The Preparator manages the movement, location, preparation, installation and dismantling of artwork and artifacts for museum exhibitions and programs.

 

Reporting to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Preparator assists in fabricating, installing, applying, and dismantling object mounts, signage, and graphic displays for both temporary and permanent collection displays and installations. He/she/they will cut mats, hinge and mount works on paper, and frame objects for display. The Preparator monitors exhibitions and works on display for damage or dust and assists with the overall maintenance of exhibitions and installations. He/she/they assists the Collections Team with the documentation of works in the collection and with the maintenance of the collection database “Vernon.”

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares galleries for the installation of artwork, including patching and painting walls, removal or movement of exhibit fixtures, replacement of displays, pedestals, and mounts, and scheduling outside contract help as needed.
• Monitors temporary exhibition galleries on a daily basis, dusting and cleaning of delicate artworks and artifacts, and adjusting and replacement of light bulbs and fixtures.
• Assists with object tracking by updating the electronic database VERNON, under supervision of Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
• Assists with collections care and overall stewardship of the museum collections including collection inventories and cataloging.
• Assists in the installation and dismantling of exhibitions.
• Refits exhibition furniture (re-painting and fabric) and mounts as well as installs exhibition signage.
• Assists in packing and unpacking works, condition reports, and other facets of incoming and outgoing processing of exhibitions.
• Keeps track of supplies, lightbulbs and fixtures, frame, and pedestal inventories, and matting and storage materials and order same when required.
  

 

Position Requirements:

• Experience in museum exhibition work and/or working directly with artists, art faculty, and/or in gallery settings.
• A Bachelor’s degree in art studio, art history, history, museum studies, or related field is preferred.
• Experience with or a willingness to be trained in the proper handling of sensitive works of art and in the archival matting and framing of works of art.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for museum artwork and artifacts and a general knowledge of the requirements for their handling and display. 
• Knowledge, experience, and comfort with the operation of a variety of hand and power tools; table saws, chop saws, sanders, propane torches, and paint sprayers.

• Ability to understand and follow strict museum guidelines and procedures, including ongoing updates to health protocols, such as the need to be compliant with national guidelines like masking or vaccines.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Email Applications and the ability to learn databases.
• Ability to work indoors in an office environment, as well as and in galleries/spaces suitable for the storage and display of art objects.
• Ability to do physical activities, such as climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and safely lifting objects of up to 65 pounds in weight.  Requires the use of lifts and working for long periods atop lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.

 

 Work Context:

Requires working indoors in a standard office environment and in galleries/spaces suitable for the storage and display of art objects. Requires occasional contact with donors, lenders, and members of the public. Requires discretion in interactions with others. Requires working closely with others in accomplishing work activities.  Requires communicating by text, phone, e-mail, and face-to-face. Requires considerable time standing and sitting for 2-3 hours at a time.  Requires climbing of stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and safely lifting objects of up to 65 pounds in weight. Requires the use of lifts and working for long periods atop lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.

 

About Us:

The Figge Art Museum brings art and people together and enriches our community with the experience of art through education, collections, exhibitions, and preservation. Located on the Mississippi River in Downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its 110,000 square foot landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and combines collection and exhibition galleries, education studios, an auditorium, a café, and a bustling lobby. The Figge presents over 20 rotating exhibitions of historical and contemporary art each year as well as art classes, educational programs, special events, and outreach sessions that inspire and attract regional, national, and international audiences of all ages.

 

The Figge is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. We aim to attract and retain talented people from all backgrounds. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and safe environment and value varied ideas, perspectives, insights, skills, and experiences within our workplace.

To Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to info@figgeartmuseum.org. Please indicate “Preparator” in the subject line. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All applications will be kept confidential.