Job Description:

Position Title: Preparator

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Division: Art and Education

Department: Collections Management

Reports to: Senior Preparator

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Preparator, this role provides manual labor support and assistance in packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transportation, installation, deinstallation and related tasks for all artwork in featured and permanent exhibitions both inside the museum and on the museum grounds. This position assists with the maintenance of exhibition spaces, shop areas, and storage areas. The Preparator works on a focus team of peers, specializing in either exhibitions or the permanent collection.

Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Works with focus teammates to complete all aspects of special exhibition installations and permanent collection rotations throughout the Museum.
• Assist in the coordination of outdoor sculpture installation and maintenance, in conjunction with the Senior Preparator and Trails & Grounds.
• Handle all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist in the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
• Assist registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing artwork, objects, and artifacts.
• Under the direction of the Senior Preparator, design and fabricate safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes.
• Ensure the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
• Work with Exhibitions and Curatorial to implement and adjust gallery lighting.
• Manage the matting and framing of artwork for the purposes of storage and/or exhibition.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
• Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Collections Management department and museum functions

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Traits:

• B.A. in an art related field
• Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights.
• Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
• Skilled in handling all media of art and familiar with installation technique
• Working knowledge of hand tools and math applications.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience

In regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices
• Highly motivated and goal oriented
• Strong collaboration skills
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
• Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. Crystal Bridges requires all employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, or meet Arkansas state requirements, subject to accommodations. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.