Job Description

Colby College Museum of Art
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

The preparator at the Colby College Museum of Art reports to and works closely with the senior preparator and others in the physical care and handling and installation of the Museum’s stellar art collection and exhibition loans. This includes handling, movement, preparation, matting, framing, installing, and packing of artwork and the preparation and maintenance of gallery spaces and display. As part of the collections team, the preparator works closely with colleagues across the museum to realize the physical production of exhibitions as well as ongoing stewardship, daily care, and use of the collection. The position is key in helping to realize the museum’s mission of access and education as well as making possible the museum’s contribution to the field of art through collection care and display and the presentation of a dynamic and leading-edge program of exhibitions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exhibition preparation including, but not limited to, framing, preparing, hanging, moving of heavy sculpture, installation, de-installation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork
• Artwork preparation, hinging, matting and framing; designing and fabricating museum mounts for display; basic collections care, and basic cleaning of objects in the Museum collection
• Moving object cases and other exhibit furniture, installing art in all media – mounting vinyl text, object labels, photographs and other didactic exhibition material, lighting artworks, and other installation elements
• Design and fabricate archival mounts, boxes, trays, etc. for long-term storage of artworks in the collection
• With registrar for collections, manage correct housing of collection objects and packing/crating for shipment
• Install and deinstall collection works in Landay Teaching Gallery for class visits and curricular use
• Maintain accurate storage location of artwork, reporting daily to the registrar for collections on any movement of artwork to be entered into the database
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• 1-3 years of prior experience with the care and handling of high-value fine art objects in a museum or related setting
• Experience installing the work of living artists, handling a diversity of media, and working with varied curatorial approaches strongly preferred
• Manual dexterity and care in the handling of art objects; ability to carefully follow established procedures with attention to detail
• Experience cutting mats, hinging, and framing works on paper; framing canvases
• Basic carpentry skills/knowledge of standard tools, practices, and methods in painting, rough and finish carpentry preferred
• Experience in safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, and specialized equipment
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team, exercise judgment, establish priorities, and complete projects with minimal supervision and to adjust as new projects are assigned
• Able to lead installation project assignments and assign tasks to temporary preparatory crew members
• Experience in a professional environment, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team and a diverse organization and to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and community partners
• Commitment to fostering an antiracist, equitable work environment supportive of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life paths
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel) and Google Suite (e.g., Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets); prior experience with collection database systems and/or ability to learn new systems quickly and use a variety of digital work tools specific to Colby College.
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

For more information and to apply, please visit:

https://colby.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ColbyCareers/details/Preparator--Museum-of-Art-_R0001824