Current Opportunities

Preparator and Installation Coordinator

The Harn Museum of Art is seeking a fulltime Preparator and Installation Coordinator. The person in this role must perform skilled work related to the design, fabrication, and installation/de-installation of museum exhibitions, is directly involved in the handling, framing, packing and transportation of artwork, and also performs various duties related to the care and maintenance of the permanent collection and loaned artwork.  The Preparator and Installation Coordinator reports to the Senior Registrar and works closely with the Registrar of Exhibitions and Loans.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a knowledge of and have practical experience utilizing best practices in art handling, matting and framing artwork, exhibition design and lighting, light construction, and woodshop safety. Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and multi-tasking are essential skills necessary for this position.

Responsibilities:

Art-Handling/Installation/De-Installation

• Reporting to the Senior Registrar, works with Registrar of Exhibitions and Loans and other preparation staff to plan for and implement exhibition change-outs. Also assists with care and maintenance of permanent collection as required.
• Serves as Lead Preparator on assigned projects, which includes collaboration with the curatorial and registration team in the planning, preparation, design, installation and de-installation of museum exhibitions using a high level of organization, communication and time management skills to ensure that all AAM, AAMD and museum industry and preventative conservation standards are met.
• In collaboration with curatorial and registration staff, manages assigned exhibition production, supervising installation/de-installation staff on assigned exhibitions to ensure timeliness, safety and budget compliance.
• Prepares galleries for installations, including wall and floor preparation, moving walls, lighting design and implementation, fabricating and installing exhibition components (cases, mounts, etc.), matting and framing of artwork, and production and installation of exhibition labels and graphics. 
• In collaboration with the curators, registrars, director of IT and the facility coordinator, provides instruction and assists in the installation and de-installation of all artwork, including but not limited to, 2-D, sculpture, digital media, multimedia and electronics (film, computer, audio video, etc.).  Participates in and coordinates activities involved with installing, de-installing, lighting and maintaining outdoor sculpture as assigned.
• Purchases, designs and/or fabricates display materials, such as, but not limited to, pedestals, plinths, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. as required and in keeping with museum standard best practices and contractual requirements. Oversees movement and placement of pedestals, plexiglass vitrines and other exhibition furniture used in installations.
• Participates in and supervises the matting and framing of artwork.
• Provides direct oversight for the movement of artwork, including receiving, packing/unpacking, shipping, storage, and occasionally transporting artwork.  In conjunction with the registrars, researches and implements storage and movement methods within the building, to and from the museum and between offsite locations in keeping with best practices and industry standards.

Venue Maintenance/Administration

• Coordinates venue maintenance as relates to the artwork, including cleaning of gallery displays and equipment, daily inspections and reporting/follow-up on maintenance needs, and monitoring of environmental or related conditions as required.
• Maintains appropriate collection, crate and pedestal documentation, both digital and manual.
• Maintains and ensures digital media/video equipment is operational and on/off in museum exhibitions as appropriate.
• Maintains an up-to-date inventory of tools and supplies integral to installation/de-installation and related activities, ordering supplies as required.
• Maintains and ensures the cleanliness of the storage areas, work areas, hallways, etc. implementing best practices in storing tools, packing/shipping materials, exhibition furniture and all other supplies.
• Operates various equipment, including but not limited to drivable scissor lifts, forklifts, basic woodshop tools and equipment, etc. used in the normal course of business to install and de-install objects of various shapes and sizes, prepare objects for transport and/or storage, maintain gallery lighting, and fabricate crates, mounts and pedestals, etc.
• Participates in budget preparation and oversight. Solicits quotes, reviews estimates and assists with the selection of vendors. Assists with needs assessment as it relates to supplies, labor, equipment, etc. to support the efficient operation of the museum. Orders supplies as needed for exhibition installations and collection-related projects.
• Under the direction of the Registrar, train staff in art handling, installation skills, proper tool usage, policies, procedures and best practices.

Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience, preferably in museum exhibits; and two years in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in museum or art gallery
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and equipment used in designing, fabricating, and installing exhibitions including working within a limited budget.
• Knowledge of museum-approved materials (acid-free, non-off gassing, archival, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Skill in using a variety of hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow design instructions, specifications, and blueprints.
• Ability to design and paint decorative and interpretive elements in exhibits, such as mounts and other display furniture.
• Ability to design and construct shipping crates and perform intermediate-level carpentry tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in handling trucks, forklifts, lifts and other forms of moving equipment.
• Driving skill because of the necessity to travel out of town, including overnight trips.
• Familiarity with safe working practices, such as OSHA regulations
• Familiarity with Product Safety Sheets
• Familiarity with ADA regulations

Advertised Salary Range: $32,000 - $37,500

Additional Information:
• To apply for this position, complete the online application and submit a cover letter and resume at http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/503457/harn-museum-of-art-prepa...
• More information about the Harn Museum of Art and its programs can be found at www.harn.ufl.edu .
• Equal Opportunity Employer
• All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
• This position requires a post-offer health assessment.
• The Harn Museum of Art and the University of Florida are committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 

About This Job

  • Harn Museum of Art
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Category: Professional
  • Posted: August 28, 2017