Preparator

The Preparator plays a key role in the development and implementation of exhibitions and contributes to the general care of the museum’s fine art collections and loan programs. They are part of the Registration Department and report to the Exhibitions Registrar. The Preparator works collaboratively with registrars, curators, and security colleagues. This is a 100% on-site
position.

50% of the preparator’s time is spent supporting exhibition development and implementation,
40% of their time is spent supporting collections management of artworks in the museum’s care,
and 10% is spent engaging in professional development.

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

Contributes to long-term, multi-year plans for permanent and temporary exhibits, which may include coordinating with artists, academics and guest curators.
Strategizes and plans logistics of installations and deinstallations with the exhibition production team.
Designs, plans, and creates accessible display solutions in collaboration with curators, registrars, artists and outside contractors.
Plans for visitor flow and access in exhibit design to maximize visitor experience, prioritizing public safety and the museum’s accessibility policy.
Consults with artists, registrars, curators, and external partners regarding the realization of digital-born artworks in exhibits. Maintains time-based media artworks in the gallery.
Advises artists on design and fabrication to actualize conceptual artwork
Prepares objects for installation. This includes matting and framing, crafting and fabricating exhibition furniture, custom mounts, and ensuring the safe display of all objects.
Directs the use of museum artifacts in exhibits, including overseeing their maintenance, proper care, and display.
Uninstalls and prepares galleries for exhibition, including patching and painting walls.
Designs and implements lighting for each exhibition following museum best practices.
Maintains galleries including cleaning artwork, exhibition furniture/displays, maintaining electronic equipment and gallery lighting.
Receives, packs and unpacks artwork in the museum collection and exhibition loans. This includes building crates and other custom packing solutions.
Ensures the safe transport of collection items and loans locally. Works closely with registrars to care for permanent collection including ensuring the safe movement of
artwork throughout the building, verifying object location updates, crafting custom long-term storage solutions and preparing artworks for outgoing loans.
Manages equipment maintenance and supplies related to wood shop, frame shop, and galleries.
Works with fabricators and contractors to develop proper display mounts and techniques for artifacts.
Other duties as assigned
Professional development:
Continue learning and keeping current on trends, standards and policies related to job area.
Network and consult with museum colleagues in a national and international capacity

Qualifications

Required:
The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and communications skills and a desire to work in a team environment. The candidate will be familiar with a fast-paced deadline-driven work
atmosphere with an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining flexibility with shifting priorities and deadlines.

BA/BS plus at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to at least 6 years
Extensive understanding of museum best practices for art handling, packing and transporting artwork.
Experience utilizing 3D modeling software
Experience using Museum Collection Management Systems
Carpentry skills
Experience building crates for fine art objects
Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts/personal lifts, and other specialized equipment
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat
Valid driver’s license; safe driving record

Physical Requirements:

Standing or walking 4 hours at a time up to 7 hours per day
Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 75 lbs alone and more with assistance from others or with equipment
Pushing and/or pulling heavy carts, crates, and other containers
Bending, squatting, reaching and lifting overhead, kneeling and climbing ladders

Preferred

General knowledge of art history, contemporary art, and artist’s materials
Experience installing and maintaining audio and visual media
Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
Experience matting and building custom frames for artworks of all mediums
Knowledge in gallery lighting design
Bending, squatting, reaching and lifting overhead, kneeling, and climbing ladders

About Weisman Art Museum
Since its origin in 1934, Weisman Art Museum has been a campus museum for the University of Minnesota. Today, our mission as a university art museum is to create and advance inclusive
arts experiences to broaden understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota Twin
Cities campus. Gallery admission is always free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.wam.umn.edu

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $48,464 – $52,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.