Opportunities

(Part-Time/Seasonal)

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks a skilled, reliable Preparator to support our Exhibitions and Registrar Teams. Compensation starts at $30/hour commensurate with experience and expertise. The Preparator will generally work ad-hoc for 2–3-week installation and de-installation periods (scheduled in advance) between the exhibitions cycle. This position reports to the Exhibition Design and Production Manager and works collaboratively with colleagues across the Museum.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. MAD provides an opportunity for employees to enrich and develop their love of the art, craft and design while contributing their specific skills, expertise and talents. www.madmuseum.org

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Packs and unpacks artworks 
• Creates packing and housing for artworks 

• Loads and unloads artworks, fabrications, supplies, etc. 
• Installs and deinstalls artworks in conformity with established conservation specifications 
• Prepares galleries for installations—including but not limited to cleaning, scraping vinyl, demolition, painting, patching, and placing/assembling fabrications 
• Moves all necessary tools, hardware, installation materials, worktables, blankets, ladders, scaffolding, personnel lift, work carts, bins, lights, light canisters, audio-visual equipment, stanchions, fabrications, and mounts, etc. 
• Operates shop machinery, including hand and power tools and work carts 

• Frames artworks, prints, photographs, documents, and ephemera in conformity with established conservation specifications 
• Makes, mounts, positions, and installs labels and other graphic elements 
• Maintains an organized and clean working environment and communicates inventory/supply needs 
• Performs routine exhibition maintenance and maintains exhibition lighting 
• Cleans cases, platforms, and frames 

• Performs related duties as required 

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS  

• Extensive knowledge of museum art handling and packing standards
• General knowledge of fabrication and construction methods
• Basic knowledge of electrical practice, electronics, and mechanical installations
• Ability to interpret and follow detailed instructions
• Ability to work in a team environment and to work tactfully and effectively with fellow staff, vendors, curators, and the public
• Ability to safely operate and or work from personnel lifts, scaffolding, and ladders
• Knowledge of appropriate care and handling for a wide range of objects
• Strong initiative and work ethic with flexibility to respond to and act in changing circumstances, often under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Occasional work on weekends and evenings as necessary
• COVID guidelines: The health and safety of our Museum community is the highest priority. As such, MAD requires all newly hired staff members and freelancers to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster if eligible. Requests for reasonable accommodations for medical, religious, or other reasons will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Education and Experience

• Experience in museum art handling, installations, and preparation
• Experience working strategically and closely with museum registrars

Physical Requirements

• Required to lift 50 pounds, work on high lifts and safely operate saws and other power tools

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role. 

MAD provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.