Job Summary
The Assistant Preparator is responsible for supporting museum operations by assisting with fabrications and artwork installation/deinstallation. The role coordinates collections preparation activities including fine art handling, packing and transport, location tracking and storage maintenance. The Assistant Preparator assists with all artworks installed throughout the Artis—Naples cultural campus, supporting maintenance, lighting, signage, and long-term preservation efforts. This role enthusiastically embraces the multidisciplinary mission of Artis—Naples and recognizes The Baker Museum’s integral role within a dynamic performing and visual arts institution.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
- Assists in all preservation and care of the permanent collection and artworks on loan to the museum.
- Assists with preparing, handling, installing and deinstalling works of art in accordance with museum standards and best practices as outlined in the American Alliance of Museums Collections Stewardship Standards and Core Standards for Museums.
- Assists with artwork packing, transportation preparation, location tracking and documentation, and storage methods for artworks traveling to and from the museum or between offsite locations.
- Assists in the preparation of the exhibition spaces i.e., painting of gallery and installation of labels, texts panels, and other exhibition signage.
- Performs lighting of exhibitions and storage in keeping with contractual requirements/ current best practices. Maintains lighting storage.
- Supports appropriate collection, crate and pedestal documentation and location tracking.
- Careful attention to safety, detail, and accuracy multiple steps in advance, maintaining safety and code requirements.
- Assists with organization of storage locations, preparation of housing for collections objects in storage and for transportation purposes to and from the museum and between offsite locations.
- Fabricates exhibition furniture as required. Maintains inventory, executes movements, and organizes storage of exhibition equipment and furniture.
- Assists with organization of digital media / video equipment in museum exhibitions and storage.
- Operates and manages trucks for transportation of artworks, crates, and exhibition furniture. Loads and unloads trucks, ensuring safe movement.
- Drives box truck, forklifts and mechanical lifts for installation of large-scale objects, preparation for transport, and storage of objects and materials as needed.
- Assists with coordination of photography of permanent collections objects.
- Works closely with registrars, art handlers, couriers, curators, and facilities team members to ensure safe art handling and proper installation of objects.
- Works positively and effectively with all Artis—Naples employees.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Competencies, Core Values, Education and Experience
Competencies
To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
Financial – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and confidently, listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
Teamwork – Fosters a cooperative work environment by actively participating with colleagues, set priorities and solves problems.
Technical Skills – Knowledge of computerized information systems used in office systems.
Quality Management – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents information effectively.
Organizational Core Values
Collaborative – working internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately in order to realize shared goals.
Transparency – behaving and communicating in a manner that exudes openness and sheer honesty.
Excellence – a standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.
Accountability – the acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions and results.
Patron-first – placing the patron at the center of our efforts.
Integrity – a commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, fine art, art history, studio art, history or other relevant discipline required.
- At least one year museum/collection experience or equivalent education required.
- A strong knowledge base in museum best practices and object handling techniques as prescribed by the American Alliance of Museums required.
Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of art handling and long-term preservation and care of the collections
- Art installation procedures, techniques and methods and materials
- Effectively communicate with others both internally and externally in producing desired exhibitions
- Project management and organization skills
- Knowledge of art packing, crating, shipping, storage
- Proficient carpentry and fabrication skills
- Working knowledge of matting and framing
- Driving and operating a box truck, forklift and scissor lift
- Basic metal working
- Knowledge of art/museum security systems and procedures
- Experienced with hand and power tools
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required, knowledge of SketchUp, AutoCAD and TMS (The Museum System database by Gallery Systems) preferred.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work requires physical activity; handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 pounds (or greater mass that require mechanical assistance). Standing or walking may occur up to 75% of time. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work may be performed in an office, museum, storage facility or field environment.
Work Environment
The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise followed by long spans of installation in the museum, with exposure to vibrations, noise, electrical connections and outdoor weather conditions. Long periods of standing, exposure to chemicals associated with the conservation and production of works of art.
This position description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
