Job Title: Preparator
Department: Collections
Reports to: Installation Design Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time
Shift Available: Monday-Friday from 7:00am-3:30pm
Hourly Compensation: $28.89 as set by the collective bargaining agreement
Please submit applications directly on the Toledo Museum of Art website http://www.toledomuseum.org/jobs.
Since our founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of our collection, our innovative and extensive education programs, and our architecturally significant campus.
And thanks to the benevolence of its founders, as well as the continued support of its members, TMA remains a privately endowed, non-profit institution and opens its collection to the public, free of charge.
SUMMARY
Ensures the safety of art in its handling and movement throughout the Museum campus. Fabricates crates, object mounts, and exhibition furniture. Maintains shop equipment and exercise safe shop practices. Focuses on creating strong relationships with coworkers, specifically the Collections, Conservation and Curatorial Departments.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Handles and moves artwork during installation and de-installation in galleries and storage areas and moves crated or packed works on and off vehicles throughout the Museum campus.
- Creates shop drawings based on information provided by the Installation Design Manager.
- Fabricates exhibition furniture including pedestals, platforms and object mounts using wood, metal, paint, fabric and other materials.
- Fabricates new retrofitting of previously fabricated crates for the transportation of artwork.
- Packs and unpacks artwork.
- Prepares galleries for display of artwork including painting, dry walling and moving of freestanding walls, rough and finish carpentry and initial exhibition lamping.
- Installs gallery labels and didactics for both collections and exhibition galleries.
- Maintains functional and safe carpentry shop including recommending the purchase and repair of hand and power tools and safety equipment, cleaning and organizing of equipment and supplies, monitoring the inventory of materials and ordering when appropriate and complying with OSHA regulations related to the operation of equipment and handling of materials.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports to the Installation Design Manager.
- Builds strategic working relationships while working closely with the Collections, Curatorial, and Conservation Departments.
- May provide work direction on a project basis for temporarily assigned staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Requires college-level coursework in studio art, art history or related discipline. Bachelor’s degree in an art related field preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years related experience in a museum setting that includes regular handling and packing of works of art and finish carpentry work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of and or experience with archival and conservation procedures and materials is a plus.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
- Must have a valid driver’s license; must be insurable through TMA insurance company.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume as well as the ability to apply basic concepts of algebra and geometry.
- Ability to read floor plans, mechanical and architectural drawing related to exhibition furniture construction and layouts.
- Experience with Collection Databases, preferably The Museum System, is strongly desired.
- Familiarity with design software a plus.
- Willingness to learn new software applications.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment screening.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Physical strength to lift and/or move heavy objects (able to lift and carry 50 lbs. e.g. work of art; able to maneuver and manipulate 250 lbs., e.g. crate). The employee must work with a wide range of hand and power tools and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.
BENEFITS
- Eligible upon date of employment
**Eligible after successful completion of the 60 worked day probationary period
- 20 Days of Paid Time Off Annually **
- 6 Paid Holidays Annually**
- 2 Floating Holidays Annually**
- 3 Paid Volunteer Days Annually**
- Birthday Paid Day Off*
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance*
- 403b Retirement Savings Plan*
- Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance Plans*
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Pet Insurance*
- Employee Assistance Plan*
- Museum Family Membership*
- Employee Discounts in the Museum Store, Café, Studio Art Classes, & More!*
The Toledo Museum of Art provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes. The Museum is committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are treated equitably and given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the workplace. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at jobs@toledomuseum.org or (567)-666-0387.