POSITION SUMMARY 

The Associate Preparator works with the larger Preparation Team in collaboration with Exhibition Teams and Collections staff on the preparation, fabrication, installation, de-installation, maintenance, transportation and storage activities related to temporary exhibitions, core gallery rotations, collections care, and institutional projects as assigned. May act as a Lead Preparator for assigned projects. 

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Culture Setting

Engage in a positive culture of mutual accountability both within the Preparation Team and with staff across the organization.
Communicate widely and effectively to ensure all possible stakeholders are included in decision making, and to establish clear expectations. Collaborate with project/production teams. Provide and receive status updates, and thoroughly and effectively convey information to staff and fellow teammates.
Maintain and share knowledge of safe practices and reinforce a culture of mutual accountability for safety.

Core Galleries/Collections

Handling and preparation of art, artifacts and specimens; assist with packing, storage, transport, and installation.
Participate in maintenance, cleaning, treatment, repair, collections research, examination, and documentation.
Engage in collections handling, retrieval, and re-housing activities, and the development, organization, and maintenance of storage facilities in collaboration with Registration and Conservation staff.
Perform duties related to gallery lighting, framing and mounting as assigned.
Perform climate monitoring, microclimate design,and testing as guided by Conservation.
Participate in disaster mitigation and response, pest management, design and maintenance of earthquake mitigation systems and security barriers.

Exhibitions/Programs

Fabricate exhibit casework, furniture, props, prototypes, counters, tables, exhibit display cases, as well as scenic construction, guardrails, paneling, platforms, graphic boards, and dioramas.
Build and paint temporary walls, and assist with the installation of wiring and lighting.  
Clean and maintain objects and exhibits on display, as assigned.
Handle, pack, transport and install artifacts and art for temporary exhibitions as required.
Assist with media prototyping and the construction of enclosures, mounts, and hardware (speakers, monitors, interactives, cables). Support media installation and maintenance as needed.
Participate in the purchasing of supplies and processing of invoices.
When necessary, demonstrate museum techniques to the public.
Assist with larger scale campus events and garden related installations.
May be asked to operate scissor lift, forklift, gantry, and other museum vehicles.

EXPERIENCE

Ability to display and encourage visitor and internal customer service, take and share responsibility and treat others with respect.
2-3 years related experience
English language proficiency in both spoken and written form.
Basic knowledge of office computer systems, collections management systems, technical reference materials, and drawings.
Knowledge of and adherence to personal and workplace safety procedures and tool operation.
Intermediate knowledge of museum standards for environment, artifact handling, storage and display.
Intermediate knowledge of gallery operations and maintenance requirements.
Understanding of methods and materials for fabrication of museum exhibit elements.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision as necessary.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team, and across the institution.