Exhibitions Preparator

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Position Summary:

The Exhibits Preparator will service exhibits at all MHS locations including the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and Library and Research Center. It is expected that as a shared employee the Exhibits Preparator will spend 25% of the year at the SMMM conducting exhibit maintenance and assisting with the gallery turnover of exhibits. In addition, The Exhibits Preparator will act as the liaison between MHS and the pool of Temporary Exhibits Preparators hired to assist with all aspects of exhibit fabrication and installation.

The Exhibits Preparator is expected to closely collaborate with all members of the Exhibits Department as well as the Exhibits Registrar and staff at SMMM.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate in the hiring process for Temporary Exhibit Preparators
• Schedules, supervises, and trains Temporary Exhibit Preparators for gallery turnovers.
• Coordinates with the Exhibits Mount Maker and Exhibits Carpenter on additional staffing needs and schedules Temporary Preparators as necessary to assist with fabrication or mount making.
• Reviews all design packages as distributed by Exhibit Designers and offers feedback as necessary. Specifically, reviews in detail all installation packages for a thorough understanding of Designers expectations before gallery turnover begins.
• Facilitates large install team meetings with Exhibit Designers a head of gallery turnover to ensure Temporary Preparators are knowledgeable about upcoming install.
• Co-leads gallery turnovers at MHM alongside the Exhibit Designer, Exhibit Registrar, and Exhibits Carpenter. Coordinates with the Exhibits Carpenter on the division of leadership on a case-by-case basis.
• Co- leads gallery turnovers alongside the Exhibit Designer and Collections Manager
• Leads the installation of small or community projects at MHS and off-site locations. Coordinates with the Exhibitions Manager on project specifications
• Coordinates all equipment rentals necessary for the install or deinstall of exhibit elements including trucks, forklifts, LEED certified dumpsters, etc.
• Ensures all necessary installation supplies and hardware are ordered and onsite in time for gallery turnover.
• Maintains the proper inventory, storage and care of installation equipment and supplies.
• Collaborates with Exhibit Designers on the prototyping and fabrication of exhibit elements such as rails, risers, platforms, etc. as necessary.
• Attends all large exhibit team meetings as schedules allow.
• Performs regular exhibit walkthroughs as part of a larger team tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of our exhibit experiences.
• Coordinates the transfer of exhibit elements to and from offsite storage sites and other MHS locations.
• Assists in maintaining offsite storage sites which includes organizing and inventorying exhibits elements, etc.
• Ensures a safe working environment for all using the finishing space or prep spaces at SMMM. This includes ensuring all tools and safety equipment are in good working condition and undergo regular maintenance assessments as necessary.
• Research emerging best practices regarding fabrication and installation materials and products.
• All other duties as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in studio art, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of museum level exhibit installation experience, preferably in a nonprofit, museum and or equivalent public sector.

Skills:

• Moderate to advanced art or artifact handling and installation experience.
• Moderate to understanding of exhibit designs and/or fabrication plans
• Basic to moderate general fabrication experience
• Experience with using lifting tools or machinery preferred.
• Experience with managing an exhibition installation team.
• Ability to adapt or learn new skills through creative problem solving to accomplish complex physical projects.
• Must be able to routinely handle objects of up to 50 pounds or more.
• Solid written and oral communication skills.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Exhibitions Preparator and Carpenter Jobs at Missouri History Museum