Preparator

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

Assistant Director & Chief Preparator

FLSA:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Employment Status:

Regular/Full time

POSITION SUMMARY: 

High Museum preparators are responsible for the overall safe and efficient internal movement, housing, and installation of collections and loan objects as well as maintaining professional museum standards of care and maintenance of permanent collections and exhibition areas. Handling standards are those prescribed by the American Association of Museums.

All duties will be approached in a manner consistent with the High’s commitment to growth, inclusivity, collaboration and connectivity.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Weekdays and some weekends 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.
• Assist with exhibition lighting and maintenance of gallery lighting.
• Assist in framing/unframing and mounting of artworks.
• Coordinate case schedule and planning for special exhibition requirements.
• Complete local pick-ups and deliveries of works of art.
• Conduct routine gallery checks and report changes in condition of installed artwork to Registrar’s office.
• Maintain art storage areas, assist with collections inventory, and update location changes in database.
• Collaborate professionally with vendors, visiting artists and museum guests on assigned projects and exhibition-related activities.
• Assist Chief Preparator in organization, inventory, purchasing of materials and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Working knowledge of museum best practices and standards in handling artworks (during transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, and hanging) and in installing and de-installing artwork (hanging, rigging, tethering systems, anchor types and installation methods, security hardware types and installation, etc.).
• Experience with lighting and audio-visual equipment preferred.
• Proficiency with moving and lift equipment including but limited to staging dollies, a-frames, painting carts, push-around aerial lift platforms, and scissor lifts.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
• Able to work independently or in a team-setting with a high level of attention to detail, sense of urgency, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to calculate measurements and assess capacities.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and climb ladders and stools to reach objects.
• Must have valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one. Prefer experience driving 16’ box truck or larger.
• Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office 365; TMS and Workday preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment and 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.
• Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (at least 50 pounds) is needed
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.