Chief Museum Preparator

Description:
Plans and carries out preparation, design, and installation of exhibitions from the museum’s permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, or other display materials. Designs graphics, signs, and labels for exhibitions. Designs and constructs shipping crates, display cases, and object mounts as required. Fabricates frames, cuts mats and glazing for two-dimensional works of art. Packs, moves and assists with storing collections. Maintains shop and fabrication areas, power tools and other equipment; inventories and orders supplies. Collaborates with curatorial staff on design of exhibitions and development of long-range plans for exhibitions. Administers departmental budget and oversees operations of preparation department, including a small staff of full-time and several temporary workers and student assistants.

Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as directed. Other duties as assigned.
This is a full-time position with benefits that reports to Director. Applicants must apply through the Human Resources website at the University of Georgia (www.hr.uga.edu); click on employment.

Training/degree required:
Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree desirable; or equivalent professional experience. Course work in the arts or a discipline involving aesthetics.
Valid Georgia driver’s license or the ability to acquire one.

Skills required:
Ability to supervise the work of others; to establish and maintain effective, tactful, and courteous working relationships with fellow employees, faculty members, department heads, and the general public.
Microsoft Word, Photoshop and the ability to learn sign-making and other graphics software.
General and finish carpentry, crating, fabrication, wall painting and exhibition preparation.
Archival matting and framing, or the ability to learn those skills.
Knowledge of art handling and museum packing practices.
Knowledge of art installation procedures and techniques.
Skills in two- and three-dimensional design.
Managerial skills, including ability to maintain a budget.
Requires sensitivity to detail.
Must be able to work both independently and within a team that includes museum curators, registrars, designers, security personnel, student interns, and museum specialists.

Other skills required:
Work involves moderate lifting and handling of objects up to 50 lbs, with mechanical assistance on heavier objects.
Work requires stair climbing and the use of ladders or scaffolding.
Standing or walking may occur up to 40% of the time.
Work environment may involve exposure to paints, adhesives, and other safety-labeled materials that require following extensive safety precautions.
Work will require the use of portable and stationary power tools.
Work will require occasional short- and long-distance travel.
Ability to drive a mid-size box van.

Experience required:
Minimum of five years experience in preparation department in a museum or gallery with demonstrable experience in exhibition design; training and expertise in archival/maintenance techniques and procedures, including matting of works on paper and handling of traditional paintings. Must have experience in art handling, preparation, and exhibiting works in many media, including decorative arts. Supervisory experience required with proven management skills and knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines and EEO regulations.

Employer Information:
The Georgia Museum of Art shares the mission of the University of Georgia to support and to promote teaching, research, and service. Specifically, the museum exists to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret significant works of art. More information can be found at www.uga.edu/gamuseum. The University of Georgia is an EO/AA institution.