Preparator at Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, MO

Preparator

Summary: To provide for the safe handling, storage, movement, installation, and collections care for all types of works of art for the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Install / de-install works of art in galleries as required for all permanent collection artworks, exhibitions, loans, gallery rotations and other projects as assigned for the Museum.
• Assist in the coordination and movement of art objects around the Museum campus and to/from offsite storage under the direction of the Director of API for the purposes of gallery installations and rotations, exhibitions, acquisition/de-acquisition meetings, packing and shipping, photography, conservation, scholar examinations, and other projects as assigned.
• See that works of art are properly identified and that accurate locations for all art movement are reported to the Director of API. Assist in collection inventories and auditing as assigned.
• Properly store and secure artworks within Museum storage for long term preservation. Including storage housing fabrication, stabilization, and to facilitate safe handling and movement to/from storage.
• Prepare platforms, pedestals, casework and lifts for works of art on display in the Museum’s galleries are appropriate for display, monitored and maintained.
• Assist in the pick-up and delivery of art objects and the installation / de-installation of objects or materials as needed outside of the museum.
• Understanding of safe packing and unpacking practices of art objects for shipment or movement.
• Organize crates, packing containers and/or materials, and equipment within onsite and off-site storage as well as existing crates and other packing containers and/or other materials.

Qualifications: BA/BS/BFA preferred, high school diploma required. 1-2 years’ experience in exhibit installation and art preparation or equivalent experience within museum, gallery work or related field. Position requires good communication skills, ability to collaborate with others and attention to detail. Ability to perform physical activity such as walking, lifting, crouching or kneeling and use of ladders, including personnel lifts and material handling equipment.

Knowledge of current museum professional standards and best practices for handling works of art, collections care, installation of fine art, archival and artistic materials, strong technical skills in construction, fabrication, and the use of tools and equipment is preferred. Experience with collections database systems, preferably TMS (The Museum System) is helpful.

Additional Details:
Minimum of Range: $19.70 per hour; commensurate with experience.
Status: Regular full-time, Benefits eligible on first day of employment.

The Saint Louis Art Museum is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.