Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Assistant Preparator

Overview

Under the direction of the Chief Preparator, the Assistant participates in the fabrication, construction and installation of exhibitions, the preparation of gallery spaces for exhibitions and the preparation of objects to be exhibited. The Assistant Preparator is a key member within the Curatorial department who aids in the Museum’s art handling and installation projects relating to the exhibition program and permanent collection. This role is responsible for museum-quality art handling, attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously.  The Assistant Preparator works with the Curatorial staff collaboratively per instruction within the Museum’s active exhibition program as well as in the stewardship of the Museum’s permanent collection.  This is a part time position.

Essential Functions*

  • Assists Chief Preparator in the preparation and installation of art objects and other related materials for museum exhibitions.
  • Works within a small curatorial staff including Curator, Registrar, Curatorial Assistant and Chief Preparator helping with collections inventories and the maintenance of galleries and other related spaces.
  • Assists Chief Preparator in the installation and de-installation of exhibition areas.
  • Assists Chief Preparator in the preparation of exhibition spaces; building modular walls, patch, paint and clean up, etc.
  • Packing, crating and uncrating art objects for display, storage and/or transport.
  • Performs various duties as assigned by the Chief Preparator.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience: A combination of education (Bachelor degree preferred), training and experience in the above listed functions. A minimum of two years’ experience in museum and/or gallery exhibition installation is required.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and practice of tools (both power and hand).
  • Basic carpentry and woodworking skills, electrical, lighting and audio-visual knowledge preferred.
  • Framing skill (works on paper i.e. drawings, prints and photographs) highly preferred.
  • Ability to stand and/or work on your feet for extended periods; lift and carry art objects and other materials weighing up to 50 pounds (frequently), objects over 50 pounds (occasionally) and work at heights up to 20 feet (using both ladders and mechanical lifts).  
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills, and adept at multitasking, with great attention to detail.
  • Ability to interpret, implement and uphold policies and procedures pertaining to the museum’s Art Handling Policy and Collections Management Policy.
  • Familiarity with proper art handling standards and practices through experience.

 

*This position description is designed to accurately reflect job duties.  However, it may not be all-inclusive and other job-related duties may be required.

About the Michener Art Museum

In 1988, with the support of many dedicated citizens, the James A. Michener Art Museum opened as an independent, non-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Bucks County region. The museum is named for Doylestown’s most famous son, the Pulitzer-Prize winning writer who first dreamed of a regional art museum in the early 1960s.

The Museum has evolved from a modest facility with a locally derived mission to an accredited world class-facility with a broad vision. A world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and special exhibitions showcasing a wide range of historical and contemporary work attract annually more than 135,000 visitors from around the world.