Museum Preparator

Are you passionate about the care and presentation of art? Do you have an eye for detail and a love for working behind the scenes? The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is looking for a dedicated Museum Preparator to join our team and play a vital role in the preservation and exhibition of exceptional artwork.

ABOUT PAFA
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts. Located in the center city of Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. PAFA offers several nondegree and certificate in studio art and art appreciation programs. PAFA's museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media. Additionally, PAFA is home to the Brodsky Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Because we were the nation's first art museum and art school, we believe PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging. We have the additional obligation of ensuring that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural and educational sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment, and a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to work in our pluralistic community.

POSITION: Museum Preparator
Under supervision of the Registrar, and in close collaboration with the Curatorial teams, the Museum Preparator is responsible for the physical aspects of artwork installation and de-installation, storage and gallery maintenance, and packing and unpacking of artworks in the permanent collection, on loan to the museum, or received for temporary exhibitions.

The Museum Preparator will operate with internal operational partners, and external sub-contractors to ensure the safe handling of artworks. This is a cross-departmental role that works in conjunction with the curatorial, collections care, registrar, and museum operations teams to plan and coordinate the construction, installation, and dismantling of museum and college exhibitions, permanent collection rotations, packing and unpacking of loans and special projects.

This is a grant-funded, three-year position that is eligible for all PAFA employee benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with Registrar and Curators to determine exhibition design and installation and de-installation schedules of exhibitions and permanent collection rotations, providing estimates of associated costs.
• Facilitates movement of all artwork between PAFA buildings for purposes of installation, conservation, photography, filming, etc.
• Maintains inventory of installation supplies and equipment and organizes regular maintenance and purchasing of supplies when needed.
• Supervises assistant preparatory(s), including performance management, performance review, recording of hours worked, approving vacation and holiday time.
• Hires and supervises sub-contractors; fosters a core, rotating team of art handlers.
• In collaboration with the Curatorial team and Registrar, prepares and maintains installation budgets and processes paperwork for the hiring of sub-contractor labor.
• Host workshops to build capacity and art handling skills in student artists at key points in the academic calendar.

ART HANDLING

• Oversees the installation and de-installation of temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection in gallery spaces, including exhibition lighting.
• Oversees the placement of sculpture bases, display cases, mounts, gallery furniture, temporary walls, pedestals, platforms, and painting of gallery walls and perform repairs of exhibition walls, floors and ceilings as needed.
• Facilitates the installation of all signage in coordination with Curators.
• Receives, uncrates and unwraps artwork shipped from other institutions or private collections within 24 hours of arrival and in accordance with Registrar's schedule and provides opportunity to Conservator to inspect and complete condition reports.
• Prepares all work for shipping and movement outside of PAFA, in accordance with Registrar's schedule, after condition reports are completed.
• Coordinates in-house fabrication of exhibition materials, in collaboration with the Registrar, as needed (pedestals, crates, etc.)

STORAGE & GALLERY MAINTANCE

• Oversees storage and preparation of artwork for exhibition or loans, and keeps Registrar's office informed of location for updates into MIMSY database.
• Conducts weekly walk-though of museum space, checking lighting and general condition of museum gallery spaces and exhibited work.
• Ensures proper light levels (as provided by Conservator) at the time of installation of work.
• Collaborates with Operations team to problem solve building maintenance issues that affect the safety and security of artworks in the galleries
• Ad hoc duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.F.A.
• 5 years minimum installation and exhibition lighting experience within a museum or gallery environment
• Demonstrated project management experience and ability to collaborate with other departments on complex problem-solving
• Exceptional organizational and communications skills
• Experience managing sub-contractors and working with industry suppliers
• Familiarity with industry standards for art handling and installation methods
• General knowledge of and interest in art history or contemporary art
• Must be physically capable of lifting objects weighing up to 80 pounds; moving objects weighing up to 150 pounds; climbing ladders of at least 20 feet; working on scaffoldings and lifts of at least 40 feet.
• Must be physically capable of using hand tools such as drills, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Long amounts of time standing, bending, kneeling, and moving heavy works of art. Must be able to climb ladders, operation lifts and use power tools.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.