Preparator (Temporary)

Position Title: Preparators (Temporary)

Department: Exhibitions 

Reports To: Exhibitions Production Manager

Position Classification: Temporary/Seasonal, Non-Exempt (Hourly-Paid), Non-Benefits Eligible

Work Location: Onsite at the Queens Museum 

Work schedule: February 8-March 19, 2027; Monday - Friday (9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)

Rate of Pay: $35.00 per hour

Management Classification: Non-Supervisory

About the Queens Museum

The Queens Museum is dedicated to presenting high quality arts and educational programming for the people of New York, and particularly the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural, and international community. The Museum’s work honors the history of our site and the diversity of our communities through a wide ranging and integrated program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public events.

In this current moment of uncertainty, we recognize that museums should serve as places of care; not just for their collections, but for their communities, staff, and artists. The Queens Museum strives to be a cultural institution that is open, responsive, inclusive, and empathetic.

Position Overview

The Queens Museum seeks a team of skilled and experienced Preparators for its upcoming exhibition season and beyond. Preparators work as a team to deinstall, pack, move, install, and otherwise prepare exhibitions for the public. The Preparator team reports to the Exhibitions Production Manager, but will work closely with artists, curators, the Registrar/Collections team, and Facilities team. Additional tasks include painting, lighting, placement of wall labels, framing and matting, pedestal construction, organization of materials, and other tasks related to the maintenance and preparation of an exhibition. 

Dependent on experience this position may include working with woodshop equipment,

hand-held, and stationary power tools, constructing walls, display elements and crates. Successful candidates will be driven, collaborative, and focused team players with the ability to work independently possessing in-depth knowledge of exhibition production techniques and strong problem-solving skills across a range of applications, tools, and settings. 

Essential Functions

• Approach artwork with respect and maintain the safety of artwork during turnover periods.

• De-install and Install of all types of artwork

• Handle, pack and unpack artwork 

• Prepare gallery spaces: climb ladders, patch and paint walls, assist with lighting, and install labels and vinyl.

• Dependent on experience: assist in the construction of display elements (pedestals, shelves) and exhibition furniture (benches, bookcases, tables, etc)

• Handle stationary power-tools and hand-held power tools with care and attention; possibility to work in the woodshop

• Utilize lifts, as necessary, with experience and intention

This list represents the essential functions of the role, this list does not constitute an exhaustive list of job functions.

Competencies

• Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and a creative approach to problem-solving

• Thrives in culturally diverse settings

• Displays a high level of support for colleagues, builds professional and respectful relationships with others 

• Adaptability and flexibility

• Ability to work independently and as a team player in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks and adhering to deadlines

Qualifications 

• Preferred 5 years installation, fabrication and art-handling experience in a gallery or museum setting

• Skilled in use of hand tools 

• Prior experience and safety training for lift equipment including hydraulic scissor lifts

• Working knowledge of best installation and de-installation processes and procedures

• Knowledge of contemporary art practice, media and materials

• Ability to carry out physical maneuvers associated with maintenance, repair, replacement and general upkeep of equipment and properties

• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs with assistance

• Advanced experience and knowledge in regards to electrical work, video installation, and sound installation, across the spectrum (multi-media installation, multiple-channel video, varied speaker choreography, etc) (strongly preferred)

• Advanced carpentry, fabrication and/or construction skills (strongly preferred)

• Candidates with advanced experience and skills will be given priority in this hiring process. 

Requirements

• Availability to work Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 5:30pm, with our Work Day Meeting taking place promptly at 9:30 am. This means it is vital for preparators to arrive no later than 9:20am. 

• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred 

How to Apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY THROUGH OUR ONLINE CAREERS PORTAL

Submit the following materials Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, November 20, 2026. 

1. A resume outlining your work experience

2. A cover letter describing your interest in this position

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only complete applications including a cover letter will be considered for an interview. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role

Interview Process

• Introductory interview (Zoom video): TBD - Late November/Early December 2026

• Anticipated start of work: Monday, February 8, 2027

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best meet the requirements of the position.

Requests for Accommodations

If you require additional support at any stage of the application process due to disability, please contact us by phone at (718) 269-4858 or via e-mail at hr@queensmuseum.org to request and arrange for reasonable accommodations.

EEOC Statement

The Queens Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, familial status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV status, arrest record, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers.

Living Land Acknowledgement

The Queens Museum would like to acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of

Matinecock, Canarsie, Lekawe (Rockaway), Munsee Lenape, and the interconnected Matouwac

communities across the Greater Long Island region, as stewards of the land.

As both a museum of art and a historic site built on unceded Indigenous lands, the Queens Museum is

committed to working towards a living land acknowledgment built on listening, collaboration, and action together with Indigenous communities. We recognize the ongoing impacts of the violent colonial

displacement of Native people–as well as the displacement of animal relatives and the disruption of

natural ecosystems–by the United States.

We invite our communities to join us in taking action now by devoting time to taking care of the land,

whether this be cleaning up your local park or donating to an Indigenous-led advocacy group.