Preparator

Job Title: PREPARATOR

Department: Exhibitions 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time

Union Position: Yes 

Grade Level: 3

Reports to: Chief Preparator 

Salary: $74,510.60

Position Overview

The New Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a skilled professional for the position of Preparator. The successful candidate will report to the Chief Preparator and Director of Exhibitions Management and will partner with two fellow full-time Preparators and the entire Exhibitions Department to complete the needs of an exhibition from the planning stages through installation and dispersal. The Preparator will work closely with the Chief Preparator, Registrars, Installation Crew, Curatorial Department, and Operations Staff.

The position frequently requires work on weekends and evenings aligned with the Museum’s exhibitions calendar. The position is eligible for the Museum’s employee benefits programs.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Assist in the planning, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of artist projects and exhibitions;
• Responsible for the production of exhibition furniture, mounts, crates, and other related elements of an artist project or installation;
• Works in galleries as part of the installation crew for exhibitions, which may include construction, painting, object handling & installation, object lighting, and installation of digital or other media (film, computer, audio/video);
• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized production workshop and art storage facilities;
• Performs routine maintenance of all exhibitions and artist projects including cleaning, light replacement, paint touch-up, etc.;
• Assists with producing and installing didactic materials, including wall labels, graphic panels, and cut vinyl signage;
• Performs routine art handling and occasional transport of art works for Museum exhibitions, artist projects, and other events and activities;
• Guides and assists other Preparators and Exhibitions Crew as needed; and,
• Other duties as directed within the scope of the Preparator’s job responsibilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, or a related field and at least 2 years’ experience working with museum-quality art installations is required. Preparators must be able to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds) and operate a scissor lift, pump lift card, and pallet jack. Qualified candidates must demonstrate proficiency in fabrication/production/workshop skills and safety, including hand and power tools. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and interest in contemporary art, prior experience with SketchUp, and the ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum. 

BENEFITS AND PAID TIME OFF & HOLIDAYS

We offer a full comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Program through the Difference Card, Commuter Benefits Program through the Difference Card, Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, and other voluntary benefits. 

We offer full-time employees 15 days of paid time off, 8 sick days off and 13 holidays off as applicable through the fiscal year.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this Job Description describes you, then please apply for this role.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM 

The New Museum's mission is simply "New Art, New Ideas."  Founded in 1977 by curator Marcia Tucker with a bold vision of presenting contemporary culture in a critical and scholarly context, the New Museum has been a leader among contemporary art museums for over 40 years and is among the most respected internationally for its risk-taking curatorial program. The New Museum is a center for exhibitions, information, and documentation about living artists from around the world, focusing on emerging and under-recognized voices, and providing a platform for the artists who are defining our cultural moment.  In 2007, the New Museum made history with the inauguration of its first permanent building at 235 Bowery designed by the Tokyo-based firm SANAA. Since that time, over 4 million have visited or attended programs and events, and the Museum has 155 exhibitions featuring over 600 artists from 60 countries in our galleries, as well as over 1,200 public programs ranging from live performances, conferences, residencies, screening, after-school programs, and family days. 

For more information about the New Museum and its programs, please visit www.newmuseum.org. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The New Museum of Contemporary Art believes that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity and we do not discriminate against our staff members or applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status provided they are qualified and meet the requirements for the job. The New Museum provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities. As per New York State Guidelines, all candidates hired must be vaccinated with the COVID vaccine.