Preparator

About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

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Position Summary

The Clark Art Institute is currently accepting applications for a full-time Preparator in the Exhibitions and Collections Management department to handle, mat, frame, crate, install, store, and transport art objects as needed. The Preparator must maintain the highest quality of care for objects in storage, galleries and exhibition areas, and transport.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Assists Chief Preparator with the display and storage of all collection and non-collection objects. Works with Registrars, Curators, and Conservators to maintain and evaluate exhibition and storage methods and techniques. Strong communication and professional collaboration is essential to this role.
• Monitors, inspects, and maintains art objects in exhibition, storage, and other sites.  Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of display and lighting in all exhibition and storage areas.
• Installs, maintains, and properly cares for exhibition and collection works and furnishings used in their display or storage.
• Maintains the security, safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics of all spaces.
• With Preparators and Registrars continually assesses the progress of assigned exhibition/s or project/s against the established deadlines.
• Communicates daily with the Chief Preparator, Preparator and Registrars regarding loan activity. Handles art objects for purposes of conservation, photography, loan, and general changes in display.  
• Maintains proper records on the movements and locations of works of art, alerting the appropriate departments of the changes.
• Under supervision of management, instructs, oversees, and directs contract preparator team on assigned tasks related to exhibition installation and object movements as assigned. Instructs new or temporary preparators on safe and proper art handling techniques and Clark Art Institute standards.
• Determines what materials need to be purchased for specific projects.
• Acts as Courier as assigned:  Works closely with the Registrars, Curators, and Conservators to ensure the safe packing, transport, and installation of loaned art objects locally, nationally and internationally.
• Wraps, packs, and crates works of art for transport following best practices, as well as unpacks incoming art objects under supervision.
• Installs hardware for the installation, storage, or shipping of art objects.
• Loads and unloads deliveries of art objects and related exhibition or collection materials and equipment. This can sometimes occur after hours.
• Unframes and frames specified art objects.
• Mats and frames works on paper for exhibitions and permanent collection.
• Seeks guidance when needed.
• Cleans and maintains preparatory work areas and storage areas.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, Skills and Work Experience
 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and a minimum of 3 years in museum or gallery installation and art handling, or equivalent combination of education/training and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and prioritize work as set by exhibition and project deadlines.
• Respectful and effective communication, teamwork, and flexibility are essential.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge and practical experience with a variety of installation/packing/storage methods, tools, and hardware.
• Ability to work independently on individual unsupervised projects, and as a member of a crew.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of departmental priorities.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and experience conceiving and implementing solutions.
• Demonstrated experience exercising good judgment in the process and completion of installation, packing, storage, and art handling problems.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
• The Clark participates in the TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Facility Program. Because of this, if hired, individual must successfully complete a security threat assessment through the Department of Homeland Security in order to participate.

Minimum Starting Salary: $61,000/yr.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands:
  • Able to perform the following physical requirements continuously:
    • Lifting under 40 lbs
    • Standing
    • Walking on uneven surfaces
    • Climbing stairs
    • Bending
    • Simple hand grasping
  • Able to perform the following physical requirements frequently:
    • Lifting over 40 lbs
    • Using oil or chemicals
    • Climbing ladders
    • Stooping
    • Walking on wet or slippery surfaces
    • Reaching
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some travel required.

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.

 

Department: Exhibitions and Collections
This is a full time position