Art Museum Preparator - GVSU Art Museum

Posted on 11/21/24

Position Summary:

This position assists in the fabrication and installation of all artworks throughout all GVSU public building spaces. This role assists in the handling, preparing, cleansing, and transportation of artwork. This position supervises art installations crews, contractual preparators, student employees, and student interns.

Salary & Benefits:

$46,500-$51,500, commensurate with experience

Primary Duties:

• Assists in fabrication and installation of all artworks throughout all GVSU public building spaces.

• Assists in construction, fabrication, and installation of temporary exhibitions.

• Assists in handling, preparing, cleaning, and transportation of artworks, including creating custom shipping and storage containers.

• Oversees all matting and framing artwork including paper, textiles, paintings, and sculpture mounts, and other display needs in accordance to field best practices.

• Maintains organization and general cleanliness of preparatory spaces.

• Maintains a working knowledge of all open projects and properly allocates expenses to appropriate projects.

• Supervise art installation crews for all installations.

• Responsible for ensuring installation tools and materials are prepped and in working order.

• Maintain accurate ordering and billing records for all supplies.

• Maintain Art Gallery vehicle maintenance and related records.

• Supervise contractual preparators, student employees, and student interns.

• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Five or more (5+) years’ experience handling artwork in a museum or art gallery environment.

• Must possess excellent communication skills to interact with diverse campus population.

• Highly efficient at executing best practice methods for matting and framing, which includes the preparation and installation of a variety of mediums of artwork for permanent and temporary display.

• Well versed in the latest museum collection care best practices.

• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.

• Ability to train students and interns in museum best practice methods.

• Ability to withstand the physical demands of the position, including but not limited to lifting fifty to seventy-five (50 – 75) lbs. frequently; repetitious movements such as squatting, kneeling, standing, and bending; lifting and moving heavy pieces of artwork, at times without assistance from others.

• Comfortable with installation using ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and power tools.

• Ability to use a variety of digital platforms and software systems.

• Ability to adapt to a wide range of challenges and positively engage in problem solving.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Master’s degree

• Ten or more (10+) years’ experience handling artwork in a museum or art gallery environment.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply:

Attach your cover letter and resume. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Georgine Bello at bellog@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu or 616-331-221.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline:

Application review begins December 9. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.