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Assistant Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Preparator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Oversee part-time Preparator Assistant team, managing daily schedules and team assignments at storage locations and in galleries. * Assist Senior Preparator in coordinating schedules for ...

The Preparator works in close collaboration with the curatorial and collections team to physically ... Assist with condition reporting, object placement, and layout execution in close collaboration with ...

Assistant Director & Chief Preparator FLSA: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time POSITION SUMMARY: High Museum preparators are responsible for the overall safe ...

Assistant Director & Chief Preparator FLSA: United States of America (Non-Exempt) Employment Status : Regular/Full time POSITION SUMMARY: High Museum preparators are responsible for the overall safe ...

Design Preparator

Boston, MA · On-site

$49K - $54K/yr

The Design Preparator is a key team member for the many duties that involve the production and ... Good color sense in order to match gallery graphics with wall colors. * Assist with the upkeep and ...

Preparator Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.94 - $24.08/hr

We have an opening for a Preparator Assistant who will assist in all production aspects of exhibition turnovers, including prefabrication of exhibition elements, technical setup and breakdown, and ...

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Assistant Preparator information

What is an assistant preparator?

An assistant preparator is a support staff member who helps with the installation, maintenance, and handling of artworks or exhibits in museums, galleries, or similar settings. They often assist with packing, transportation, and setting up displays, requiring knowledge of handling fragile items and safety procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Preparator, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Preparators often encounter challenges such as managing tight installation deadlines, handling delicate or valuable artworks, and adapting to last-minute changes in exhibition plans. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with curators and conservators are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Proactively seeking guidance from senior preparators and participating in team meetings can help ensure smooth installations and foster a collaborative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Preparator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Preparator, you need a basic understanding of art handling, installation techniques, and condition reporting, often supported by a degree in art, museum studies, or related experience. Familiarity with tools such as power drills, art storage systems, and inventory databases is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure artworks are safely handled, installations are executed efficiently, and museum or gallery standards are consistently maintained.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z job seekers often face challenges such as limited work experience, high competition, and employers' preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and changing hiring practices can make it harder for younger applicants to secure positions, including roles like assistant preparator that may require relevant skills or training.

What is the difference between Assistant Preparator vs Art Handler?

AspectAssistant PreparatorArt Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require art handling certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training often preferred
Work EnvironmentArt museums, galleries, conservation labsArt museums, galleries, storage facilities
Job DutiesAssisting with artwork preparation, packing, and installationHandling, installing, and transporting artworks

Both roles support art handling and installation but differ mainly in responsibilities. Assistant Preparators often assist with preparation and setup, while Art Handlers focus more on physical handling and transportation of artworks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit within the art industry.

What does an Assistant Preparator do?

An Assistant Preparator helps set up, install, and maintain artworks and exhibits in museums, galleries, or similar institutions. They assist with tasks like unpacking, handling, mounting, and moving artworks, often working under the guidance of a head preparator or curator. The role requires attention to detail, understanding of safe art handling techniques, and collaboration with other museum staff to ensure exhibitions are presented professionally and safely.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as an assistant preparator at a museum can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience in conservation, collections management, or art handling. Candidates typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certifications or training in handling delicate or valuable objects.

What is the highest paid art job?

The highest paid art jobs typically include roles such as art directors, creative directors, and fine artists with established reputations, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions usually require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of design tools and industry standards.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Preparator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Preparator jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Preparator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Preparator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Preparator/Art Handler

Artis--Naples

Naples, FL

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description: Job Summary
Responsible for assisting museum staff with fine art handling, storage, packing, transportation, installations, and all related preparation for the collection and exhibition objects.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
• Careful attention to safety, detail, and accuracy
• Packing/unpacking, handling, and hanging or installing artwork either owned or borrowed for Artis—Naples.
• Safe movement and handling of all collections objects and exhibition furniture keeping with best practices / industry standard.
• Assists with organization of storage locations, preparation of housing for collections objects in storage and for transportation purposes to and from the museum and between offsite locations.
• Loading and unloading art trucks efficiently ensuring safe movement of all artworks, crates, and exhibition furniture.
• Movement, care and placement of pedestals and plexiglass vitrines used in installations.
• Maintains inventory, movement, and storage of all exhibition furniture.
• Gallery maintenance and installation of labels, text panels and various exhibition signage.
• Fabricates exhibition furniture: pedestals, plinths, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. as required in keeping with museum standard best practices/contractual requirements.
• Observes and reports, when necessary, on the condition of elements within the museum and storage facilities including temperature, humidity, and the security of the works of art.
• Assists with location tracking and documentation of art movement, updating museum collection database as needed
• Maintains gallery lighting, maintaining lighting storage.
• Makes certain digital media / video equipment is on/off in museum exhibitions and storage as needed.
• Assists Preparator with budget and submitting purchases orders
• Driving a box truck for transportation of collections objects, crates, and exhibition furniture.
• Observe safety requirements. Report safety issues and items requiring work orders to Supervisor or Security.
• Work effectively with all Artis—Naples employees
QUALIFICATIONS:
Competencies, Core Values, Education and Experience
Competencies
To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
Financial – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and confidently, listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
Teamwork – Fosters a cooperative work environment by actively participating with colleagues, set priorities and solves problems.
Technical Skills – Knowledge of computerized information systems used in office systems.
Quality Management – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents information effectively.
Organizational Core Values
Collaborative – working internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately in order to realize shared goals.
Transparency – behaving and communicating in a manner that exudes openness and sheer honesty.
Excellence – a standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.
Accountability – the acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions and results.
Patron-first – placing the patron at the center of our efforts.
Integrity – a commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision.
Education/Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years’ experience in a museum setting preferred
Skills & Abilities
• Knowledge of art handling and long-term preservation and care of the collections
• Art installation procedures, techniques and methods and materials
• Effectively communicate with others in producing desired exhibitions
• Crate fabrication and object packing
• Proficient carpentry skills
• Matting and framing
• Current Forklift certification
• Basic metal working
• Knowledge of art/museum security systems and procedures
• Working knowledge of hand and power tools
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required, knowledge of TMS (The Museum System database by Gallery Systems) and AutoCAD preferred
Physical Demands and Work Environment: Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work requires physical activity; handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 pounds (or greater mass that require mechanical assistance).
• Standing or walking may occur up to 75% of time.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Work may be performed in an office, museum, storage facility or field environment.
Work Environment
The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise followed by long spans of installation in the museum, with exposure to vibrations, noise, electrical connections and outdoor weather conditions. Long periods of standing, exposure to chemicals associated with the conservation and production of works of art.