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Assistant Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Farnsworth Art Museum

Assistant Preparator PT

Rockland, ME · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Assistant Preparator Part-time: up to 28 hours/week The Assistant Preparator at the Farnsworth Art Museum supports the installation of exhibitions, care of the permanent collection, and maintenance ...

New

Artis Naples

Assistant Preparator

Naples, FL

Job Summary The Assistant Preparator is responsible for supporting museum operations by assisting with fabrications and artwork installation/deinstallation. The role coordinates collections ...

Artis--Naples

Assistant Preparator

Naples, FL · On-site

The Assistant Preparator assists with all artworks installed throughout the Artis-Naples cultural campus, supporting maintenance, lighting, signage, and long-term preservation efforts. This role ...

Ferris State University

Preparator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17.51/hr

Preparator Job no: 498064 Work type: Staff Location: Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Categories ... The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H1B, etc. Position Type: Staff Required ...

Ferris State University

Preparator

Grand Rapids, MI

$17.51/hr

Preparator Apply now Job no: 498064 Work type: Staff Location: Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Categories ... The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H1B, etc. Position Type: Staff Required ...

The Woodruff Arts Center

Preparator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Woodruff Arts Center

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 ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Mount Shop Preparator I-III FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Exhibitions Our Mission: Since the ... May assist with determining specific material needs, quantities, construction sequences, finishes ...

Seattleu

$28/hr

The Behnke Family Gallery Preparator Coordinator position is a 9-month 20-hour weekly member of ... Respond quickly and calmly to emergencies and assist others in the event of an emergency. Ensure ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Preparator I-III

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Mount Shop Preparator I-III FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Exhibitions Our Mission: Since the ... May assist with determining specific material needs, quantities, construction sequences, finishes ...

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Assistant Preparator information

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.

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.

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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Preparator jobs look for?

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Assistant Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Preparator PT

Farnsworth Art Museum

Rockland, ME • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Assistant Preparator
Part-time: up to 28 hours/week
The Assistant Preparator at the Farnsworth Art Museum supports the installation of exhibitions, care of the permanent collection, and maintenance of the museum's historic houses. Reporting directly to the Preparator, the Assistant Preparator works closely with the Curatorial and Registration departments to assist with exhibition installations, artwork handling, collection care, and gallery maintenance. This position plays an important hands-on role in ensuring the safe movement, installation, packing, and storage of artworks while helping maintain museum facilities and exhibition spaces according to museum and American Alliance of Museums (AAM) best practices. The position is on-site and works collaboratively with Curatorial, Registration, Facilities, Security, Operations, and the Wyeth Study Center staff to support the successful execution of exhibitions, gallery rotations, and collection projects.
The ideal candidate has experience in art handling, exhibition installation, basic carpentry, painting, matting and framing, gallery lighting, and safe operation of hand and power tools. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced museum environment.
Responsibilities:
Art Handling and Installation
  • Assist with the safe handling, installation, deinstallation, movement, and transportation of artworks, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and time-based media.
  • Assist in preparing galleries for exhibitions, including painting, patching walls, installing hardware, exhibition graphics, labels, and vinyl.
  • Install and adjust gallery lighting under the supervision of the Preparator.
  • Assist with fabrication and installation of pedestals, mounts, vitrines, platforms, casework, and other exhibition support materials.
  • Assist with audiovisual equipment installation and maintenance for exhibitions.
  • Support the Preparator with all phases of exhibition installation and deinstallation.
  • Help fabricate exhibition furniture and custom display solutions as directed.

Preventive Conservation and Collections Care
  • Follow established object handling procedures to ensure the safe care of the permanent collection and incoming/outgoing loans.
  • Assist with environmental monitoring in galleries, storage areas, and historic houses, including temperature, humidity, and light monitoring.
  • Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by monitoring traps and reporting activity.
  • Assist with emergency response and collection recovery efforts when needed.
  • Participate in routine gallery inspections and preventive conservation activities.

Collection and Departmental Support
  • Assist Registrars and the Preparator with collection inventories and storage organization projects.
  • Support seasonal maintenance and object rotations within the museum's historic houses.
  • Assist with gallery rotations and collection moves as needed.

Maintenance and Department Support
  • Maintain an organized workshop and preparation areas.
  • Organize and inventory tools, hardware, framing supplies, exhibition materials, and equipment.
  • Assist with packing crate maintenance and storage furniture organization.
  • Research and help procure exhibition materials and supplies under the supervision of the Preparator.
  • Maintain museum equipment and report repair needs.

Administrative
  • Maintain accurate inventory of exhibition supplies, equipment, and casework
  • Assist with coordinating deliveries, shipments, and vendor services.
  • Ensure smooth coordination by responding promptly and professionally to both internal and external communications
  • Assist the Preparator in supervising contract art handlers during installations when needed.

Requirements / Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or a related field preferred.
  • 2-3 years of museum, gallery, exhibition preparation, art handling, or related experience preferred.
  • Experience handling works of art using museum standards and best practices.
  • Familiarity with basic woodworking, construction, painting, matting and framing, and gallery lighting.
  • Experience operating hand and power tools safely.
  • Familiarity with SketchUp or willingness to learn.
  • Basic understanding of museum environmental monitoring and preventive conservation practices preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while taking direction and collaborating as part of a team.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 pounds, work on ladders and personnel lifts, stand for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred or willingness to obtain after hire.

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