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Assistant Preparator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Preparator information

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.

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.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Preparator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum

Detroit, MI • On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator is a hybrid role that supports the Museum’s Director of Program Innovation 80% & the Museum curator 20%. This position assists with structure, document, and support of education programs and exhibitions, collections care, and public storytelling. The role plays a key part in ensuring that exhibitions and programs are well-organized, repeatable, and clearly communicated through the museum’s voice and mission.
Job Description: Program Coordinator & Assistant Museum Curator
Salary:
Duties:
Programs & Flight Academy Support

Support summer enrichment programs, Flight Academy, and other education initiatives through scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation

Assist with organizing and documenting program workflows, timelines, and materials to support repeatability and growth

Help develop program tools such as checklists, templates, and training guides for instructors, interns, and volunteers

Support onboarding and coordination of program staff and volunteers

Assist in aligning exhibitions with education and program goals to strengthen learning outcomes
Note: This role supports program operations and documentation. Program strategy, curriculum design, and instruction remain under the direction of program leadership.
Exhibitions & Preparator Support

Research and develop temporary, traveling, and permanent exhibits that align with the museum's vision, subject matter, and donor requests

Make updates to traveling exhibit boards

Work with museum curator, director, and other related staff on installation, deinstallation, and travel of exhibits

Work with museum curator to pack, unpack, and crate objects and artwork

Maintain the appearance of galleries and exhibition spaces

Plan out both temporary and permanent exhibit spaces on our properties

Strategize best storage solutions at the Fort Wayne Location

Act as liaison between the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History curatorial and exhibit departments

Manage social media by posting museum updates, student progress, and historical/curatorial trivia

Develop virtual exhibit and museum content for official website
Storytelling, Content & Community Engagement

Coordinate and/or create weekly museum and program-related content for social media platforms

Capture and share behind-the-scenes exhibition work, programs in action, Flight Academy activities, and museum highlights

Assist with or direct the creation of flyers, promotional materials, and digital announcements

Ensure all public-facing content reflects the museum’s mission, history, and interpretive lens

Support website updates, virtual content, and digital storytelling initiatives
Qualifications

Master's degree preferred in museum studies or a related field preferred

Experience in exhibition preparation, gallery operations, or curatorial support

Background in museum education, public programming, or youth engagement

Strong organizational, writing, and interpretive communication skills

Experience creating or coordinating promotional or social media content in an institutional setting

Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects
Desired Skills & Attributes

Systems-oriented and detail-focused

Comfortable documenting processes and improving workflows

Strong visual and narrative storytelling skills

Adaptable and collaborative team member

Passion for education, community engagement, and museum work

Company Description

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum is a unique museum in that it introduces and teaches youth in aviation and aerospace science while at the same time chronicles the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.