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Assistant Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
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:

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

About Company: Elliott-Lewis is the premier HVAC service company in Philadelphia, providing total engineering, installation and maintenance services. We are seeking a full-time Art Exhibit Installer for our contract site at the Philadelphia International Airport. The Exhibition Installer is responsible for the preparation and painting of walls and pedestal furniture, installation, art handling, framing and matting, and the daily cleaning and maintenance of the artwork and cases. This role works closely with the Exhibitions Preparator, Exhibitions Assistant, Assistant Director, and Director of Guest Experience and Chief Curator to ensure timely and safe installations. Performs related work as required. All work is performed in accordance with standard museum and airport best practices. As an overview, nature of work requires excellent verbal and organizational skills, manual dexterity, heavy lifting, and skilled care in the handling of valuable art objects. Applicants should have knowledge of: • Framing/matting, fabrication, art handling, and installation experience • Museum art handling standards and procedures. The ability to handle valuable and delicate works of art with extreme care. • Museum packing standards and procedures. The ability to safely unpack and repack art objects. • Standard tools, practices, and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry work, and the use of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives. • Comfortable with use of standard power tools. • Picture framing standards, including matting and label fabrication. The ideal candidate will have ability to: • Prioritize and work on several projects simultaneously. • Work well with a team. • Supervise freelance art handlers and art shippers. • Assist with the construction of props, backgrounds, and exhibit furniture. • Prepare, hang, and install art objects for exhibit. • Move and handle art objects safely. • Physically handle often large-scale, heavy, and valuable works of art with extreme care. Work from sketches and follow instructions as to construction and installation of museum exhibits. • Select and use a variety of materials, techniques, and equipment to create and safely present the artwork. • Requisitions lumber, paint, fabrics, lighting, tools, and materials as needed for specific installations and anticipates long-range material and equipment needs and advises accordingly. • Excellent oral communication skills. • Check and clean exhibition areas on a regular basis to ensure that the exhibitions are maintained as originally designed. • Provide for the proper security of art objects by arranging the appropriate security measures and devices when necessary. Preferred Education: • Completion of Bachelor's Degree program at an accredited college or university with major in art related field. Ideal Candidate Experience: • Preferred 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays; or an equivalent combination of training and experience • One-year full-time experience as an exhibition's installer within a professional exhibition facility • Experience working within an airport arts environment is exceptional Compensation:
  • Our organization welcomes applicants that are both union members and non-union and we offer a robust compensation package including: • Highly competitive base salary, • Merit-based raises, • Medical / Health Insurance Plans, • Vision coverage, • Dental coverage, • 401k Retirement Plan with company match, • Two weeks vacation during first year at entry-level with even more earned over tenure, • many additional voluntary benefits including several life insurance options, accident insurance, several disability insurance options, and more.
We recognize that great talent can come from a variety of backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action and diversity. Background, MVR checks, and drug tests are performed for all positions. Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets