Chief Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

The Assistant Preparator role at the Portland Art Museum is a member of the exhibition team, responsible for the technical preparation and installation of the Museum’s special exhibitions. This role translates complex exhibition designs into physical reality through skilled craftsmanship and precise art handling.

The Assistant Preparator ensures the safe handling and meticulous preservation of all artworks, whether part of the Museum’s permanent collection or on loan, while maintaining a high standard of professional presentation.

Working under the direction of the Preparator Supervisor and Chief Preparator, this is a collaborative, hands-on role. This role must be detail-oriented and capable of working in a fast-paced environment to meet rigorous exhibition schedules safely and with care.

In this role, you will

• Assists Chief & Preparator Supervisor in all aspects of installation including, carpentry and related shop work, painting, lighting, mount making, rigging, art handling, graphic installation and packing
• Assist the Chief Preparator, Supervisor, Registrars, and Couriers in shipping and receiving of artworks, crate moving, unpacking and packing, crate building and retrofitting, and local and regional pickup and delivery of artwork
• Assist with moving, modifying and clearing/painting exhibit furniture to prepare for art installation
• Assists in maintaining workshop including, cleaning and organization of shop space
• Assists Registrars and Conservators in collection maintenance, organizing storage, rehousing objects, seismic mitigation, and collection documentation
• Assists in maintaining general appearance of galleries including cleaning of exhibit furniture/casework, dusting, and changing of lights. Assists with maintenance and troubleshooting of new media electronic artworks and displays
• Performs other related duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• 1-3 years experience in art handling or similar field
• Knowledge of safe art handling practices and principles of professional museum collection care and respect for works of art
• Responsibly demonstrates workplace safety
• Effectively communicates verbally and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisor, staff, and other co-workers
• Willingness to work under the direction of visiting Couriers from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and different countries
• Successfully fabricate from working diagrams and oral instructions to finished products in a variety of materials
• Knowledge of shop safety and use of hand/power tools and willingness to learn and adhere to OSHA safety guidelines
• Willingness to learn and follow ADA guidelines
• Basic math and geometric knowledge, and measurement skills and a demonstrated knowledge of museum installation techniques. Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Demonstrated flexibility and effective problem-solving skills in overcoming challenges and obstacles

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.
Job conditions & physical activities

• Schedule/Hours: 35 hours per week, schedule is typically Monday through Friday, though flexibility is required for occasional weekend work based on needs
• Onsite/Not Remote
• Occasional nights and weekends
• Occasional outdoor work
• Extensive close work
• Frequently standing, walking, bending body to wait, use of fingers, talking, reaching, hearing, feeling, handling, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and grasping
• Frequently push/pull/lift/carry up to 50 lbs (use of carts, wheels, etc.)
• Frequent repetitive motion of feet
• Frequent repetitive motion of hands and wrists

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

• This role is non-exempt and temporary, with an anticipated end date of August 4, 2026
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade G ($24.78 minimum - $28.64 midpoint - $32.51 maximum), based on experience
• Accrued sick time
• Employee discounts

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.