Museum Installation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Palmer Museum of Art is seeking a Museum Preparator to assist with exhibition installation, art handling and transport, collections care, and shop maintenance.
The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania.
As a collaborative member of the preparation team, the Museum Preparator will strive to accomplish the museum's mission and to support its strategic direction as set by the Director and the senior leadership of the college and university.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure the safe and proper installation of all artworks.
• Participate in exhibition changeover duties, including preparing and painting gallery walls and exhibition furniture, installation of exhibition design elements, and assisting with lighting themes.
• Assist in the construction of exhibition furniture and accessories, mounts, and any other exhibition-related needs.
• Assist with installing special exhibition loans and permanent collection objects.
• Assist with art moves including transport of objects in collections care facilities.
• Keep proper documentation of art and collection moves and specific projects.
• Pack and retrofit crates as needed.
• Assist with the packaging and storing of collection items.
• Participate in gallery maintenance and preventative conservation (e.g., care of outdoor sculpture).

Other responsibilities include maintaining the gallery and back-of-house areas (e.g., the wood shop, storage facilities, and loading dock) and assisting with updating departmental inventories.
To complete the responsibilities of this position, the Museum Preparator will move and assist in moving heavy objects, as well as work near the top of the museum's double-height ceilings - all with proper safety precautions.
This position will also occasionally drive the museum's vehicles for art transports.
Qualifications:

• Knowledge of best practices in the field of museum preparation
• Ability to think strategically and apply creative methods to solve installation problems
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team

Experience in fine art handling and installation, as well as working in a museum or gallery setting is a requirement. Candidates must also be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
Additional Information:
This is a full-time staff position, reporting directly to the Chief Preparator.
The Palmer Museum of Art, located in The Arboretum at Penn State, is situated administratively in the College of Arts and Architecture.
About the Palmer Museum of Art
A key element of Penn State's land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, the Museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State's students, faculty, and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region.
Through its world-class objects, programs and outreach, the free Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today's most potent ideas and pressing concerns.
An expansive 21st-century teaching museum, the Palmer Museum of Art is a beacon for advancing the arts and humanities on Penn State's University Park campus and throughout its communities.
The Palmer is dedicated to catalyzing groundbreaking research, scholarship, and publications and providing impactful, object-based learning for Penn State and K-12 students. The Palmer's rewarding and thought-provoking exhibitions and programs promote visitor participation, belonging, and discovery.
The Palmer was voted one of ten winners in the national USA Today 10Best contest for Best New Museums of 2025.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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