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Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $88K/yr

This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers. This class performs ...

Unf

Assistant Curator

Jacksonville, FL

$42K/yr

... Preparator. * Contribute to exhibition interpretation, layouts, and graphic identity. * Propose and curate or co-curate exhibitions as assigned. Research and Writing * Draft and edit exhibition texts ...

Innio

Commissioning Coordinator

TX · Remote

Work closely with the designated work preparator to create, track, and close MyPlant events (including warrantyrelated events), ensuring correct cost center allocation and satisfactory closure

Brown University

ArtsCrew Program Assistant

Center, TX · On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

Employees in Production or Preparator shifts must be able to lift 40 pounds. All positions may require employees to stand for extended periods. Applicants are asked to include a resume (not an artist ...

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Preparator information

What is a preparator?

A Preparator is a professional who works in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions to handle, install, and care for artworks or exhibits. Their responsibilities include preparing artworks for display, ensuring their safe transport and storage, and sometimes assisting with exhibit design and lighting. Preparators use specialized tools and techniques to mount, frame, and install pieces according to conservation and curatorial standards. They play a critical role in making sure that exhibitions are presented safely and aesthetically to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preparator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preparator, you need a thorough understanding of art handling, exhibition installation, and object conservation, often supported by experience in museums or galleries and sometimes a degree in art or museum studies. Familiarity with tools such as power drills, lifts, and climate control systems, as well as adherence to safety protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help Preparators excel in managing delicate artwork and meeting tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safe, efficient, and visually compelling display of collections.

What does a preparator do?

As a preparator, you help with the installation and de-installation of art displays in a museum. In this role, you may provide input on curation, help manage each collection, and determine the best way to display art within the facility. In most cases, this job is considerably more complex than determining where to hang art on the walls. Many museums have complex pieces that are not easy to display, and further, each exhibit may require the addition or removal of walls and other structures without disturbing other exhibits more than necessary. Preparators provide a variety of services, ranging from artistic structure design to construction project management, so flexibility is an essential part of this job.

What is the difference between Preparator vs Art Preparator?

AspectPreparatorArt Preparator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in art handlingHigh school diploma; specialized training in art handling and conservation
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, auction housesMuseums, galleries, private collections
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing artworks for display, packing, and transportationPreparing artworks for exhibitions, conservation, and detailed handling

The main difference between a Preparator and an Art Preparator lies in their specialization and level of expertise. Art Preparator roles often require more specialized training in art conservation and handling, focusing on delicate and valuable artworks. Both roles work in similar environments, but Art Preparators typically handle more complex tasks related to conservation and detailed preparation.

What are some common challenges preparators face when handling and installing artwork, and how are these typically addressed?

Preparators often encounter challenges such as safely transporting delicate pieces, adapting to unique installation environments, and meeting tight exhibition deadlines. To address these, they use specialized tools and materials for packing and handling, collaborate closely with curators and conservators to understand each artwork's requirements, and follow strict safety protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential to overcome logistical hurdles and ensure each piece is displayed securely and attractively.
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Preparator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preparator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $88K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

244th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties First review of applications will be on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. A Museum Exhibitions Coordinator is responsible for developing strategy, management, design, construction, installation, and maintenance of permanent galleries and temporary museum exhibitions; establishing priorities for the unit within the context of the entire museum; implementing planning and evaluation for each exhibition in cooperation with other museum management staff; producing exhibit related deliverables such as scaled floor plans, elevations, models, and other documents; developing, coordinating, and monitoring the unit budget; coordinating procurement of supplies and tools; obtaining building, fire, and other permits as necessary, and meeting all code requirements regarding exhibitions; and performing the design fabrication/construction, installation, and repair of interpretive and educational exhibits. This classification may supervise the Museum Exhibits Preparator and/or the Museum Exhibits Technician classifications, as well as temporary agency personnel and volunteers.

This class performs related duties as required. This class is distinguished from the curator staff by the absence of responsibilities for acquisition or care of collections. This class is supervised by a Museum Administrator or Museum Curator.

This class is FLSA exempt-professional. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Studio Art, Industrial Design, or closely related field. Considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in museum or cultural exhibit design, fabrication, preparation, installation, or a related area (architectural modeling, industrial exhibit fabrication, or finish carpentry).

Good (1 - 3 years) use of SketchUp, or other computer software programs such as: Adobe Creative Suite, word processing, spreadsheet, and production management applications. Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.

Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation and a quantitative fit test in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. One year of knowledge in 3D printing, laser cutting, acrylic fabrication, general construction, carpentry, and/or painting preferred

Familiarity with basic electronics or coding related to museum exhibits is also desirable. Coursework in drafting, graphic art, design, or equivalent. Supervisory training and/or experience is desirable Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4540.pdf

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