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Temporary Museum 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 ...

McNay Art Museum

Preparator

San Antonio, TX

$19.06/hr

Fabricates exhibition components including temporary walls, bases, mounts, and gallery furniture ... Assists with the installation and upkeep of exhibition graphics and signage throughout the museum.

Chrysler Museum Of Art

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Art Preparator I The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is ... temporary and permanent exhibitions. * Artwork Handling & Transport Efficiency - Safely packing ...

New

City of Mesa, AZ

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$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 ...

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Temporary Museum Preparator information

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$36K

$57.7K

$91.5K

How much do temporary museum preparator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary museum preparator in the United States is $57,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Temporary Museum Preparators?

Temporary Museum Preparators are professionals who assist with the installation, deinstallation, handling, and care of artworks or artifacts in a museum setting for a specific period or project. Their responsibilities often include packing and unpacking objects, assembling displays, ensuring proper lighting, and maintaining safety standards. They work closely with curators, registrars, and other museum staff to prepare exhibitions or rotate collections. Employment is on a temporary, project-based, or seasonal basis, rather than as a permanent staff member.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Museum Preparator, you need experience with art handling, installation techniques, and a basic understanding of museum conservation practices, often supported by a degree in art, museum studies, or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as drills, measuring devices, lifts, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe handling of artwork, efficient exhibit installations, and the preservation of collections for public enjoyment and education.

What are some common challenges faced by Temporary Museum Preparators, and how can they be addressed?

Temporary Museum Preparators often encounter challenges such as working under tight deadlines to install or deinstall exhibitions, adapting quickly to different curatorial styles, and handling delicate or valuable artworks with care. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, clear communication with curators and registrars, and attention to detail are essential. Flexibility and a willingness to learn new handling or installation techniques also help Preparators succeed in diverse museum environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Museum Preparator vs Museum Preparator?

AspectTemporary Museum PreparatorMuseum Preparator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary exhibits, special projects, short-term installationsPermanent collections, ongoing exhibit maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions for short-term projectsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions for ongoing collections
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on project duration and scopeCompared based on long-term responsibilities and collections care

In summary, Temporary Museum Preparators focus on short-term exhibit setup and installation, often working on specific projects, while Museum Preparators handle ongoing collection maintenance and permanent exhibit preparation. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in scope and duration of work.

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Temporary Museum Preparator jobs near you
Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$64K - $88K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

City Of Mesa rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 649 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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