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Temporary Museum Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.

More about Temporary Museum Preparator jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Museum Preparator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Preparator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Preparator jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Museum Preparator jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Museum Preparator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Museum Preparator jobs are:
Scottsdale Arts Preparator

Scottsdale Arts Preparator

Scottsdale Cultural Council

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Responsible for the technical aspects of temporary exhibitions & permanent collection installation & de-installation for the Public Art Program and Canal Convergence. Also supports the installation needs of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Under direction of supervisor)
1. Performs a variety of functions related to the public art and municipal collection including update location records, schedule and install/de install/move art collection. Registrarial duties including database maintenance, tracking locations, photography, and performing inventory/condition reports as requested or assigned. Assists in the maintenance of the vaults, off site storage and work shop facility.
2. Responsible for coordinating with the Manager of Collections and Curator of Exhibitions on the development, layout and installation of exhibitions and event installations. Includes the design, building, installation & de-installation of exhibitions, municipal installations & temporary projects. Researches and recommends solutions for temporary installations including safety and potential maintenance issues.
3. Works with appropriate technology to develop layout for temporary public work installations and exhibitions, coordinates the transportation of materials, artworks, use of scissor lift and/or forklift. May paint, patch walls, clean or other basic carpentry duties.
4. Responsible for coordinating with the Public Art Manager for Canal Convergence on the planning and installation/de-installation of Canal Convergence artworks. Includes site and equipment preparations, providing on-site direction to installation staff, as directed by the project manager, physical installation and de-installation, and on-site monitoring and maintenance of artworks during the event. Researches and recommends solutions for event installations including safety and potential maintenance issues during the planning phase.
5. Provides on-site supervision for temporary or per diem staff assisting with installations/de-installations.
6. Performs a variety of outreach duties including communications with artists, the City, the public, internal staff and other stakeholders in the course of duties.
7. Performs other duties as required
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Education: Bachelor's degree in related field (combination of education and experience to equal 4 years acceptable)
2. Experience: 1 - 2 years of experience and/or training related to field. Experience in architecture or engineering. Technical background and comprehensive knowledge understanding structural plans.
3. Attributes:
• Ability to be detailed oriented, as well as creatively and calmly problem-solve and trouble-shoot by defining problems, collecting and inputting data, tracking paperwork, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions under pressure at times.
• Ability to employ effective time management and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Comfortable and proficient with hand tools, ladders, and other equipment used in installation of artworks.
• Must possess the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals and technical instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues, the public and business community are a necessity.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs may be helpful.
• Requires the ability to work on multiple concurrent projects and assignments. Candidates must possess the ability to apply policies and procedures while using common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram, sites and maps as needed for duties
• Strong initiative, creative and proactive approach to problem solving and assignments and self-starter skills.
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment and effectively following directions/ instructions in order to support the full-time staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, visiting artists and the general public.
4. Work Environment: Works outside in inclement weather frequently. Employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. Required to stand on a frequent basis; with walking, sitting as part of daily function. Must be able to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. Must be able to lift/move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work at heights over 8 feet, and occasionally works on the canal (waterway in boats or pontoons). Exposure to moving mechanisms, high, precarious places. Ability to work evening and weekends as needed.
5. Other requirements:
• Must possess valid driver's license and driving record which is acceptable to the organization's insurance carrier.
• Forklift Certification and Boom Lift training.
• Water Safety Training required during first 6 months
Salary Description
21.00/HR