Preparator I

GUIDED BY ARTISTS, ROOTED IN NEW MEXICO, SITE SANTA FE CELEBRATES
CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE EXPRESSION.
SITE SANTA FE is a non-profit contemporary arts organization based in Santa Fe, New
Mexico. Since its founding in 1995, SITE SANTA FE has presented 11 biennials, more than 90
contemporary art exhibitions, and works by hundreds of emerging and established artists from
around the world. SITE SANTA FE also presents public and educational programs that include
conversations with artists and curators, film screenings, performances, concerts, hands-on
workshops, and collaborations with Santa Fe Public Schools.
SITE SANTA FE is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion
in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color,
gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy,
or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Summary
Preparators support and assist all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation,
and de-installation. The Preparator demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic
of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions,
commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. Responsibilities
include experienced art-handling, audio-visual/sound, and fabrication skills with demonstrated
proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators assist in complex installation or de-
installation projects. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to,
comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
Art Handling and Installation
 Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, condition reporting, preparation, and
installation/de-installation of artwork.
 Perform and assist with the placement of artwork as directed by Registrars, Curators,
Artists, or Conservators.
 Support the transporting of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators,
and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in
coordination with the Lead Preparator Associate Registrar and Curatorial Assistant.
 Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation and de-installation tasks as needed
and assigned.
 Experience using moving equipment such as dollies, lifts, pallet-jacks, and material carts.

Fabrication
 Assist with the preparation, fabrication, and finishing of certain elements of museum-specific
objects.
 Assist with the installing and de-installation of pedestals, freestanding and wall mounted
vitrines, exhibition furniture, and one- of-a-kind artist-driven constructions, among other
projects.

 Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws, sliding
compound mitre saws and abrasion disc chop saws, light-duty routers, and angle grinders.
 Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills,
specialty bits and anchors, etc.
 Perform basic assemblies with biscuits, precision-based glue-ups, cold connections with
custom hardware, etc.
 Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to
industry standards.
 Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet,
curtains, etc.
 Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.
Audio Visual/Sound
 Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media- based artwork.
 Assist the Audio-Visual Specialist in reading drawings, plans, spec sheets and help pulling
equipment from A/V inventory.
 Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-
visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted
projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/lens shifting, connecting speakers and
amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle
placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.
 Independently execute the preparation, installation, and de-installation of a single-channel
audio-visual artwork.
Qualifications
1. At least 3 years minimum of experience as a preparator in a museum, art gallery or
other cultural institution, or other equivalent art handling and installation experience.
Construction, metal fabrication, and design skills are a plus.
2. Must be a self-starter and creative problem solver. Be able to work independently and
efficiently.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate well.
4. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and maintain a high degree of professionalism in
a dynamic and creative setting. Ability to take directives and change tasks when
required.
5. The ability to lift 50+ pounds regularly.
6. Embrace SITE SANTA FE’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Application instructions: Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter.