Preparator & Installation Coordinator
Harn Museum of Art at UF
Job Description
Job Summary
The Harn Museum of Art is seeking a full-time Preparator and Installation Coordinator. The person in this role must perform skilled work related to the design, fabrication, and installation/de-installation of museum exhibitions, is directly involved in the handling, framing, packing and transportation of artwork, and also performs various duties related to the care and maintenance of the permanent collection and loaned artwork. The Preparator and Installation Coordinator reports to the Senior Registrar and works closely with the Registrars of Exhibitions and Loans.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a knowledge of and have practical experience utilizing best practices in art handling, matting and framing artwork, exhibition design and lighting, light construction, and woodshop safety. Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and multi-tasking are essential skills necessary for this position.
ABOUT THE HARN MUSEUM OF ART
Since opening in 1990, the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida has been a cornerstone of the North Central Florida arts and culture ecosystem. In addition to serving the students and faculty of the University, the Harn is the most prominent fine art museum in the greater North Central Florida region and demonstrates its commitment to being a cultural resource through its free admission and educational activities. The museum is known for its high quality and relevant exhibitions, many of which have toured across the United States. The Harn’s collections consist of more than 13,000 works of art. They focus on African, Asian, modern and contemporary art, and photography with significant representation of Ancient American and Oceanic art, and a growing collection of prints and drawings before 1850.
More information about the Harn Museum of Art and its programs can be found at www.harn.ufl.edu.
Job Responsibilities:
The Preparator & Installation Coordinator:
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience, preferably in museum exhibits; and two years in a supervisory capacity.
Minimum qualifications
Applications must be submitted online at https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/listing/ JOB SEARCH 539328.
Additional Information:
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Harn Museum of Art is seeking a full-time Preparator and Installation Coordinator. The person in this role must perform skilled work related to the design, fabrication, and installation/de-installation of museum exhibitions, is directly involved in the handling, framing, packing and transportation of artwork, and also performs various duties related to the care and maintenance of the permanent collection and loaned artwork. The Preparator and Installation Coordinator reports to the Senior Registrar and works closely with the Registrars of Exhibitions and Loans.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a knowledge of and have practical experience utilizing best practices in art handling, matting and framing artwork, exhibition design and lighting, light construction, and woodshop safety. Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and multi-tasking are essential skills necessary for this position.
ABOUT THE HARN MUSEUM OF ART
Since opening in 1990, the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida has been a cornerstone of the North Central Florida arts and culture ecosystem. In addition to serving the students and faculty of the University, the Harn is the most prominent fine art museum in the greater North Central Florida region and demonstrates its commitment to being a cultural resource through its free admission and educational activities. The museum is known for its high quality and relevant exhibitions, many of which have toured across the United States. The Harn’s collections consist of more than 13,000 works of art. They focus on African, Asian, modern and contemporary art, and photography with significant representation of Ancient American and Oceanic art, and a growing collection of prints and drawings before 1850.
More information about the Harn Museum of Art and its programs can be found at www.harn.ufl.edu.
Job Responsibilities:
The Preparator & Installation Coordinator:
- Works with Registration staff to ensure care and maintenance of the museum’s permanent collection and loaned artwork as well as to plan for and implement exhibition changes.
- Collaborates with curators and registrars while using a high level of organization, communication, budgeting and time management skills to ensure that all museum industry and preventative conservation standards are met.
- Supervises and provides instruction as needed to staff in the installation/deinstallation of exhibitions and art handling.
- Prepares galleries for art installations, including but not limited to wall, floor and ceiling preparation, moving modular walls and display furniture, lighting design and implementation, fabricating and installing exhibition components (cases, mounts, etc.), and production and installation of exhibition labels and graphics.
- With registrars, coordinates activities surrounding care and maintenance of outdoor sculptures, including preparing outdoor sites, rigging, installing and deinstalling artwork, lighting and ongoing care.
- Purchases, designs and/or fabricates display materials, such as, but not limited to, pedestals, platforms, temporary walls, mounts, crates, etc. in keeping with museum standards and contractual requirements.
- Oversees movement and placement of pedestals, plexiglass vitrines, and other furniture used in exhibitions and/or art storage.
- Supervises and participates in matting and framing artwork in accordance with museum standards.
- Supervises and participates in the movement of artwork within and without the museum building, including receiving, packing/unpacking, crating, shipping, storage, and occasionally transporting artwork.
- Operates various equipment, including but not limited to drivable lifts (scissor, manlift, forklift, etc.), basic workshop tools and equipment, including for use with welding, brazing, and plexiglass, used in the normal course of museum business.
- With registrars and Building Maintenance and Security Supervisor, coordinates and maintains cleanliness and presentation of exhibitions, art storage, workshop and other registration-related workspaces.
- Maintains an inventory of supplies, tools and equipment integral to exhibition production and art care.
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience, preferably in museum exhibits; and two years in a supervisory capacity.
Minimum qualifications
- Previous experience working in museum or art gallery
- Previous carpentry and fabrication experience; knowledge of workshop safety
- Ability to safely maneuver heavy objects
- Skill in handling trucks, forklifts, lifts, and other forms of moving equipment
- License to drive cars, trucks and vans
- Knowledge of the principles, techniques, tools and equipment used in designing, fabricating, and installing museum-quality exhibitions
- Ability to design and fabricate custom display elements in exhibits, such as mounts and specialized furniture.
- Knowledge of museum-approved materials and construction methods (acid-free, non-off gassing, archival, etc.)
- Knowledge of and experience with archival matting and framing techniques and materials
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to develop and work within a budget
- Familiarity with safe working practices, such as OSHA regulations
- Familiarity with Product Safety Data Sheets
- Familiarity with ADA regulations
Applications must be submitted online at https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/listing/ JOB SEARCH 539328.
Additional Information:
Equal Opportunity Employer
- All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
- This position requires a post-offer health assessment.
