Lead Preparator at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, Inc.

  • 24 Jan 2024 3:15 PM
    Message # 13305470

    To apply, CLICK HERE

    Job Description Summary

    The Lead Preparator works under the supervision of the Director of Exhibitions to assist in the organization, management and installation of exhibitions at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, Inc. (“SAM”). Responsibilities include supervision of contractors, overall project management, assisting with the development of annual project budgets and collaborating with curators, artists and the SAM staff to plan and execute exhibition projects. The Lead Preparator oversees the safe and careful handling, maintenance and overall stewardship of all objects placed within the Museum's care. Given the diverse scope of SAM's exhibition program, encompassing conventional and experimental art forms, the Lead Preparator will perform various tasks related to planning, construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions. This is a full-time onsite position.

    Job Description

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Working closely with the Curatorial Department and artists to execute all aspects of exhibition production, including, but not limited to, attending meetings, planning and establishing a production schedule, leading installation teams, identifying vendors, providing installation renderings, designing and fabricating exhibition furniture and monitoring deadlines and budgets.
    • Collaborate with Director of Exhibitions to set punch lists and departmental tasks by crew members and contractors.
    • Develop gallery maintenance procedures with Director of Exhibitions and maintain all gallery spaces, workspaces and artworks on display.
    • Ensure adherence to the Museum's care and safe handling standards by all team members, employing best practices.
    • Oversee receiving, releasing, loading and unloading shipments of art as assigned. Direct crews in safe loading and unloading of trucks.
    • Maintain and replenish inventory of supplies and materials for packing and installation.
    • Work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
    • Effectively relate to and collaborate with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel.
    • Foster a collegial and synergistic environment, contributing to the development of department staff at all skill levels.
    • Display creativity in solving technical problems and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
    • Attend all mandatory safety and equipment training sessions. Comply with and uphold safety standards for all equipment use.
    • Operate fork/aerial lifts.
    • Participate in billing and accounting duties per exhibition or project as assigned.
    • Collaborate closely with other departments, particularly Facilities and Security, to provide continued assistance to the greater museum and compliance with all mandatory regulations.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    • Experience in multi-media and AV installation.
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe CS, Sketchup and or other relevant Exhibition Design Software.
    • Rigging experience and relevant certification to use forklifts, personnel lifts and other motorized equipment.
    • Knowledge of contemporary art.
    • Advanced knowledge of museum best practices, including the safe handling, care and installation of all art objects, installation hardware and gallery lighting.
    • Advanced fabrication and construction skills; extensive experience working with hand, mechanical and power tools.
    • Excellent manual dexterity and visual acuity skills.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Ability to multitask on a variety of concurrent projects. Effectively manage details as well as the larger scope of any given project.

    Education and Experience

    Minimum:

    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Five years of experience in museum preparation or related field, including professional artist studio practices and galleries
    • At least one year of supervisory experience

    Preferred:

    • Contemporary Art Museum experience

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

    The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

    • Stand for long periods
    • Bend, stoop, reach, lift and climb to move materials and carefully handle artwork
    • Climb up and down stairs and ladders, work comfortably at heights
    • Reach both above and below shoulder height
    • Be able to lift up to 50 pounds individually
    • Manual dexterity to operate manually controlled equipment and safely handle works of art
    • Ability to visually inspect work; specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

    On occasion, the incumbent will be required to work into evenings, weekends and holidays to meet exhibition project deadlines.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The College provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, age, gender, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

    To apply, CLICK HERE