Museum Preparator

The Princeton University Art Museum welcomes applications for the position of Preparator who thrives in a collaborative and goal-oriented environment. Reporting to the Manager of Exhibition Preparation & Art Handling, the Museum Preparator will help install and preserve our collections in alignment with the Museum’s priorities. The Museum Preparator will join the Art Museum at a dynamic time as we construct a new building scheduled to open in 2025. Located at the center of campus, this bold and welcoming design will roughly double the space for exhibition, conservation, study, and interpretation of the Museum’s globe-spanning collections.

About the Museum:

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, with collections that have grown to include more than 115,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors worldwide. As the Museum prepares for a dramatically reconceived new building scheduled to open in early 2025, the Art Museum presents six exhibitions in its two downtown venues (Art on Hulfish and Art@Bainbridge) and is touring three collections exhibitions nationally and internationally. When the new building opens, the Art Museum will initiate their new exhibitions program with nine annual exhibitions onsite and on tour.

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.

The term of this appointment is 2 years with the possibility of renewal.

• Assist with the preparation for the eventual return of the collections to the new building and to prepare objects for future galleries.
• Installation of exhibitions, preparation of outgoing loans, general art handling and location tracking in the inventory system, and maintenance of our campus art collections.
• Handling, mounting, matting, and framing of works on paper for the purposes of study, imaging, collections storage, and gallery display.
• Work with conservators, registrars, project leads, curators, designers, and fellow preparators to fulfill these duties.

Essential Requirements:

• At least one year handling a wide range of fine art media.
• Knowledge of fine art packing methods, materials, and related transit.
• Gallery installations and carpentry skills, familiarity with various hand tools, hardware, shop equipment, ladders, lifts, and safety protocols.
• Fine motor skills, keen eyesight, and an ability to stand for long periods.
• Lift up to 75 lbs. to waist height and up to 30 lbs. in a range of motions overhead; work on loading docks and outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions; possess the ability to work at heights and maintain balance.
• Strong orientation towards collaborative and often complex work assignments.
• General knowledge of preventive conservation standards for storage and exhibitions.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated with excellent communication and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in basic computing, including Microsoft Office software.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience employed in an academic setting.
• In-depth knowledge of artists’ methods, materials, and techniques and general knowledge of art history.
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends when projects call for it.
• Proficiency in "The Museum System" preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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