Museum Preparator | San Antonio, TX

Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, Texas 

Position Description

Museum Preparator

Reports To: Exhibitions Manager
Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt, hourly position with benefits
Department: Exhibitions Department
Compensation: $19.00 - $20.00/hourly

POSITION SUMMARY
The Briscoe Western Art Museum encompasses an approximately one and one-quarter acre campus with nearly 60,000 square-feet of building space, including the renovated historic 1930 library building and the newly constructed Jack Guenther Pavilion, along with the McNutt Sculpture Garden and premiere San Antonio River Walk frontage. 

The Museum Preparator will support the Exhibitions department. Reporting to the Exhibition Manager, the successful candidate will use appropriate materials, equipment, and methods to display, store, pack and transport works of art. The Museum Preparator will plan and execute the fabrication, installation, disassembly, maintenance, and storage of works of art, and furniture for permanent, special exhibition galleries, and all outdoor sculpture. The Museum Preparator will also be responsible for all gallery and exhibition lighting in accordance to industry standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct the preparation and installation of exhibits, including the installation of art objects, integration of graphics, media, and lighting, and overall gallery finish-out. 
• Responsible for the packing, unpacking, shipping, and storage of art. 
• Complete pickups and deliveries of works of art. 
• Assist with the management of collection inventories, condition reports, and maintenance. 
• Maintain inventories of exhibition and permanent collection furniture, mounts, and associated hardware. 
• Assist with the preparation and installation of the Night of Artists exhibition & art sale. 
• Maintain professional standards in collection storage areas. 
• Maintain off-site storage sites and safely move art in and out. 
• Works with Executive Management Team, curators, and exhibition manager in planning and designing installations. 
• Oversee and/or fabricates display fixtures, pedestals, wall mounts, or any other light construction needed for exhibitions or galleries. 
• Prepares galleries with paint touch-ups, prepares and paints pedestals, cases, and other gallery fixtures. 
• Develop cost-effective methods of working with vendors and contractors for purchase of related equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and services. 
• Prepares artwork for exhibition and storage, building storage racks and handling mounts. 
• Secures and alarms art objects. 
• Maintains galleries, dusting exposed art objects and pedestals weekly. 
• Participates in the development of museum standards, safety and preservation of the collections in accordance with AAMD and AAM standards.
• Perform weekly cleaning of all outdoor sculptures as well as annual waxing of bronze sculptures. 
• Maintain all gallery lightning and inventory. 
• Maintain Paint room and Back of House Storage. Keeping an inventory of all finishes necessary for the upkeep of all galleries.
• Be able to give and receive productive feedback and capable of following guidance effectively.
• Work independently and take the initiative and contribute actively, while remaining responsive to guidance from team members and leadership. 
• Must be able to Plan their weekly work schedule. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Studio Art, or related field preferred.
• 3–6 years related experience.
• Thorough knowledge of procedures and materials used for art handling, packing, installation/de-installation, storage, mount making, rigging, gantry, wrapping and transport.
• Advanced skills in the use of power tools, wood/metal shop machinery, and/or lifting apparatuses.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) proficient.
• Demonstrated interest in American and Western American art, history, and culture.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with little or no supervision.
• Ability to solve complex problems within budget restrictions and tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and a team player.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and elevation software is a big plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires periods of physical activity, including lifting at least 25 pounds, and pushing 75 pounds with the assistance of a cart. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required.

Interested parties can send a cover letter and resume using any one of these methods: 
Facsimile/FAX
Subject: Museum Preparator
Fax number: (210) 299-4118
or
Email
Subject: Museum Preparator info@briscoemuseum.org