Part -Time Preparator

PART TIME PREPARATOR, Seasonal

Position Overview

This role will report to the Chief Preparator and Director of Exhibitions Management. Part-Time Preparators work closely with full-time Preparators, the Chief Preparator, Registrars, the Curatorial Department, and Operations Staff to complete the needs of an exhibition through installation.

Part-Time Preparator is an on-call position with shifts dependent on the Museum’s exhibition schedules and needs. Eight-hour shifts, 10:00am - 6:00pm are typical. However, installation schedules may vary. The position will require occasional work on weekends and evenings as required by the Museum’s exhibitions’ calendar. The role is a Local 2110 UAW union position. The hourly rate of pay is $39.14. Accrued sick time is available.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Chief Preparator, and in close collaboration with the Registrars, responsible for installing all Museum exhibitions as directed by the exhibition schedule;
• As part of a team, unpack, pack, install, arrange, assemble, deinstall, and prepare artworks for exhibition while ensuring the artworks’ safety;
• Demonstrate proper installation and art-handling skills according to museum best practices;
• Assist with the release and receipt of art and/or empty crates including loading and unloading from truck to gallery, and performing safety flag duties at the street-level dock;
• Assist with all exhibition-related tasks as assigned and needed, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, assembling and securing artworks, making mounts and fabrication, install/deinstalling lighting, cabling and/or AV equipment, and maintaining a clean and safe prep space, tools, and exhibition and back of house areas;
• Performs maintenance of exhibitions as needed, including gallery cleaning, vacuuming and sweeping, light replacement, paint touch-up, etc.;
• Assists with producing and installing and/or removing didactic materials, including wall labels, graphic panels, and cut vinyl signage;
• Assists other Preparators and Exhibitions staff as needed and directed.

Qualifications

At least 2 years’ experience working with museum-quality art installations is required. Preparators must be able to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds), operate a pump lift cart and pallet jack, and have the ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum. Ideal candidates can operate a scissor lift with appropriate certification.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The New Museum's mission is simply "New Art, New Ideas." Founded in 1977 by curator Marcia Tucker with a bold vision of presenting contemporary culture in a critical and scholarly context, the New Museum has been a leader among contemporary art museums for over 40 years and is among the most respected internationally for its risk-taking curatorial program. The New Museum is a center for exhibitions, information, and documentation about living artists from around the world, focusing on emerging and under-recognized voices, and providing a platform for the artists who are defining our cultural moment. In 2007, the New Museum made history with the inauguration of its first permanent building at 235 Bowery designed by the Tokyo-based firm SANAA. Since that time, over 4 million have visited or attended programs and events, and the Museum has 155 exhibitions featuring over 600 artists from 60+ countries in our galleries, as well as over 1,200 public programs ranging from live performances, conferences, residencies, screening, after-school programs, and family days.

For more information about the New Museum and its programs, please visit www.newmuseum.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The New Museum of Contemporary Art believes that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity and we do not discriminate against our staff members or applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status provided they are qualified and meet the requirements for the job. The New Museum provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities.