Museum Preparator

Job ID 48848

Apply on or before 6/1/2021 by clicking on the green Apply Externally button.

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida. Want to learn more about The Ringling?

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The Ringling is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. As such, we are always seeking individuals dedicated to innovation and excellence. A successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive setting. We especially encourage applications by individuals from underrepresented groups, with a demonstrated commitment to a culturally and intellectually diverse workplace.

Should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please email employment@ringling.org or call 941-359-5700 (ext. 1-2605).

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

The role of Museum Preparator works as a member of the Preparation & Design Team assisting with proper gallery and exhibition maintenance and repair.

Typical tasks in this role would include:

·        Acting as PREP Project Manager for exhibition and collection-related projects, as assigned by the Senior Preparator, works in tandem with assigned Registration Project Manager to complete all aspects of the exhibition to meet opening deadlines. This includes coordination of OPS staff and contractors in the execution of tasks, provides logistical support in the movement of objects, and interfacing with external clients such as couriers, vendors and contractors. Communicates regularly with Senior Preparator to inform on the status of assigned projects.

·        Works closely with curators, educators, registrars, and conservators in fulfilling installation and de-installation needs for exhibitions, gallery rotations, conservation moves, and education spaces.

·        Advises on costs for fabrication of casework, mounts and display solutions in assessing priorities within the projects and budget. Submits purchase requests. Provides Senior Preparator with the maintenance schedule, tool and materials inventory pertaining to mount fabrication as well as casework. Provides feedback to increase workflow efficiencies and fabrication improvements.

·        Drives large trucks and vans, to perform safe transit of museum objects, loaned objects, and casework. Drives and operates scissor lifts, single-operator lifts (in excess of 40'), and forklift. Operates rigging equipment (gantry/hoist, boom lifts, duct lifts).

·        Follows all applicable safety policies and procedures as outlined by the Ringling Museum and Florida State University. Troubleshoots shop equipment. Ensures cleanliness and proper maintenance of workshop and its equipment. Assists conservation with maintenance as needed.

·        Serves as Mount Fabrication Specialist, responsible for training staff on techniques and process related to mounts.  Supervises mount-making projects and works closely with external vendors. Establishes fabrication and installation plans for all museum mounts of loaned objects and permanent collection items.

·        Mats and frames work on paper (photographs, drawings, prints). Performs lighting installation and maintenance in galleries. Performs packing and crating of loaned objects and permanent collection objects. Executes the fabrication of casework and supports, installs/assembles wall/case systems. Prints, presses, cuts, and installs labels and gallery text. Installs, maintains AV equipment within MOA galleries.

·        Performs other duties as assigned including implementation of emergency protective measures and maintenance of gallery and storage spaces.

·        May be required to travel (nationally or internationally) to serve as a museum courier. 

·        High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year experience.

·        Valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain prior to hire.

·        Ability to meet physical requirements as determined by position including the ability to climb ladders, lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.

·        Knowledge of exhibit displays, display design and installation. 

·        May include framing, art installation, construction and finishing, carpentry work, alterations, and repairs.

·        Ability to interpret technical and artistic designs and create a final product.

·        Knowledge of art storage and display methods, techniques, and procedures.

·        Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of collections management to include proper handling, installation, preservation, and/or maintenance.

·        Ability to package products for shipping/delivery.

While helpful, these skills are not required to be considered for this role:

·        Higher education or vocational training in a related field such as Art or Art History.

For more information, or for technical assistance, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-359-5700 ext. 2605 or employment@ringling.org.

Up to $38,150 based on education, experience, and skills of top candidate. Find out more about our benefits under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Typical working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one hour lunch period.  The incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, or emergencies based on the needs of The Ringling.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information.

Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the service members and veterans, will receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. For information on who may be eligible for Veterans' Preference, click here or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

IMPORTANT: In order to claim Veterans' Preference, applicants must upload a DD-214 (and other documentation, as applicable) with their online application prior to the closing date of the job opening.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, to include fingerprinting. The background check will be conducted as authorized and in accordance with University Policy 4-OP-C-7-B11.

This position is time-limited based on soft money funding, with renewal contingent upon available funds and the needs of the University.

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.