Exhibition Preparator

The full-time position of Exhibition Preparator is available immediately.  This position reports to the Manager of Exhibit Services.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working under the direction of the Manager of Exhibit Services, the Exhibition Preparator facilitates and assists in the installation, de-installation and maintenance of exhibitions in D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, and with special attention to the Wood Museum of Springfield History and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The EXHIBITION PREPARATOR works closely with their supervisor, curators, and other museum staff in the planning and preparation of gallery spaces, implementation of exhibition rotations, and the regular maintenance of exhibitions and components.

RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Fabricate, install, maintain, and dismantle permanent and temporary exhibitions under supervision of the Manager of Exhibit Services including moving, painting, and setup of exhibition furniture, casework, and walls; fabrication of exhibition mounts; wrapping display blocks; mounting and installation of label text; installation or removal of vinyl lettering and signage; matting and framing artwork; transport, packing, unpacking, crating of exhibition objects; installation of wall hanging objects; placing or mounting sculpture as needed. 

Assist other Museums staff in transportation of objects inside and between Museums and other locations.

Maintain the permanent and temporary exhibit spaces throughout the Museum of Springfield History and the Dr. Seuss Museum, according to museums standards.  Follow a regular cleaning schedule for all exhibit spaces throughout both museums that includes dusting galleries, cleaning exhibit cases, dusting frames, replacing brochures or related tasks as assigned. 

Keep exhibition workspaces clean and organized. Keep stock of consumable materials and supplies on hand, and order as needed. Maintain inventory of exhibition furniture and equipment at the Dr. Seuss Museum, and the Wood Museum of Springfield History

Walk-through buildings regularly to check lighting, general conditions, and cleanliness and respond accordingly.  Monitor and adjust light levels in galleries and replace light bulbs.  Keep the Manager of Exhibition Services and the Museum Directors informed of building issues and of exhibit repairs or maintenance needed or performed.

Develop and maintain interactive components for exhibition in permanent and temporary galleries.  Research cost-effective ways to increase visitor experience via technology and interactive exhibit elements.  Implement use of technology, coordinate efforts with other departments as needed.

Collaborate in research, design, and planning of exhibitions as assigned. 

Assist set-up personnel in preparation and/or maintenance for special events and routine procedures requiring extra assistance (i.e., large packing jobs, large object moving, truck loading, etc.).

Perform other similar duties as required by responsibilities or assigned by the Manager of Exhibition Services.

QUALIFICATIONS include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Training in professional museum exhibition techniques and procedures; knowledge of latest packing and crating techniques; ability to interpret construction drawings. Knowledge of physical properties of art and construction materials.  Technical knowledge required to develop, install, and maintain interactive exhibitions, including experience with carpentry, hand and power tools, basic electrical knowledge, familiarity with electronics, and proficiency with software tools including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and SketchUp or other CAD software.  A bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years of experience in a museum setting, and a valid Driver’s license required.