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city of San Elizario

Lead Preparator, Works on Paper

city of San Elizario, San Marino, California, us, 91118


About the RoleThe Lead Preparator, Works on Paper, is a member of The Huntington’s Preparation team, under Registration and Collections Management. This position is integral in the consistent planning and implementation of the Institution’s schedule of special exhibitions, permanent collection rotations, and collections care. This position is a senior member of a team of preparatory staff. The position’s primary responsibility is to coordinate and carry out preparations of works on paper (hinging, matting, framing fabricating book mounts) for Library, Art, and Botanical exhibitions and outgoing loans. While the position works mainly with Library collections, the position is also responsible for matting Art Museum acquisitions for long-term housing. They are responsible for handling, packing, and storing artworks according to museum standards, and training staff that assists them with works on paper preparations. Reports to Head of Preparations.Essential DutiesIndependently maintains works on paper schedule of tasks and coordinates with Head of Preparations, registrars, conservators, and exhibitions coordinators to plan out and execute the annual exhibition program.

Attends exhibitions and project planning meetings.

Provides budget estimates for exhibitions including preparation hours, mounts, mats, and framing.

Expected to dedicate 60% of time to preparing works for display by hinging, matting, and framing works on paper; as well as fabricating custom mounts, slants and strapping for 2D works and bound volumes.

Collaborates closely with the Preservation department to accomplish object preparation and hinging procedures under their guidance.

Delegates tasks to 2-3 on-call preparators assisting with works on paper preparations and checks their work for quality.

Documents and shares project progress with Museum staff.

Assists with updating artwork locations of works as it pertains to matting and framing.

Monitors and updates frame stock inventory and orders supplies.

Maintains storage spaces that house book cradles, frames, and other works on paper related materials.

Assists with the installation/de-installation of exhibitions, gallery rotations, and collection rehousing projects, with colleagues in the Registration, Exhibitions, and Preservation department. Duties will include, but are not limited to: receiving, unpacking and, packing artworks; hanging and placement of artwork; retrofitting crate interiors; spackling and painting; creating or modifying mounts (book cradles, buildups, slants), and driving art preparation vehicles to transport art on and off campus.

Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of special exhibitions once opened to the public.

Periodically assists with gallery collections maintenance dusting and cleaning schedule.

Works with Registration and Collections Management colleagues to transport art between collections storage facilities and galleries, and to off-site locations for framing, photography, loan return/pickup, etc.

Maintains TSA certified screener status, when appropriate.

Collaborates with colleagues in Registration, Preservation, Security, and Facilities to maintain Emergency Preparedness Plan for collections and loan material.

Candidate Requirements and ExperienceKnowledge, skills and abilities:Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, or equivalent experience.

At least four years of experience in preparation, collections management, and installation in a public gallery or museum setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights.

Experience with works on paper preparation methods (mounting, matting, framing) required; woodworking and/or metalworking and acrylic fabrication skills a plus.

Demonstrated experience with project management and task delegation.

Knowledge of museum-quality packing and crating.

Familiarity with industry standard materials, processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

Experience using heavy equipment, including scissor-lift, gantry, pallet jack, and table lift, preferred.

Must able to lift 50 pounds.

Other Desirable QualificationsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum staff, representatives from other arts institutions, consultants, artists, and vendors

Ability to plan, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines

Ability to ensure adherence to the institution’s brand in all activities

Safe driving record; work experience driving a medium-size truck

Facility with word processing, Excel, Outlook/Gmail

Proven solutions-oriented, diplomatic problem solver and true team player

Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Working ConditionsAbility to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs, climb ladders and work at heights.

Exposure to art materials and conservation chemicals.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for exhibition installations or special events.

Compensation & BenefitsWe provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:Pay Range: $29.00- $32.00/hr.

Medical, Dental, Vision

403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions

Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

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