Required:
The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and communications skills and a desire to work in a team environment. The candidate will be familiar with a fast paced deadline driven work atmosphere with an ability to managing multiple concurrent projects while maintaining flexibility with shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an art handler/preparator working with a variety of object types including, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and installations
• Extensive understanding of museum standard process for art handling, storing and packing artwork
• Carpentry skills
• Experience building crates for fine art objects
• Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts/personal lifts and other specialized equipment
• Proficient in Microsoft office Suite
• Valid driver’s license; safe driving record

Physical Requirements:

• Standing or walking 4 hours at a time up to 7 hours per day
• Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 75 lbs alone and more with assistance from others or with equipment
• Pushing and/or pulling heavy carts, crates and other containers
• Bending, squatting, reaching and lifting overhead, kneeling and climbing ladders

Preferred:

• 5 years of experience as an art handler/preparator working with a variety of object types including, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and installations
• General knowledge of art history, contemporary art and artist’s materials
• Experience installing and maintaining audio and visual media
• Experience matting and building custom frames for artworks of all mediums
• Some knowledge in gallery lighting design

Preparator - Starting at $20.00/hour - Labor Represented

The Preparator plays a key role in the implementation of exhibitions and permanent collection care. Responsibilities include preparing artwork for display and travel, packing, transporting, installing, deinstalling, and housing objects within the Museum’s collection and on loan. The Preparator is part of the Registration Department reporting to the Exhibition Coordinator and Registrar and works collaboratively with registrars, curators, and security and facilities colleagues to achieve the Museum’s exhibition goals.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:

• Strategizes and plans installations and deinstallations with the exhibition production team.
• Advises on exhibition design and fabrication in collaboration with curators, registrars, artists and outside contractors.
• Prepares objects for installation. This includes matting and framing, crafting and fabricating exhibition furniture, custom mounts, and ensuring the safe display of all objects.
• Deinstalls and prepares galleries for exhibition, including patching and painting walls, and adapting lighting for each exhibition.
• Maintains galleries including cleaning exhibition furniture/displays, maintaining electronic equipment and gallery lighting.
• Receives, packs and unpacks artwork in permanent collection and for traveling exhibitions. This includes building crates and other custom packing solutions.
• Transports artwork locally, regionally and on University campus.
• Works closely with registrars to care for permanent collection including, ensuring the safe movement of artwork throughout the building, crafting custom long-term packing solutions and preparing artworks for outgoing loans.
• Maintains equipment and general housekeeping in wood shop, frame shop, and related areas.
• Orders and maintains inventories of vital supplies. Makes recommendations regarding shop equipment needs. Establishes and maintains contact with suppliers of materials and equipment. Searches for competitive prices when researching materials and equipment.
• Researches installation methods and advises museum staff in such areas as installation design and techniques, framing, lighting, and related costs.
• Advises part-time and temporary workers involved in preparation and installation/deinstallation.
• Other duties as assigned

Professional development:

• Continue learning and keeping current on trends, standards and policies related to job area
• Network and consult with other preparators and museum colleagues in a national and international capacity

About the Weisman

Housed in a striking stainless steel and brick building designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Weisman Art Museum offers an educational and friendly museum experience. The museum's collection features early 20th century American artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, as well as a diverse selection of contemporary art. A teaching museum for the University of Minnesota and the community, the Weisman provides a fresh, engaging arts experience through an array of [programs and a changing schedule of exhibitions. There's always something interesting to see and do at the Weisman.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.