Preparator

Description

The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. The Collection is currently accepting applications for the position of Preparator. 

Job Summary:

The Preparator assists with all aspects of museum exhibition installations and ensures the safe handling of all works of art. This position assists with exhibition-related tasks such as exhibition installation, exhibition de-installation, graphic production, design and construction of exhibition fixtures, gallery painting, lighting, mount making, matting and framing, construction of crates, and art handling and installation. This position assists with the safe movement of art objects within the museums and transport of art objects to and from the museums and other sites. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below duties and responsibilities are essential core functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Prepares, installs and maintains high quality exhibitions. Assists the Head Preparator, Exhibition Designer, and other staff team members in the design of exhibitions.
• Prepares two and three dimensional objects from the Collection and lending Institutions for display in accordance with museum standards and best practices; including matting, framing, and mounting. Designs and builds mounts, as well as risers and wedges for use in display cases; designs and builds cases. 
• Physically handless donations, acquisitions and other Collection material for processing and storage; creates custom storage boxes and housings; evaluates best storage methods and prepares all acquisitions and collection materials for staff and research access. 
• Maintains timely and accurate location records in museum collections management system (CMS) database.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for conservation and repairs. Carries out conservation duties as directed.  
• Maintains an inventory of storage and packing materials.
• Works directly with Registration Team with packing, transporting, and unpacking of outgoing collections for shipment, transporting and transferring incoming and      outgoing objects.
• Assists with ongoing inspection of exhibition and storage facilities and monitoring of      environmental conditions.
• Maintains hurricane preparedness supplies and equipment. Assists in implementing the Emergency Preparedness Plan.
• Safely and effectively operate large motor vehicles, as well as other equipment such as scissor lifts and forklifts.  
• Participate in day and/or overnight travel as well as meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. as directed.
• Provide assistance and expertise to other departments as needed.

The Historic New Orleans Collection offers the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents (children and opposite or same sex spouse/domestic partners). Medical insurance includes treatment for gender dysphoria.
• Life, long term disability, and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays per year
• Gym membership
• Paid parking
• Work/life balance
• Opportunity to work in the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans with passionate, engaged, and respectful colleagues

The Historic New Orleans Collection centers diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion at the core of everything we do. We are committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive workplace, an organization that epitomizes the best practices in our field, and a community institution that truly reflects and supports our visitors, our neighbors, and our home. To that end, we actively encourage and welcome applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups. We are committed to employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Job Summary:

The Preparator assists with all aspects of museum exhibition installations and ensures the safe handling of all works of art. This position assists with exhibition-related tasks such as exhibition installation, exhibition de-installation, graphic production, design and construction of exhibition fixtures, gallery painting, lighting, mount making, matting and framing, construction of crates, and art handling and installation. This position assists with the safe movement of art objects within the museums and transport of art objects to and from the museums and other sites. 

Job Qualifications:

Below are the minimum requirements necessary for this position.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, art history, museum studies, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of museum, gallery or preparation experience.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in metal fabrication.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in object mount design and construction techniques.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in general carpentry and craftsmanship.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in box making, crating, and case construction.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in matting and framing materials and techniques.
• Knowledge, skill and experience in installation and lighting concepts and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to handle art objects per museum standards for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of sizes, weights, and materials.
• Knowledge of storage methods and collections care per museum standards.
• Knowledge of tools used to carry out duties.
• Ability to design and execute drawings for construction.
• Knowledge of acceptable conservation practices and techniques.
• Ability to paint.
• Experience in using and applying various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, fasteners and adhesives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ability to learn and use museum specific software/database. 
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with others as well as demonstrated ability to work independently. Proven oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to an evolving work environment. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Exceptional driving skills and ability to operate large motor vehicle.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured.
• Ability to travel daily as well as overnight.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, move throughout the properties and in other settings, operate a computer and other office machinery, operate carpentry, mounting, framing and painting tools, ascend/descend and traverse, positions self to work at work station, inspect collections, frame and mount, carry out carpentry, painting, packaging and/or similar duties, and monitor the movement of or personally move art objects to low, medium and/or high levels. Regularly move objects of up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. This position consistently communicates with co-workers and others and observes, inspects, and assesses art objects. Regularly works in outdoor conditions. Occasional exposure to mold, mildew, or other similar contaminants/residues.