Preparator

Founded as a bequest of Lucy Copeland Farnsworth, the Museum opened its doors in 1948 in Rockland, Maine, with a singular mission to celebrate Maine’s role in American art. The Farnsworth’s primary purpose is to be a repository for American art objects related to Maine and a resource for all, including local and state residents, as well as tourists visiting from throughout the United States and abroad.

Throughout the Museum’s history, it has championed the unique role that Maine plays in the larger story of American art. The Farnsworth’s collection of approximately 15,000 works focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, in all media, with a special emphasis on artists with deep connections to Maine. From purchasing works by a young Andrew Wyeth–becoming the first museum to do so–to collecting pieces by pivotal Maine artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Lynne Drexler, Lois Dodd, Daniel Minter, Ann Craven, and Jeremy Frey, the Museum has and will continue to represent the excellence of the arts in Maine. We are also broadening and diversifying collections to more fully reflect the breadth of Maine artists working today and the interests of our growing and multicultural audience.

The Museum also cares for two historic properties: the Farnsworth Homestead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the Olson House, joining the campus in 1991 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011.

Welcoming approximately 75,000 visitors each year, the Farnsworth has a $58 million economic impact on the mid-coast and surrounding areas and has revitalized the creative capital of Rockland. It is the first art museum in Maine to receive accreditation by AAM.

The Farnsworth Art Museum seeks a Preparator to play a vital role in supporting exhibitions, loans, and the ongoing care of its permanent collection and historic houses. Under the direction of the Chief Curator, the Preparator collaborates closely with the Curatorial and Registration departments to implement exhibitions and collection management activities, including the safe handling, movement, and care of artworks and both incoming and outgoing loans. This position is responsible for the installation, deinstallation, and transportation of artworks and rotations, as well as fabrication, packing, coordinating logistics, and supporting preventive conservation efforts.

The Preparator also oversees contracted art handlers and relationships with external vendors, communicating closely with Human Resources and Accounting Departments on invoices and purchase orders as well. This role also serves as a representative of the Curatorial Department and works closely with colleagues in the Wyeth Study Center office, as well as Facilities, Security and Operations Departments, to ensure that exhibitions and cross-departmental responsibilities executed smoothly and in accordance with the museum’s and AAM best practices.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in art handling, packing and transportation, matting and framing, gallery lighting, construction, painting, SketchUp, and woodshop safety. Success in this role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Art Handling and Installation

• Handle, install, and deinstall artworks, including 2D and 3D objects, time-based media, and large-scale sculpture


• Prepare and install a range of exhibition components such as mounts, vitrines, casework, interactive displays, video installations, projections, and exhibition graphics (e.g., vinyl, wall text)


• Implement and maintain gallery lighting systems, including adjustments during exhibition installation and maintenance periods and regular routine checks and maintenance


• Operates various mechanical devices, ladders, etc. used to install, or move works of art (10-hour general OSHA certification or obtain certificate upon hire)


• Oversee and assist with Audio visual installation needs related to installations, as necessary. Maintain inventory of A/V equipment and installation hardware

Exhibition Preparation

• Collaborates with the Chief Curator, Curators, Registrars, Designers, Facilities, Security, and Operations in the planning of the preparation of galleries for exhibitions and fabrication (casework, mount needs, platforms, pedestals, labels and other exhibit specific support materials), installation, and de-installation


• Supports Chief Curator in budget projections for exhibition display needs and special project budgets 


• Works closely with Registrars to create and implement exhibition production schedules in collaboration with Curators and Creative Director to insure efficient and timely production of exhibition materials


• Collaborate with the Registrars to receive unpacking and packing crates, handle artwork, and oversee preparation of all artwork for display in accordance with AAM standards and institutional protocols 


• Utilize SketchUp software to develop exhibition layouts under the guidance of the Chief Curator and Curator; training will be provided if necessary


• Ensure that exhibition construction and layout planning comply with ADA guidelines and meet accessibility standards

Preventive Conservation and Environmental Monitoring

• Assist the Registrar Department in preventive conservation efforts, ensuring proper object handling and care protocols 


• Contribute to the monitoring environmental conditions in galleries, historic houses, and storage areas, including temperature, humidity, light levels, and vibrations, using PEM data loggers, eClimateNotebook, SensorPush software, and other tools; responsible for generating quarterly reports for Department and regular reporting of any anomalies or concerns


• Contributes to and implements Emergency Disaster Plan. As necessary, responds to art installation, storage, and historic house emergencies during and after hours


• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as needed by placing traps, monitoring activity, and reporting findings to the Chief Curator of Collections and Registrar
  
  

Collection and Departmental Support

• Assists in conducting inventories of storages and galleries, when necessary, and/or support Registrars in consolidating Collections storage areas for more effective use of space


• Support the department in preparing for quarterly Collection Committee reviews and facilitating the new acquisitions process, as necessary


• In coordination with Curators and Registrars, assists in seasonal maintenance of historic houses

Maintenance and Departmental Support

• Maintain an organized inventory of tools, hardware, lighting supplies, framing materials, and construction equipment


• Works with the Chief Curator to identify budget needs for annual departmental supplies. Research and order materials as needed for exhibition builds, storage solutions, and packing, ensuring timely procurement and cost-effective sourcing


• Maintains an organized and functional preparatory workspace, tools & equipment, and museum storage areas.


• Identifies & participates in opportunities for professional development to learn new skills, maintain current professional standards of art and object handling, storage, maintenance, and support of a variety of artwork

Administrative:

• Participate in department, exhibition planning, and all-staff meetings; provide updates and report on project progress


• Request quotes and source vendor estimates for fabrication, transport, and materials purchases


• Participate in meetings related to the museum’s master plan and strategic plan


• Ensure smooth coordination by responding promptly and professionally to both internal and external communications


• Supervises contract art handlers, as necessary for installations

Requirements / Qualifications:

• BA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field.


• 5 years museum experience in preparation, art handling, installations, design and preparation


• Understanding of HVAC/Climate control systems as it relates to collection care


• Demonstrable experience in exhibition design, gallery lighting, matting and framing, mount building, and installation of hardware required.


• Knowledge of photography and computer literacy is essential.


• Experience with SketchUp software preferred.


• Experience with SensorPush, PEM dataloggers, eClimateNotebook


• Excellent planning and organizational skills; strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary.


• Ability to lift and carry 70 pounds, to work on high lifts, operate power tools, stand 8 hours a day, and a valid driver’s license required.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in team environments


• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and manage multiple projects at the same time