Stanford University Museum of Art
Position Description

Position Title - Chief Preparator
Supervisor - Associate Director/Chief Curator
Approx. Hire Date - October 1, 1997
Salary Range - In-hire salary range $2952.-3804./month
M-F 8-5 (100% Full-time Employee - Permanent Position)

Send resume and letter of interest to the attention of:

Susan Roberts-Manganelli, Head, Registration & Conservation
Stanford University Museum of Art, Stanford CA 94305-5060
Phone: 415/725-0461  e-mail: [log in to unmask]  Fax: 415/725-0464

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general supervision of Associate Director/Chief Curator, the Chief
Preparator supervises personnel and operations of four member
preparation department and occasional project-specific temporary
personnel.  Oversees and actively participates in the preparation,
installation, storage, and general handling of art objects in permanent
collection and temporary exhibitions in collaboration with chief curator
and conservator.  Plans, directs, and participates in the fabrication
and preparation of finished mounts and risers for the installation of
art objects for the newly reconstructed museum galleries as well as for
the outdoor sculpture collection. Some fabrication of platforms,
pedestals, and pylons may be necessary for special installations.
Plans, directs, and participates in building crates for works of art.
In collaboration with the registrars and conservator, supervises the
activities of the technical staff during the move back into the
reconstructed museum.  Oversees ongoing maintenance of the shop,
ordering of supplies, and equipment.  Monitors budget for technical
operations. Reports to Chief Curator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 5 years experience or equivalent combination of training and
experience in museum setting.  Proven leadership and management skills
including management of complex budgets; proven experience in the design
and fabrication of mounts for wide range of fine and decorative art
objects in museum setting in area of potentially high seismic activity;
design experience with emphasis on mountmaking primarily in wood and
metal.


KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Highly organized team player with ability to deal with a variety of
colleagues and vendors.  Computer skills helpful in tracking art objects
and mount storage on database, handling e-mail, purchases, and in-house
memos (Filemaker Pro, Microsoft Word are museum standard).  Familiarity
with museum conservation issues, issues of installation techniques and
design.  Familiarity with shop equipment and ability to effectively
perform various skilled and semi-skilled tasks, including woodworking,
brazing, use of adhesives and fasteners, construction methods, and use
of stationary and portable power tools.  Knowledge of practices and
methods in mountmaking including earthquake mitigation and the various
materials safe for use with art objects such as woods, fabrics,
plastics, metals, mechanical fastners, paints, and adhesives.  Knowledge
of safety procedures related to the handling of chemical solvents,
adhesives, and solutions.  Demonstrated concern for detail, accuracy,
and neat execution of work.  Ability to work cooperatively with
supervisor, designer, and museum staff.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.