Preparator Job Announcement July 12, 2013 OUR MISSION and VISION MISSION Connecting People through Art. Tacoma Art Museum serves the diverse communities of the Northwest through its collection, exhibitions and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. VISION To be a national model for regional museums by creating a dynamic museum that engages, inspires, and builds community through art. OVERVIEW ABOUT TACOMA ART MUSEUM Tacoma Art Museum's nationally recognized exhibitions and innovative educational programs attract thousands of visitors annually to its galleries and events. By making connections for viewers which may not be instantly obvious, Tacoma Art Museum has developed a reputation for presenting 20th century art in a thought-provoking yet accessible manner. Tacoma Art Museum has also made a strong commitment to Northwest art through its acquisition and exhibition programs. Recently the museum has acquired a collection of western American art and is in the process of building a new wing to accommodate the collection. The new addition is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. JOB DESCRIPTION The Museum Preparator is responsible for all aspects of museum exhibition installations and helps oversee the safe handling of all works of art in the museum. The position requires a broad variety of experience, flexibility, and demonstrable hands-on abilities with a range of tasks.Exhibition-related tasks include exhibition design and planning, graphics, construction of exhibition furniture, gallery painting, lighting, and art handling and installation. In collaboration with the museum's Registrar, the Museum Preparator also oversees the safe movement of art objects within the building and transport of artworks to and from the museum. The Preparator also may assist with collections work including art packing and unpacking, assembling and disassembling artwork, preparing works for exhibition (mat, frame, stretch, etc.), and other collections-related projects. The Museum Preparator plans, prioritizes, and schedules work; assesses resource needs and determines adjustments as required; assists in the development of exhibition budgets; hires regular and temporary preparation staff and interns; directs, supervises, and evaluates their work. This position also is responsible for maintaining the museum's workshop and related tools, hardware, and other equipment. The Museum Preparator serves as a liaison for the museum with trustees, collectors, lenders, and the general public by serving as a consultant on art installation and display and by providing art installation services as contracted during down times in the exhibition schedule. The Museum Preparator will serve an integral role in the final planning, preparation, and installation of the new galleries and outdoor sculpture program. This position reports to the Director of Curatorial Administration. DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Three to five years of museum or gallery experience. Extensive knowledge of design and construction of museum exhibits; art handling procedures for two-and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights; mountmaking principles; and lighting concepts and systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; ADA requirements; knowledge in using the standard tools, practices and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry as well as cabinet work; and the use and application of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives; the ability to use graphic design and mechanical design software; and knowledge of the principles of supervision as well as training practices and procedures. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their experience in handling a vast array of art objects from traditional paintings to digital media installations as well as the rigging and movement of art including large-scale sculptures. Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement projects; simultaneously oversee a variety of projects; develop and manage budgets; prepare cost estimates; make sound purchasing decisions; lift and move heavy objects as required; interpret working drawings; develop and implement design concepts; supervise, motivate, and evaluate preparation staff; participate effectively as a member of a cross-functional team; establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum staff, volunteers, the general public, and representatives from other museums; explain and carry out methods and procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable objects of art. Compensation and Timeline: Salary Range: Compentative compensation depending on experience Closing Date: Open until filled Send cover letter, resume, and list of references to: Human Resources Tacoma Art Museum 1701 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402 Or [log in to unmask] Margaret Bullock | TACOMA ART MUSEUM Curator of Collections and Special Exhibitions 253.272.4258 x 3019 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).