Assistant Preparator/Gallery Preparator I

About the Johnson Museum of Art

The Johnson Museum permanent collection numbers 40,000 works, spanning six millennia and encompassing art from most world cultures. The Museum enhances and supports faculty teaching across Cornell’s schools and departments by hosting approximately 400 class sessions per academic year in the Museum’s galleries and classrooms. Educational outreach programs for the regional community are core to Cornell University’s land-grant commitment to public engagement: we serve over 6,000 school children from schools in a 90-mile radius of Ithaca and offer professional development trainings for regional teachers, many of whom teach in rural areas and for whom the Museum promotes intercultural understanding and global awareness.

The Opportunity

The Johnson Museum is seeking an Assistant Preparator who plays a vital role in supporting the installation and maintenance of museum exhibitions. This position involves a variety of responsibilities, including carpentry, artwork handling, and database management. The Assistant Preparator works closely with the Chief Preparator and other museum staff to ensure the seamless execution of exhibition installations and the upkeep of museum facilities.

Key Assistant Preparator Responsibilities:

• Assist with the installation of museum exhibitions.
• Construct and maintain museum display units and special fixtures.
• Maintain the museum carpentry shop and tools.
• Update computer databases for inventory, artwork location, and other purposes.
• Handle and relocate works of art.
• Provide general and specialized carpentry services to the Chief Preparator and other museum staff and visiting artists.
• Support the Chief Preparator with building responsibilities as needed.
• Foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment.
• Communicate effectively across differences and be cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming.

Hours and Location

The Assistant Preparator position performed at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The role is typically scheduled from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with some flexibility in start and end times as approved by your supervisor.

Success Factors

• Adaptability and Team Collaboration: You’re comfortable taking direction, flexible, and supportive of team goals. You thrive in a collaborative environment, effectively working with curators, educators, and other team members to achieve project objectives.
• Strong Communication and Customer Service: Clear, open communication and a customer-focused attitude are essential. You’re approachable, maintain a positive demeanor, and interact professionally with a diverse range of people, including museum staff and visitors.
• Attention to Detail, Safety, and Technical Proficiency: You possess meticulous attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and proficiency in carpentry, tool usage, and software like CAD. You engage in problem-solving and can manage various technical tasks, including exhibition installations and Audio/Visual setups.
• Proactive, Self-Motivated, and Inclusive: You take initiative, remaining productive during slower periods, and contributing positively to a laid-back but busy environment. You’re committed to fostering inclusivity and participating in professional development is key to supporting the museum's mission.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• High school Diploma and more than 2 years of experience in carpentry, design, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some computer experience required.
• Experience with safety standards
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Must maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License
• Must be able to routinely lift or move more than 50 lbs., climb ladders, and operate a hydraulic lift.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.

• At least one year of experience in a carpentry position, preferably in a museum setting.
• Computer experience with databases and CAD software.
• Training in art handling techniques, museum security practices, and exhibition installation techniques.

Rewards and Benefits

• Corne