Lead Preparator

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for two Lead Preparators in the Collection Management and Exhibition Registration Department to direct work crews at specific job sites to install works of art.

Additional responsibilities include:  

• Directs a work crew at specific job sites based on predetermined plans and schedules as well as at daily briefings in conjunction with the managers of Art Handling and Preparation.
• With managers of Art Handling and Preparation, continually assesses the progress of assigned exhibition/project against established schedules/deadlines.
• Attends all planning meetings for assigned exhibitions/projects and works closely with colleagues in ED&P, Curatorial, Conservation, and Registrar to anticipate installation/storage needs.
• With managers of Art Handling and Preparation, develops detailed plans for installation/storage and advises registrar and EP&A staff on necessary rigging/outside vendor needs for the purposes of budget development.
• With managers of Art Handling and Preparation, determines what materials need to be purchased for specific projects.
• Provides continual updates and coordination between managers of Art Handling and Preparation, ED&P, Registrar, and other related departments as needed to increase efficiency.
• Under supervision of management, directs preparator team on assigned tasks and communicates need for overtime/availability of assigned staff.
• Assists registrars and managers of Art Handling and Preparation with the creation of installation instructions, packing instructions, and labeling of components.
• Operates, after proper training, any and all mechanical devices used to install, lift, or move any work of art or material/furnishing necessary for collection storage or exhibition use.
• Instructs and oversees new/temporary preparators on safe and proper art handling techniques/MoMA standards, and TSA handling methods.
• Maintains proper and uniform records on the movement and storage of work and inventory control. Maintains records of shipments in accordance with TSA requirements, in collaboration with manager of Art Handling and Preparation.
• Installs hardware and other necessary attachments to benefit the installation, storage, or shipping of works of art (to include the backing of paintings), assembly and disassembly of sculptural objects, properly mounting works of art into crates and travel frames, and fabricating custom hanging devices as needed.
• Wraps, packs, assembles, and dismantles works of art and those materials necessary to the above process.
• Installs, maintains, and properly cares for exhibition and collection works and those furnishings used in their display or storage.
• Transports works of art and related materials to galleries, other departments, or any other site.
• Loads and off-loads deliveries of works of art and related exhibition of collection materials.
• Unframes specified works of art.
• Cleans and maintains preparatory work and storage areas.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum ten years in museum or major gallery installation and art handling or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to determine sequence of activities required to bring projects to timely completion.
• Advanced technical knowledge and practical experience with a variety of installation/packing/storage methods, hardware, and basic rigging.
• Ability to work independently on individual and unsupervised projects and as a member of a crew in which teamwork and flexibility are essential.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of departmental priorities and ability to adhere to the high level of standards in completing specific requirements.
• Strong problem solving abilities and experience conceiving and implementing solutions.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail and ability to take ownership of the job.
• Demonstrated experience exercising sound judgment in the resolution of installation, packing, storage, and art handling problems which may exceed standard procedure.
• Knowledge of the maintenance of monitoring equipment in storage and in the galleries to include hygrothermographs and similar devices.
• MoMA participates in the TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Facility Program. Therefore, if hired, individual must successfully complete a security threat assessment through the Department of Homeland Security in order to participate.

Reports to:     Senior Manager and Manager, Art Handling and Preparation 

Salary: The salary for this position is $50.88 per hour for a 40-hour work week. 

 Application instructions: To apply,