Assistant Preparator

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ARTThe Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world. Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks a skilled Art Handler at the Assistant Preparator level, to join the Art Prep team within the Museum Services Division. Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Assistant Preparator will play an integral part in the execution and fabrication of the exhibition installation and de-installation processes for the museum. This position will collaborate with colleagues across the division and portfolio, including Registration, Collections Management, Design, Exhibitions, Facilities and Operations on planning for installations, gallery maintenance, and object handling.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies knowledge of current best practice in conservation ethics and art handling techniques, policies and procedures to install artwork as part of a team, including 2D, 3D installations; Collaborates on the transportation of art through the museum and preparing works of art for installation as directed by the Chief Preparator
• Responsible for safe installation and deinstallation of works of art, loans, and related exhibition materials
• Maintains gallery appearance, including light dusting of artworks and exhibition casework
• Collaborates with Art Prep team on the organization and maintenance of materials, tools and equipment to use in the object preparation and installation
• Assists in maintaining all shops and workspaces, including maintaining inventory and shop equipment
• Assists Associate Preparators with fabrication, matting, framing, and mount making, as needed
• Assists Chief Preparator with developing budgets for exhibitions and installations
• Maintains a sense of personal responsibility to meet deadlines and deliverables according to schedule and institutional priorities
• Occasionally asked to oversee small crew of art preparators during installation periods
• Assists collections management technicians with art movement, packing, crating, and viewings as needed
• Occasional weekend or night shifts, as needed

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
• Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
• Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum five years of experience in Art Handling in accordance with museum standards and best practice, required
• Understand