Preparator and Collections Associate

The Preparator and Collections Associate works with both collections and exhibitions, ensuring that all artworks are properly handled, installed and stored. As preparator, they are expected to build and care for all museum display inf rastructure and ensure the safe installation of museum exhibitions. As Collections Associate, they work closely with the Curator of Collections to increase overall capacity in collections management. In particular, they will be tasked with assisting in the transition to an online platform in which the museum’s collection will be made more accessible to the public.  

Rate:$24.73-$27.47, 35 hours per week

Essential Tasks Breakdown:
Preparator:

• Assist the Director in preparing museum inf rastructure for exhibitions (preparing plinths and displays, etc.)
• Art handling (unpacking and repacking objects, moving objects in storage).
• Exhibition installation and deinstallation, including finding appropriate assistance as needed and installing lighting.
• Transportation of artwork as needed.
• Coordination with contractors for larger scale building projects
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment and supplies for exhibition preparation and collection.
• Serve as point of contact for security and facilities personnel.

Collections Associate:

• Work with Director and Curator of Collections to create a new online database making the collection accessible to the general public (assessing and preparing records for online viewing, developing keywording as needed, taking new photographs as needed).
• Assist the Curator of Collections to maintain accurate records of all work in the collection, (including photography, condition reports, accessioning new work, gift agreements, and loans as needed).
• Organization of material in offsite storage space
• Assist with responding to queries f rom the public related to collections material.
• Working with the curator of collections on any outstanding collections-related projects.
• Assist the Curator of Collections with group tours of collections.

Qualifications-Education & Expereience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience, Masters Degree preferred
• Experience in, and knowledge of, art handling best practices.
• Experience in installation of all kinds of artwork, but preferably with some experience of three-dimensional and ceramic work
• Knowledge of ceramic art historically, conceptually and technically is highly desirable, along with some background in general art history. An interest in contemporary art is a must.
• Experience with database management a major advantage, particularly FileMaker Pro. Experience with other CMS platforms, particularly related to collections
  (Gallery Systems, Past Perfect, etc.) also a major advantage
• Excellent time-management skills
• Willingness for occasional flexibility of working hours, particularly during exhibition installation and deinstallation
• Experience supervising and training sta􀀁 is an advantage
• Proficiency in Adobe creative suite software (particularly InDesign). Proficiency in Sketchup or other CAD an advantage
• Valid driver’s license required

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.