Assistant Preparator: Art Handling & Installations

farnsworthartmuseum; Rockland (ME); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine is seeking an Assistant Preparator to assist with installation, artwork handling, and preventive conservation for exhibitions and the permanent collection. The role requires hands-on work in a fast-paced museum environment and collaboration with Curatorial, Registration, and Facilities teams.

The ideal candidate brings experience in art handling, installation, basic carpentry, and safe tool use, with strong organizational and communication skills and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years museum experience in exhibition prep, art handling or related area preferred.
• Experience handling works using museum standards and best practices.
• Familiarity with basic woodworking, painting, framing, and lighting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with safe handling, installation, deinstallation, movement and transportation of artworks.
• Help prepare galleries for exhibitions; install hardware, labels, and graphics.
• Assist with gallery lighting and exhibition support materials.
• Support fabrication of pedestals, vitrines, mounts, and other display elements.
• Assist with IPM, environmental monitoring, and preventive conservation tasks.
• Maintain organized workshop and inventory of supplies and tools.
• Coordinate deliveries, shipments, and vendor services as needed.

Skills

Art handling

Exhibition installation

Carpentry basics

Painting

Matting & framing

Gallery lighting

Tool operation

Communication

Independence & teamwork

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or related field

Tools

SketchUp

Job description

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine is seeking an Assistant Preparator to assist with installation, artwork handling, and preventive conservation for exhibitions and the permanent collection. The role requires hands-on work in a fast-paced museum environment and collaboration with Curatorial, Registration, and Facilities teams.

The ideal candidate brings experience in art handling, installation, basic carpentry, and safe tool use, with strong organizational and communication skills and