Exhibit Preparator, Temporary at Carnegie Museums

University of Delaware; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Delaware is seeking a temporary employee who will be involved in making and installing mounts, troubleshooting exhibits, and maintaining lighting systems. This position offers a diverse range of responsibilities such as assisting with carpentry, packing, and ensuring the security of exhibit objects.

Candidates are expected to have an undergraduate degree along with 5 years of experience in a museum setting. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also required.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Pennsylvania's driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects (50 pounds) and work on ladders.

Responsibilities

• Creates mounts for the permanent collection and exhibitions.
• Assists with installation and de-installation of exhibits.
• Maintains equipment and tools in safe condition.
• Performs maintenance and repair of exhibit lighting and components.

Skills

Knowledge of preservation standards

Ability to work with diverse groups

Education

Undergraduate degree with 5 years’ experience in museum settings

Tools

Brass brazing tools

Hand and power tools

Hydraulic lifts

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Overview

This individual will perform a wide variety of tasks related to making and installing mounts, exhibit troubleshooting, repair and documentation of electronics and lighting systems and assisting with computer installation and maintenance. Some exhibit installation & fabrication, electrical maintenance and repair including assisting with carpentry, and fabrication. Assists in the handling of objects in exhibitions including installation, de-installation, carpentry, framing, packing, crating, shipping, lighting, labeling, deliveries and related duties. Includes weekend work and evenings.

This is a temporary, benefits eligible position expected to run from June 2026 through June 2027.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with 5 years’ experience object handling in a museum setting.
• Must have a valid Pennsylvania’s driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Must be knowledgeable of preservation standards and best practices in the field.
• Must be able to work with a diverse group of support staff and artists.

Machines and Equipment

• Brass brazing and other mount making tools.
• Hand and power tools of varying size and complexity; small moving van, hydraulic lifts, and dollies, electrical testing equipment, electronic equipment, computers, audio-visual, multimedia equipment, and lighting.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to climb and work on ladders for extended period of time, reach, stretch and stoop, work with hands above shoulder level, lift heavy objects (50 pounds) and stand or walk for long periods of time. Computer, e-mail.

Principal Accountabilities

• Creates mounts for the permanent collection and changing exhibitions.
• Assists with the installation and de-installation of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions changing on an irregular, but frequent schedule. Under the direction of Exhibition Technical Manager, Director of Exhibition and Design, moves, hangs, and positions exhibitry, labels, objects, and specimens of varying size, medium and fragility in such fashion as to ensure maximum security and safety.
• Aids in the construction of exhibitry, mounts, display cases and pedestals of wood, glass, metal or acrylic in specified sizes and shapes: paints or varnishes cases, pedestals and temporary walls or dividers; makes and covers risers with fabric or paint.
• Produces and attaches signs and labels using graphic techniques such as vinyl lettering and transferring onto various surfaces.
• Aids in the construction of standard wooden crates or boxes and assembles cartons for shipping and storage. Designs and fabricates special crates, modules, brackets or traveling frames to hold unusual sized or shaped objects and specimens and to meet museum and insurance specifications.
• Wraps and pads objects and specimens with paper, or other packing materials such as plastic or foam to protect against vibration, moisture or impact; shapes and contours internal supports. Places objects and specimens in containers manually or using hoist. Secures containers with tape, nails, or metal bands and moves to receiving dock.
• Performs routine maintenance such as cleaning glass, dusting and removing smudges and fingerprints from cases and walls.
• Drives truck and lift for pick-ups and deliveries; loads and unloads exhibitry, objects, specimens, and supplies.
• Assists in positioning and lighting objects and specimens.
• Maintains equipment and tools in a safe and sound operating condition; makes minor repairs as necessary. Shares responsibility for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and storage areas.
• Works professionally and cooperatively with all Installation personnel and other Natural History employees.
• Installs and monitors exhibit lighting systems and some computerized and electronics components.
• Performs maintenance and general repair of exhibit lighting and electrical functions as well as computer components.
• Troubleshoots faulty exhibits, determines and executes action required or refers to appropriate technical staff.
• Assists with cleaning and upkeep of CMNH exhibits with emphasis on dioramas and interactive exhibit components.
• Assists with installation and de-installation of all in-house and traveling exhibits.
• Required to perform in high-level environment, operating construction equipment, observing appropriate safety measures.
• Executes and documents preventive maintenance schedule for electrical systems and participates in formulating maintenance procedures.
• Must be available to work weekends, or portions of weekends, to start up, monitor and respond to service calls for various exhibit components.
• Performs other various duties, as requested, by supervisor.