Exhibition Prep Specialist - Museum Art Handling

Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery; San Marino (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Huntington is seeking a Preparator II to join the Preparation Department, supporting the installation, packing, and care of artworks for exhibitions and rotations. The role collaborates with Registration, Exhibitions, and Preservation teams to ensure museum standards are met.

You will oversee object handling, packing, and display mounting, and you may lead training for apprentices while contributing to regular department meetings. A strong background in art preparation is essential.

Qualifications

• Three to four years of experience in preparation, collections management, and installation in a gallery or museum setting.
• Expertise in industry standard materials, processes, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Excellent working knowledge of installation methods required.
• Proficiency in mounting, matting, framing of works on paper.
• Extensive experience using heavy equipment (scissor-lift, gantry, pallet jack).

Responsibilities

• Assist with object preparation and installation/de-installation of exhibitions and gallery rotations.
• Handle and pack artworks and assist curators in gallery placement.
• Perform mounting, matting and framing tasks for works on paper.
• Create or modify display mounts and case risers; conduct minor carpentry as needed.
• Maintain exhibition lighting and A/V elements per standards; monitor equipment.

Skills

Preparation

Collections management

Installation

Heavy equipment operation

Tools

FileMaker

TMS

Excel

Job description

The Huntington is seeking a Preparator II to join the Preparation Department, supporting the installation, packing, and care of artworks for exhibitions and rotations. The role collaborates with Registration, Exhibitions, and Preservation teams to ensure museum standards are met.

You will oversee object handling, packing, and display mounting, and you may lead training for apprentices while contributing to regular department meetings. A strong background in art preparation is essential.