Exhibition Preparator (Part-Time) — Museum Art Handling

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to MCA exhibitions for你

Free admission to many events

Discounts on dining in Marisol and MCA

Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Vent

Access to onsite library

Staff tours

Job summary

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is seeking a Preparator Assistant in Chicago, IL. This part-time, intermittent role supports exhibitions through handling, installation, packing, and storage of artworks, with various fabrication tasks and shipments.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in museum prep, strong art-handling knowledge, and the ability to lift 60 lbs and stand for long periods. Benefits include admission perks and parking discounts.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of museum or gallery preparation experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation.
• General fabrication and construction skills including woodshop and carpentry experience.
• Wall framing, sheathing, repair, and painting skills.
• Mathematics and measuring skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team.
• Ability to safely lift 60 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• General mobility throughout all museum properties.

Responsibilities

• Perform art handling and production tasks for exhibitions and collections.
• Aid with fabrication of display casework, furniture and/or artwork to artist’s specifications.
• Participate in time-based media installations and deinstallations with documentation.
• Assist with incoming and outgoing shipments of artworks as needed.
• Aid with care, movement, and storage of the permanent collection on and off site.
• Maintain tools and equipment; inventory materials and advise staff on ordering.
• Perform routine gallery maintenance.

Skills

Museum/gallery prep

Art handling best practices

Fabrication & carpentry

Wall framing & painting

Math & measuring

Careful & accurate work

Teamwork & flexibility

Lifting 60 lbs

Standing endurance

Mobility across properties

Verbal communication

Tools

Woodshop tools

Carpentry

Small power tools

Crate handling

Job description

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is seeking a Preparator Assistant in Chicago, IL. This part-time, intermittent role supports exhibitions through handling, installation, packing, and storage of artworks, with various fabrication tasks and shipments.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in museum prep, strong art-handling knowledge, and the ability to lift 60 lbs and stand for long periods. Benefits include admission perks and parking discounts.