Head Preparator

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K with match

Generous PTO

Job summary

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT is seeking a Head Preparator to oversee installation of exhibitions in the galleries and outdoor space. Reporting to the Registrar, you will lead a team of art handlers and preparators, coordinate with artists and curators, and ensure timely execution of all installation and de-installation tasks.

Responsibilities include planning exhibition logistics, managing budgets, coordinating with AV and lighting teams, maintaining art care standards,

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of art handling and installation in a museum or similar setting.
• Proficiency with artist media, installation techniques.
• Expertise in packing, transportation, and handling.
• Advanced carpentry, woodworking, and familiarity with gallery lighting systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work at heights.
• Knowledge of art conservation principles and best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Budget, timelines, and resources management abilities.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; SketchUp is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Recruit, hire, schedule, and manage a team for exhibition changes.
• Art Handling: Oversee safe packing, crating, transportation, and installation of artwork.
• Exhibition Logistics: Plan and manage all aspects of exhibition logistics from planning to de-installation.
• Collaboration: Work with curator, registrar, and artists on material needs and AV requirements.
• Budget Management: Develop and maintain the installation budget and track expenses.
• Technical Expertise: Operate power tools and provide guidance for installations; manage AV projects.
• Art Care Standards: Maintain high standards for art handling and storage.
• Contractor Coordination: Oversee contractors for related construction and fabrication.
• Event and program support: Provide art handling and AV support for major events.
• Digital Archives: Maintain digital floor plans, galleries, and site plans.

Skills

Team Leadership

Art Handling

Exhibition Logistics

Carpentry

Lighting Systems

Budget Management

AV Support

Project Coordination

Google Workspace

SketchUp

Tools

Power tools

Job description

203.438.4519 · thealdrich.org

Head Preparator

Title: Head Preparator

Location: On-site Reports to: Registrar

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, located in Ridgefield, CT, is seeking a Head Preparator to oversee the installation of exhibitions in the Museum’s galleries and outdoor space. Founded by collector Larry Aldrich in 1964, today the Museum is a platform for artists at pivotal moments in their careers. The Head Preparator assumes a pivotal role in overseeing the installation of exhibitions and reports to the Registrar within a department led by the Museum’s Chief Curator. The Head Preparator is responsible for assisting artists and curators in planning, executing, and realizing exhibitions for The Aldrich. In coordination with the Museum’s other departments, they provide support for significant institutional events and programs as necessary, including benefit art auctions and events needing AV support.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Team Leadership: Recruits, hires, schedules, and manages a team of art handlers and other preparators for exhibition changes, defining and directing daily roles and responsibilities for crew during exhibition changes.
• Art Handling: Oversees the safe packing, crating, transportation, handling, and installation of artwork in coordination with the Registrar.
• Exhibition Logistics: Plans and manages all aspects of exhibition logistics, from planning to de-installation with responsibility for meeting deadlines in all phases of exhibition planning. Works collaboratively with artists and curators on lighting requirements for exhibitions. Supervises lighting of shows by exhibition installers.
• Collaboration: Works closely with curator, registrar, and artists on specific aspects of their exhibitions, such as material needs, fabrication, installation labor, artwork displays, and AV needs. Liaisons both departmentally and interdepartmentally.
• Budget Management: Develops and maintains the departmental budget for installation including labor, contracted labor and services, and exhibition materials. Creates reports, and tracks exhibition planning and implementation expenses in conjunction with Chief Curator, Registrar, and curators.
• Technical Expertise: Operates power tools, carpentry equipment, ladders, and lift machinery (like scissor lifts) safely. Provides technical guidance and solutions for installations. Manages the installation, maintenance, and inventory of all A/V based projects, consistently researching current tech standards.
• Art Care Standards: Establishes and maintains high standards for art handling, collection care, and storage. Cleaning artwork when appropriate at the direction of the Registrar.
• Contractor Coordination: Oversees and coordinates with contractors for exhibition-related construction and fabrication.
• Event and program support: Provide art handling and AV support for significant institutional events and programs as necessary, including benefit art auctions and events.
• Digital Archives: Maintain a digital archive of the Museum’s floor plans and galleries, including 3D renderings, architectural documents, and site plans.

Candidates must have:

• A minimum of five years of experience in art handling & installation in a museum or a comparable setting.
• Proficiency in understanding and utilizing artist’s media and materials, as well as installation techniques.
• Expertise in art handling, packing, and transportation.
• Advanced carpentry, woodworking, mount-making, and familiarity with gallery lighting systems. Technical skills in fabrication and electrical work.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, climb ladders, and work at heights.
• Knowledge of art conservation principles and best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
• Adaptability to work in a rapidly changing and complex museum environment.
• Competency in utilizing Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and proficiency in technology. Proficiency in SketchUp is a plus.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the Museum’s artist-centric mission.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range for 3 days per week: $38,000 to $44,000; Additional time (over 3 days per week) paid at $35.00 per hour
• Comprehensive benefits offering, including health, dental, vision, life, and LTD insurance
• Ability to participate in 401K with employer matching after six months of employment
• Generous PTO

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Non-Discrimination Policy The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is committed to: The goal of achieving equal opportunity for all. Providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the community. Providing an inclusive and nondiscriminatory work environment in which all employees are valued and empowered to succeed. Providing a workplace free from harassment of all kinds. Compliance with all federal and state legislation and regulations regarding non-discrimination. Consistent with these principles, The Aldrich does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and characteristics, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, visible or invisible disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.