Head Preparator & Installations Lead (Museum)

Texas Association of Museums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Association of Museums in Austin, TX seeks Head Preparator to lead a team of preparators, plan and execute installations, deinstallations, and care for the collection, loans, and temporary exhibitions.

The ideal candidate excels in complex installations, works with living artists, and manages safety, budgets, and collaborating with Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities, and Security to uphold museum standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in a museum or professional art handling environment with supervisory experience.
• Strong craftsmanship, problem solving, and collaborative practice.
• Clear communication with colleagues, collaborators, and artists.
• Ability to work independently or with a team to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of approximately 8 preparators and occasional contractors, manage daily schedules and assignments.
• Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate direct reports; conduct performance reviews.
• Assess installation plans for feasibility and provide feedback.
• Install, de-install, pack, and unpack artwork to museum standards.
• Devising rigging and hoisting plans; liaise with crane operators and vendors.
• Ensure OSHA compliance and safety procedures within the department.
• Adjust and maintain gallery lighting as needed.
• Collaborate with Collections and Exhibitions to maintain best practices for art handling.
• Oversee mount fabrication, framing, and pedestals construction with Exhibitions staff.
• Coordinate with senior leadership on emergency response plans related to collection and loans.

Skills

Team leadership

Art handling expertise

Project coordination

Safety compliance (OSHA)

CAD/SketchUp

Tools

CAD

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Job description

Texas Association of Museums in Austin, TX seeks Head Preparator to lead a team of preparators, plan and execute installations, deinstallations, and care for the collection, loans, and temporary exhibitions.

The ideal candidate excels in complex installations, works with living artists, and manages safety, budgets, and collaborating with Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities, and Security to uphold museum standards.