Lead Preparator

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackland Art Museum seeks a Lead Preparator to handle exhibition preparation, framing, installation, and care of the collection. This role involves wall design, packing, and movement of artworks, plus maintaining galleries and storage spaces.

The Lead Preparator collaborates with staff and contracts, mentors assistants, and reports to the Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation. Valid NC driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 1 year of relevant experience.
• Valid NC driver’s license required.
• Experience in construction, fabrication or exhibit design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform exhibition preparation and installation tasks, including matting, framing, and wall design.
• Move and pack artworks, maintain galleries, storage, and equipment.
• Advise on display issues including mount making and pedestal design.
• Train and oversee contract workers and coordinate with staff.
• Report to Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation.

Skills

Construction experience

Matting & framing knowledge

Artwork handling

Outlook & communication tools

Design software (Photoshop/Illustrator

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

SketchUp

Job description

Department:

Ackland Art Museum-520500

Career Area:

Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

No

Posting Open Date :

09/28/2026

Application Deadline:

10/16/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

Curatorial Technician - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC05 / GN09

Working Title:

Lead Preparator

Position Number:

00036406

Vacancy ID:

P021417

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$48,000- $57,000

Pay Band Information:

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants:

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Ackland Art Museum is one of the leading public university art museums in the country. With nearly 30 employees, dozens of volunteers, and a budget of approximately $4M per year, the Ackland maintains a collection of over 20,000 works of art. It produces four major exhibitions and many smaller installations annually.

The museum receives nearly 60,000 visitors, always free of charge, who come from all 100 North Carolina counties, across the nation, and internationally each year. The Ackland serves UNC students, faculty, and the public through its special exhibitions, programs, and activities based on its permanent collection. The staff of the Ackland works with approximately 150 faculty and graduate instructors each year to provide opportunities for them to meet their teaching and research goals by bringing their classes to the museum (approximately 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The Ackland provides approximately 20 internships annually for both graduate and undergraduate students. It welcomes and trains a corps of 30 docents to work with K-12 schools and the public.

Position Summary:

The Lead Preparator performs all duties related to exhibition preparation and installation as well as contributing to the care of the collection. This position includes but is not limited to, matting and framing; wall and signage design and fabrication; packing, unpacking and movement of works of art; gallery renovations; installation and lighting of artwork on display; physical care and organization of the permanent collection; and maintenance of galleries, storage vaults, equipment and workspaces. The Lead preparator advises on all issues relating to the display of specific artworks including mount making, pedestal design and construction; and a variety of audiovisual issues. The Lead Preparator works closely with and contributes to the training and oversight of contract employees. The Lead Preparator reports to the Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation.

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preferences:

• Experience with construction, fabrication, or exhibit design.
• Knowledge of museum-standard matting and framing.
• Experience handling, packing, and storing artwork.
• Proficiency in Outlook and other communication tools.
• Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or SketchUp.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

• Ability to use diverse hand and power tools (including cabinet and shop equipment of varying sizes and complexity), moving vans, hydraulic lifts, dollies with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to climb and to work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach works of art above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds; and to stand or to walk for an eight-hour workday with or without reasonable accommodations.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements:

Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Valid NC Driver’s License