Museum Exhibitions Preparator: Installations & Fabrication

Texas Association of Museums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Briscoe Western Art Museum is seeking a Museum Preparator to support planning, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions. You will handle, move, pack, and install various artworks and components, collaborate with staff and visiting artists, and ensure safety and compliance with museum standards.

The role covers permanent, temporary, traveling, and special exhibitions, with duties in lighting, mounting, and storage as needed to deliver high-quality gallery experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Studio Art, or related field preferred.
• 3–6 years related experience.
• Thorough knowledge of art handling, packing, installation/de-installation, storage, mount making, rigging, gantry, wrapping and transport.
• Advanced skills with power tools, wood/metal shop machinery, and lifting apparatuses.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute preparation, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of exhibitions.
• Safely handle, move, install, deinstall, pack, unpack, and store works of art using museum-standard materials.
• Install 2D/3D works with framing, mounts, hardware, and security devices.
• Plan complex object movements with Exhibitions Manager and Collections Manager.
• Assist with condition examinations and documentation before and after movement.
• Complete local pickups and deliveries of works and assist with loads for transportation.
• Collaborate with visiting couriers, artists, lenders, shippers, and contractors.
• Assist with Night of Artists and other major installations.
• Maintain safe work areas and adhere to museum safety procedures.

Skills

Art handling

Packing

Installation

De-installation

Storage

Rigging

Mount making

Tool use

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Elevation software

Job description

Briscoe Western Art Museum is seeking a Museum Preparator to support planning, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions. You will handle, move, pack, and install various artworks and components, collaborate with staff and visiting artists, and ensure safety and compliance with museum standards.

The role covers permanent, temporary, traveling, and special exhibitions, with duties in lighting, mounting, and storage as needed to deliver high-quality gallery experiences.