Preparator

Corning-Museum-of-Glass; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) seeks an experiencedCollections Management team member to carefully move, pack, mount and prepare objects for exhibition, research or photography.

Collaborating with Conservation and Photography staff, you will maintain galleries and monitor the condition of collection objects, while adhering to safety and diversity commitments. This role requires 3–5 years related experience and the ability to lift up to 75 lbs.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of related experience in object handling, packing, or a museum setting.
• Experience with mount making and exhibit installation.

Responsibilities

• Move collection objects and record associated location changes.
• Soft pack collection objects for offsite photography or storage.
• Cavity pack collection objects for safe long-distance travel.
• Prepare and install objects and exhibitry for all exhibitions and displays.
• Maintain galleries, exhibitions and storage areas; inspect daily.

Skills

Object handling

Mount making

Packing

Electrical

Matting & framing

Powered lifts

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) was established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary. CMoG is an independent not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Welcoming more than 300,000 annual visitors from around the world, the Museum's campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the premier glassworking schools in the world. CMoG was named by the New York Times among the U.S. museums to see for 2025, and Newsweek readers voted CMoG one of the Top 3 Best Art Museums in America.

We believe that prioritizing diversity, opportunity, belonging, and accessibility strengthens our Museum and enhances our ability to connect with all communities. We are actively fostering an inclusive culture that values and respects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Creating a culture of belonging is central to our mission and helps ensure the Museum is welcoming to all.

Summary

As a member of the Collections Management team and in collaboration with the Conservation and Photography staff, carefully and safely move, pack, mount, install and prepare objects for exhibition, research or photography. Maintain the Museum’s galleries and exhibitions and monitor the condition and safety of collection objects.

Responsibilities (Essential functions denoted with *)

• Moves collection objects as required and records associated location changes to Registration.
• Soft packs collection objects to safely move offsite for photography or storage.
• Cavity packs collection objects to the highest standard for safe long-distance travel.
• Prepares and installs objects and exhibitry for all exhibitions and displays.

Maintenance*

• Maintains the safety and appearance of galleries, exhibitions and storage areas through cleaning, changing bulbs and reporting any object movement or damage.
• Performs in-depth cleanings of exhibit cases and collections storage areas as time allows.
• Performs daily inspections of galleries, cases, and decks.

General*

• Actively and intentionally support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Actively support the Museum ’ s Advancement initiatives.
• Works to preserve the collections.
• Works to maximize the visitor experience.
• Adheres to all Museum safety policies and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of related experience and desired expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Object handling and movement
• Mount making
• Packing
• Electrical
• Matting and framing
• Operation of powered lifts

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Respect and exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Corning Museum of Glass in all interactions with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Represent the Museum in a professional manner at all times.
• Adhere to all prescribed organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to handle high stress situations in a calm manner.
• Appreciate cultural environments; interest in the arts and museums.
• Ability to handle and pack glass objects with care.
• Experience with computers and software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. and work on ladders and lifts.
• Knowledge of art history desired; experience in a museum setting preferred.
• Highly accurate, detail-oriented and organized; focuses on follow-up.
• Focused on quality over speed; responsive and understands a sense of urgency.
• Some weekends, evenings and available to be on call, as necessary; flexibility in hours necessary; occasional travel, as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to move about, operate/use equipment, communicate, and detect or distinguish. The employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. The employee is occasionally required to ascend/descend, position oneself, and reach. Specific visual abilities required by this job include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to distinguish color and adjust focus.

The employee is regularly required to move or transport up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.

The work environment is regularly indoor climate controlled. The work environment is occasionally indoor not climate controlled, wet, humid, work near moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, and exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Safety Responsibilities

The employee shall be fully acquainted with and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the Corning Museum of Glass.

Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality of information related to the Corning Museum of Glass and employees that may be encountered, either formally or informally, during the normal course of business.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Corning Museum of Glass as the needs of the Museum and requirements of the job change.

The pay range for this role is:

24 - 28 USD per hour (Corning Museum of Glass)