Preparator

University of Texas; Utah; Vor Ort; USD 41.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Complimentary admission

Museum Store discount 20%

Zusammenfassung

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin seeks a dedicated Preparator to support the care, handling, installation and maintenance of the museum’s permanent collection, exhibitions and loans. You will collaborate with registrars and preparators to ensure safe art movement, packing, framing tasks and proper display conditions.

Responsibilities include managing lighting systems, processing equipment orders after research, assisting with packing and art movements, maintaining

Qualifikationen

• 3-4 years of experience as professional art handler.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree substitutes for up to two years of experience.
• Ability to safely operate tools and equipment for art handling.
• Excellent spoken and written English; familiarity with art terms.
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively in a team.
• Experience with Office suite and collections databases preferred.

Aufgaben

• Manage and maintain museum-wide artwork lighting systems, including bulb replacement, inventory control, purchasing, equipment upkeep, light and UV meter calibration, and collaboration on lighting research and best practices.
• Place orders for new equipment after completing research and discussions with curator and staff.
• Assist with receiving and releasing works of art and loading/unloading from vehicles with registrar coordination.
• Maintain art preparation areas, keeping tools and supplies secure and stocked.
• Keep art storage rooms clean and well supplied.
• Maintain lists of display furniture and storage locations in coordination with Head of Installation.
• Prepare works for loan, installation or storage as scheduled by registrars or conservator.
• Handle works of art during installation/deinstallation following guidelines, coordinating with registrar.
• Travel as needed as courier for loans and exhibitions or packing/unpacking.

Kenntnisse

Art handling

English proficiency

Teamwork

Ausbildung

High school diploma / GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Collections databases

Jobbeschreibung

Preparator

• Job Posting Title: Preparator
• Hiring Department: Jack S Blanton Museum of Art
• Position Open To: All Applicants
• Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA
• Earliest Start Date: Immediately
• Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2029
• Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum’s role in the community. There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve. With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Benefits eligible Blanton Museum of Art staff enjoy the same competitive benefits, programs and services available to the University of Texas at Austin employees. Blanton staff also have access to complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store. The Blanton is home to a vast array of roles matching a wide range of interests and talents. No matter the staff position at the Blanton, all contribute to the preservation of culture and history for the entire community.

Purpose To ensure the proper care, handling, installation, and maintenance of the museum’s permanent collection, exhibitions, and loans by collaborating with preparators and registrars. This role supports the preservation and presentation of artworks through art handling, housing, matting, framing, storage upkeep, and assistance with art movements and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing and maintaining museum-wide artwork lighting systems, including bulb replacement, inventory control, purchasing, equipment upkeep, light and UV meter calibration, and collaboration on lighting research and best practices to ensure optimal art presentation and conservation.
• Responsible for placing orders when new equipment is needed after completing research, discussion with appropriate curator and other collections and exhibitions staff.
• Assist with receiving and releasing works of art as well as loading and unloading from vans/trucks and secure each shipment, in coordination with assigned registrar.
• Responsible for maintenance of art preparation areas, keeping all tools and supplies secure and in stock.
• Responsible for keeping all art storage rooms clean and well supplied.
• In coordination with Head of Installation, maintain lists of all display furniture and its storage locations.
• Prepare works of art for loan, installation or storage as scheduled by registrars or conservator (i.e. secure existing frame, add felt linings or spacers, glaze, attach backing boards, construct special mounts, retrofit crates, etc.).
• Handle works of art in various situations according to BMA guidelines and standard museum practices; install, de-install, pack and unpack works of art, always following provided instructions, or improving them for the safety of the objects, in coordination with the assigned registrar.
• Travel as needed as courier for loans and exhibitions, or for special packing/unpacking, installation/deinstallation of works of art.
• Assist with carpentry, painting, art lighting, and maintenance, and local pickups or deliveries using BMA art van, as needed.
• Responsible for documentation of location change after each art move.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all BMA projects, personnel issues, shipments, and art movement schedules.
• Must keep informed and current on conservation requirements for painting, sculpture, and mixed media housings and handling.

Required Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience as professional art handler, preferably in museum setting.
• Education equivalent to High school graduation or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree substitutes for up to two years of experience but must have the kind of experience listed above.
• Ability and skill to safely employ the use of a variety of tools, painting equipment, aerial platform lift, palette jack, forklift, ladders, scaffolding, and other heavy equipment and to handle oversized and/or heavy art objects and exhibition material.
• Excellent speaking/understanding of the English language including, art history terms and techniques.
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with a team.
• Microsoft Office Suite and experience in collections database systems preferred.
• Valid Class C operator’s driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Driving Required This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$48,000

Working Conditions

Must be able to visually inspect artwork Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, lift, push, pull heavy, fragile, odd-shaped objects carefully. Must be able to carry 50 lbs. Occasional exposure to dust, latex paint fumes and heat. Must be able to complete short or long hours of travel by plane, truck, or other method of transportation needed.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and the Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701. Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus