Preparator (Full-Time)

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Preparator to ensure proper care, handling, installation, and maintenance of the museum’s permanent collection, exhibitions, and loans. This role collaborates with registrars and ensures safe handling and presentation of artworks.

Responsibilities include lighting management, receiving and releasing works, preparing pieces for loan or storage, and assisting with packing, installation, and travel as courier when needed.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of professional art handling experience, preferably in a museum setting.
• Ability to safely use painting equipment and heavy handling tools.
• Valid Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain museum-wide artwork lighting systems, including bulb replacement and calibration.
• Receive, release, and securely load/unload artworks with registrar coordination.
• Prepare works for loan, installation or storage with proper framing, backing, and mounting.
• Assist with installation/deinstallation, packing/unpacking, and travel as courier for loans.
• Maintain art preparation areas, storage rooms, and display furniture records.

Skills

Art handling

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Equipment operation

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree (substitutes for experience)

Tools

Palette jack

Forklift

Aerial platform lift

Ladders

Scaffolding

Job description

**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:****General Notes**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. We invite you to view and apply for this professional opportunity. - Please note this is a three-year term position (subject to renewal based on funding and performance). **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 RequiredThis 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.