Senior Preparator & Installations Lead

Modern Shop; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Shop in Fort Worth seeks a Head Preparator to lead a team of preparators, plan and install exhibitions, and care for the collection, loans, and related installations. You will collaborate with Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities and Security, manage schedules, oversee safety and training, and ensure gallery lighting and pedestals meet museum standards.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in a museum with supervisory responsibility, strong communication, carpentry skills, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years museum or art handling experience
• 2+ years in supervisory role
• Clear communication with colleagues, collaborators, and artists
• Careful, accurate workmanship in handling artworks
• Ability to work independently or with teams
• Knowledge of best practices in art handling, packing, transport and installation
• Proficiency with shop drawings, blueprints, and design plans
• Experience with CAD/SketchUp preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of ~8 preparators and contractors; manage daily schedules
• Supervise and mentor staff; conduct performance reviews
• Assess installation plans for feasibility and provide feedback
• Install, de-install, pack, and unpack artwork per museum standards
• Develop rigging/hoisting plans; liaise with crane operators
• Ensure OSHA compliance and safety procedures in the department
• Adjust and maintain gallery lighting as needed
• Maintain best practices for handling, storage, crating, and packing
• Oversee mount fabrication and framing; collaborate on pedestals and fixtures
• Coordinate with exhibitions staff to maintain galleries and displays
• Support maintenance of woodshop, storage areas, and off-site warehouse
• Organize and inventory exhibition furniture and accessories
• Assist with emergency response planning and risk management
• Review service and vendor agreements; handle department documentation
• Participate in planning meetings and related correspondence
• Serve as international/domestic courier as assigned

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication

Teamwork / Collaboration

Problem solving

Reading blueprints / design plans

Mathematics / measuring

Microsoft Office

Travel willingness

Craftsmanship

Tools

CAD / SketchUp

Woodshop / Carpentry

Forklift operation

Lift operator certificate

Job description

Modern Shop in Fort Worth seeks a Head Preparator to lead a team of preparators, plan and install exhibitions, and care for the collection, loans, and related installations. You will collaborate with Registrars, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Facilities and Security, manage schedules, oversee safety and training, and ensure gallery lighting and pedestals meet museum standards.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in a museum with supervisory responsibility, strong communication, carpentry skills, and