SITE SANTA FE is hiring Preparators to support the 12th International Exhibition. Preparators support and assist all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de-installation. The Preparator demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. Responsibilities include experienced art-handling, audio-visual/sound, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators assist in complex installation or de-installation projects. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
Art Handling and Installation
● Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, condition reporting, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.
● Perform and assist with the placement of artwork as directed by Registrars, Curators, Artists, or Conservators.
● Support the transporting of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Lead Preparator Associate Registrar and Curatorial Assistant.
● Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation, and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.
● Experience using moving equipment such as dollies, lifts, pallet jacks, and material carts.
Fabrication
● Assist with the preparation, fabrication, and finishing of certain elements of museum-specific objects.
● Assist with the installing and de-installation of pedestals, freestanding and wall-mounted vitrines, exhibition furniture, and one-of-a-kind artist-driven constructions, among other projects.
● Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws, sliding compound miter saws and abrasion disc chop saws, light-duty routers, and angle grinders.
● Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills, specialty bits and anchors, etc.
● Perform basic assemblies with biscuits, precision-based glue-ups, cold connections with custom hardware, etc.
● Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to industry standards.
● Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet, curtains, etc.
● Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.
Audio Visual/Sound
● Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media-based artwork.
● Assist the Audio-Visual Specialist in reading drawings, plans, and spec sheets and help pull equipment from the A/V inventory.
● Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/lens shifting, connecting speakers and amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.
● Independently execute the preparation, installation, and de-installation of a single-channel audio-visual artwork.
Qualifications
At least 3 years minimum of experience as a preparator in a museum, art gallery or other cultural institution, or other equivalent art handling and installation experience. Construction, metal fabrication, and design skills are a plus.
Must be a self-starter and creative problem solver. Be able to work independently and efficiently.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff and maintain a high degree of professionalism in a dynamic and creative setting. Ability to take directives and change tasks when required.
The ability to lift 50+ pounds regularly.
Embrace SITE SANTA FE’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter to job@sitesantafe.org, with the subject line “Preparator.”