The Preparator Supervisor is responsible for the coordination and guidance of members of the preparator group. The incumbent provides mentorship, coaches to efficacy, and facilitates work amongst and between preparators and other staff. Along with all preparator staff, this position collaborates with the Exhibition and Collections staff on the preparation, fabrication, installation, de-installation, maintenance, transportation and storage activities related to temporary exhibitions, core gallery rotations, collections care and institutional projects. Serves as Lead Preparator for assigned projects. Supervises Associate Preparators and Technical Specialists.
Responsibilities
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, anti-racism and institutional relevancy for the future;
Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement;
Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives;
Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Culture Setting
Engage in a positive culture of mutual accountability both within the Preparation Team and with staff across the organization.
Communicate widely and effectively to ensure all possible stakeholders are included in decision making, and to establish clear expectations. Collaborate with project/production teams. Provide and receive status updates, and thoroughly and effectively convey information to staff and fellow teammates.
Maintain and share knowledge of safe practices and reinforce a culture of mutual accountability for safety.
Exhibition Installations - Support and Problem Solve
Advanced technical work in the areas of museum-related storage, transportation, preparation, installation, lighting, fabrication, and maintenance of assigned Museum exhibits, workshops, and collection areas
Handling collections as required, planning and managing the handling, packaging, transportation, and display of art artifacts, and specimens
Design, prototyping, fabrication and construction of exhibit enclosures, furniture, and media installations
Preparation and care of facilities: exhibit walls, painting, lighting, tool set-up, installation and maintenance, wiring, cleaning of exhibits as needed
Material procurement and storage, tool set-up and maintenance, art handling for mount making, installation/de-installation, load in and out of exhibit materials including traveling exhibitions
Activities of vendors and contractors, sourcing new contacts as needed
Public Interaction: demonstrate museum techniques to the public
Collections - Support and Problem Solve
Handling of art, artifacts and specimens for storage, transport, framing, and all installation activities, working to ensure the objects’ safety and preservation
Coordination of collections research, examination, preventative maintenance, maintenance, treatment, repair
Coordination of conservation and media rotations in conjunction with Collections, Curatorial, and Design
Maintenance of collections environments, including lighting, climate, security, storage, pest control, and disaster mitigation and response
Administration
Mentor and facilitate the work of Preparators and technical staff;
Attend project/production team meetings. Provide and receive status updates and convey information to staff. Adjust workflow and assignments to reflect project priorities
Collaborate with project teams to develop budgets. Provide material estimates and perform component based pricing information
Coordinate with and oversee work of outside fabricators, suppliers, and other independent contractors on exhibit and collection projects
Participate in museum infrastructure and management of back of house locations, shops, receiving area, loading docks, loading-dock-storage, and preparation areas
Set clear expectations, communicate clearly, provide coaching and support for staff; develop and monitor work plans and schedules
Ensure appropriate OSHA and Safety regulations are met. Partner with the facilities team to develop and implement appropriate staff safety training opportunities.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
Ability to deliver results, facilitate and influence others and problem solve beyond temporary solutions
4-6 years related experience
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate openly and productively with key stakeholders
Ability to participate on cross-functional project teams and work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to communicate museum policies/procedures as well as safety requirements of the workplace and ensure adherence
Advanced knowledge of museum standards for environment, artifact handling, installation, packing, storage and display and ability to act as advisor to staff on proper museum preparation methods
Advanced knowledge of methods and materials for fabricating museum exhibits
Knowledge of exhibit design, electronics, and graphic production processes
Ability to lead and manage exhibit fabrication, preparation, installation and de-installation procedures
Advanced knowledge of gallery operations and maintenance
Ability to read blueprints, drawings and design plans
Ability to negotiate and monitor professional service contracts and purchasing agreements
Skillful management of project priorities and timelines
Knowledge of disaster mitigation and response, pest management, design and maintenance of earthquake mitigation systems and security barriers.
Proficient knowledge of office computer systems, collections management systems, and technical reference materials
English language proficiency in both spoken and written form