Department SummaryThe Hammer Museum at UCLA believes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are integral to fulfilling our mission to illuminate lives and build a more just work through art and ideas. We actively seek out different perspectives to broaden and enrich our understanding of the world. We believe this inspires thoughtful and provocative exhibitions and programs that serve the vibrant and varied communities that make up the city of Los Angeles. The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We share the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us.
Position SummaryThe Chief Preparator supervises art handling and collection management for the museum, including all incoming and outgoing loans and daily art movement of the museum's collection and temporary exhibitions. Incumbent is responsible for managing the handling, packing, and storing of artworks according to museum standards, including the design and implementation of long-term storage solutions for the museum's permanent collection. The incumbent hires and supervises three full-time preparators, assigning lead preparator and framing roles to each; hires, trains, and supervises the part-time installation crew; manages the crew schedule for each exhibition; and manages all administrative functions related to the crew. The incumbent also oversees the installation and de-installation of all temporary exhibitions, while actively participating in the movement, hanging, and placement of artwork. Additionally, the Senior Preparator supervises the maintenance of all gallery spaces and preparator facilities.
Salary & Compensation*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit
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Qualifications5+ years Experience as a preparator in a public gallery or a museum (Required)
Detailed knowledge of museum standards for packing, crating, handling, and installing artworks in both traditional mediums such as works on paper and paintings, as well as non-traditional contemporary media (Required)
Knowledge of museum standards for housing works from the collection for long-term storage – specifically, identifying appropriate archival materials (Required)
Knowledge of loss-prevention techniques – specifically, security hardware and earthquake mitigation, for works on exhibition and in storage (Required)
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including technical writing (Required)
Detailed knowledge of exhibition and display lighting and conservation light levels (Required)
Extensive skill with appropriate and specialized tools needed for art handling and installation, including power and hand tools need for light carpentry (Required)
Knowledge of hardware for hanging, stabilizing, and mounting artworks (Required)
Knowledge of basic audio visual equipment, including setup and care of DVD players, video projectors, and sound systems (Required)
Knowledge of materials and construction techniques for display, furniture, and light construction (Required)
Skill in working as part of a team, motivating and directing supervisees, collaborating with colleagues, and assisting visiting professionals (Required)
Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction (Required)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal AffiliationsBachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent combination of education and experience/training (Required)
Special Conditions for EmploymentBackground Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
Driving Record: The position is subject to the
California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.
CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under
CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".Ability to work overtime, including nights and weekends (Required)
Schedule9:30am to 6:30pm
Union/Policy CoveredRX-Research Support Professionals
Complete Position Descriptionhttps://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&jobcode=40063997
