Job Details

Preparator

Position Number: 6650557
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Museum & Arts Administration

Preparator

Job Summary

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah seeks a highly motivated, well-organized, and creatively minded professional to support the Collections team while working closely with colleagues across the Museum in an energetic and collaborative environment.

The UMFA is the stats and the University fine arts museum, serving as a vital cultural resource for Utah and the broader region. Established in 1914, the Museum stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 22,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity across the globe. Through its exhibitions, programs, and collections, the UMFA advances understanding of the visual arts and their role in shaping and reflecting the human experience.

As part of University of Utah, we offer an excellent comprehensive benefits package including: tuition reduction, health care, retirement (14.2% employer paid), paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Under the supervision of the Director of Collections, the Preparator's primary responsibility is to ensure the safe preparation, installation, handling, and care of art objects for exhibition and loan. This position helps develop and implement best practices for the preservation and presentation of museum objects on view or slated for exhibition.

The Preparator supports UMFA's mission by facilitating a dynamic and robust schedule of gallery rotations and exhibitions, and by contributing to the overall care, safety, and display of the Museum's collections and loaned works.

Responsibilities
Object Preparation

Plans and executes the matting and framing of two-dimensional works of art and fabricates mounts for displaying three-dimensional objects.
Assesses the stability of objects slotted for exhibition in collaboration with the Conservator.
Ensures all preparation is completed using professional museum standards and non-destructive materials and techniques.

Exhibition Design, Installation, and Lighting

Under supervision of the Director of Collections, collaborates with the exhibition team to plan and execute exhibition installations.
Installs and deinstalls artworks, mounts, and exhibition furniture.
Hangs two-dimensional works of art and installs three-dimensional objects and mounts.
Conducts gallery lighting and A/V installation for exhibitions.
Installs gallery graphics, labels, and signage as needed.
Develops schematics for mounting plans and documents installation methods in the museum's Argus Collections Management System.

Gallery Preparation and Maintenance

Prepares galleries for installation, including patching, painting, case preparation, and cleaning.
Performs daily gallery maintenance, including dusting platforms, pedestals, vitrines, and floors.
Assists in the maintenance of outdoor sculpture installations.
Ensures exhibit materials and supplies are ordered, delivered, and organized on schedule.

Art Handling and Packing

Participates in the safe movement, packing, and unpacking of art objects throughout the museum.
Loads and unloads art shipments and exhibition materials from trucks.
Transports artworks locally using the museum's delivery vehicle.

Fabrication and Shop Maintenance

Constructs pedestals, mounts, platforms, and other exhibition-related fabrications.
Ability to retrofit previously fabricated crates for the transportation of artwork.
Maintains and organizes the museum's wood and metal shop, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and tool functionality. Recommend the purchasing and/or repair of hand and power tools and safety equipment.
Tracks inventory of tools and materials and ensures compliance with Environmental Health and Safety standards.

Supervision and Training

Participates in training on museum standards for art handling, installation, shop safety, and other trainings assigned as needed.
May provide work direction for part-time staff or contractors assigned to projects.
Provides training related to art installation, and workshop safety.

Administrative and Project Coordination

Develops and implements procedures and guidelines related to art preparation and exhibition work.
Contributes to department and exhibition budgets; manages expenditures for equipment and materials.
Researches and recommends new procedures, materials, and technologies that enhance efficiency and adherence to best practices.
Participates in departmental meetings, exhibition planning, and cross-departmental projects.
Liaises with external vendors and service providers as needed.
Works collaboratively and efficiently with all members of Collections as well as members in other museum departments.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Manufacturing / Production Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
Manufacturing / Production Specialist, IIRequires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Knowledge of carpentry, construction, and fabrication methods. Skilled in the safe use of hand and power tools. Valid driver's license and good driving record Strong understanding of museum art handling, packing, and installation best practices. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Maintains a strict delivery timetable while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to meet deadlines and work in a calm and careful manner while maintaining attention to detail. Two or more years of museum experience handling art and artifacts. Experience with exhibition preparation, mount-making, and fabrication. Experience with matting, framing, and working with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and acrylic. Familiarity or experience with archival materials and procedures. Familiarity with exhibition lighting systems and A/V installation. Bachelor's degree in Studio Art, Design, or a related field. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds safely and independently. Ability to push and pull crates, carts, and other heavy materials. Frequent standing, bending, stooping, and reaching. Ability to climb ladders and operate lifts (Genie, scissor, or boom). Comfortable working at heights up to 20 feet. Good vision or vision corrected to excellent with glasses or contacts. Ability to operate a delivery vehicle with a fifteen-foot box (CDL not required). Exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals commonly used in art preparation and fabrication.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43326B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F, 8-5
Department: 00073 - Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $45,000 - $48,000
Close Date: 11/30/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190364