Museum Preparators

Museum Preparators assist with proper gallery and exhibition maintenance and repair in all venues. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Acts as PREP Project Manager for exhibition and collection-related projects assigned by the Senior Preparator. Works in tandem with assigned Registration Project Manager to complete all aspects of the exhibition to meet opening deadlines. This includes coordination of OPS staff and contractors in the execution of tasks, provides logistical support in the movement of objects, and interfacing with external clients such as couriers, vendors and contractors. Communicates regularly with Senior Preparator to inform on the status of assigned projects.
  • Works closely with curators, educators, registrars, and conservators in fulfilling installation and de-installation needs for exhibitions, gallery rotations, conservation moves and education spaces.
  • Advises on costs for fabrication of casework, mounts and display solutions in assessing priorities within the projects and budget.
  • Submits purchase requests. Provides Senior Preparator with the maintenance schedule, tool and materials inventory pertaining to mount fabrication as well as casework. Provides feedback to increase workflow efficiencies and fabrication improvements.
  • Drives large trucks and vans, to perform safe transit of museum objects, loaned objects, and casework. Drives and operates scissor lifts, single-operator lifts (in excess of 40′), and forklift. Operates rigging equipment (gantry/hoist, boom lifts, duct lifts).
  • Follows all applicable safety policies and procedures as outlined by the Ringling Museum and Florida State University. Troubleshoots shop equipment. Ensures cleanliness and proper maintenance of workshop and its equipment. Assists conservation with maintenance as needed.
  • Serves as Fabrication Specialist, responsible for training staff on techniques and process. Supervises fabrication projects and works closely with external vendors. Establishes fabrication and installation plans for caseworks, loaned objects and permanent collections.
  • Performs design and drafting duties as assigned, including but not limited to, creating shop drawings and technical drawings for construction of casework. May serve as backup to approve shop and technical drawings.
  • Mats and frames work on paper (photographs, drawings, prints). Performs lighting installation and maintenance in galleries. Performs packing and crating of loaned objects and permanent collection objects. Executes the fabrication of casework and supports, installs/assembles wall/case systems. Prints, presses, cuts, and installs labels and gallery text. Installs, maintains AV equipment within MOA galleries.
  • Performs other duties as assigned including implementation of emergency protective measures and maintenance of gallery and storage spaces.
  • May be required to travel (nationally or internationally) to serve as a museum courier. Assignments are based on the needs of the museum. Courier training and certification is required prior to the incumbent serving in this capacity. May be required to work overtime according to department’s needs.

See our preparator team in action!