Lead Preparator

The Ackland Art Museum is one of the leading public university art museums in the country. With nearly 30 employees, dozens of volunteers, and a budget of approximately $4M per year, the Ackland maintains a collection of over 20,000 works of art. It produces four major exhibitions and many smaller installations annually.

The museum receives nearly 60,000 visitors, always free of charge, who come from all 100 North Carolina counties, across the nation, and internationally each year. The Ackland serves UNC students, faculty, and the public through its special exhibitions, programs, and activities based on its permanent collection. The staff of the Ackland works with approximately 150 faculty and graduate instructors each year to provide opportunities for them to meet their teaching and research goals by bringing their classes to the museum (approximately 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The Ackland provides approximately 20 internships annually for both graduate and undergraduate students. It welcomes and trains a corps of 30 docents to work with K-12 schools and the public.

The Lead Preparator performs all duties related to exhibition preparation and installation as well as contributing to the care of the collection. This position includes but is not limited to, matting and framing; wall and signage design and fabrication; packing, unpacking and movement of works of art; gallery renovations; installation and lighting of artwork on display; physical care and organization of the permanent collection; and maintenance of galleries, storage vaults, equipment and workspaces. The Lead preparator advises on all issues relating to the display of specific artworks including mount making, pedestal design and construction; and a variety of audiovisual issues. The Lead Preparator works closely with and contributes to the training and oversight of contract employees. The Lead Preparator reports to the Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation.

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

-Experience with construction, fabrication, or exhibit design.

-Knowledge of museum-standard matting and framing.

-Experience handling, packing, and storing artwork.

-Proficiency in Outlook and other communication tools.

-Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or SketchUp.

-Ability to use diverse hand and power tools (including cabinet and shop equipment of varying sizes and complexity), moving vans, hydraulic lifts, dollies with or without reasonable accommodations.

-Ability to climb and to work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach works of art above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds; and to stand or to walk for an eight-hour workday with or without reasonable accommodations.

Not Applicable.