The Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks a motivated and thoughtful individual to fill a full-time Preparator position. Preparators are vital members of the Chazen curatorial department, supporting the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artwork. Reporting to the Exhibition and Collection Project Manager, the Preparator works collaboratively on specialized handling, storage, installation, lighting, and fabrication of mounts and casework for art objects at the Chazen. This position also assists in the design and layout of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries and the related display elements.
Ideal candidates should have at least 1 year of art handling experience in a museum or gallery setting, and a strong background in fabrication. Individuals who are detail oriented, organized, and enjoy team-based environments will thrive in this role.
The Chazen encourages both early and mid-career professionals to apply. The position may be hired at Preparator I or Preparator II level. Salary is negotiable and will be based on candidate’s particular skills and experience. Please see qualifications below:
- At least one year of art handling and installation experience in an art museum, gallery, or studio setting is required. For Preparator II, at least three years of experience.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of professional museum standards for art handling and collection care procedures is required.
- Experience in the fabrication, carpentry, and painting, preferably with archival materials and in art related applications is required.
- Valid driver’s license required. Incumbents must be able to operate a state vehicle.
- Able to climb ladders, drive and operate aerial lifts, and follow related safety procedures is required.
- Experience with building or retrofitting crates and packages for safe shipping preferred.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of common materials, tools, and equipment used in the care of art collections preferred.
- Basic proficiency with the Adobe design suite or similar programs preferred.
- For Preparator II level, experience using rendering software such as SketchUp, CAD, or Rhino preferred.
About the Chazen Museum:
The Chazen Museum of Art makes its home between two lakes on the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Within walking distance of the state capitol, it sits squarely in the heart of a vibrant college town. Featuring one of the best views on campus, an art-filled bridge connects the historic Elvehjem building, built in 1970, with the Chazen building, built in 2011. This connection represents both a physical and intellectual joining of human art history and the most dynamic artistic explorers of today.
With a permanent collection of more than 23,000 objects, from vessels of ancient Greece to prints by Kara Walker, the Chazen is the second largest museum in Wisconsin. Two expansive buildings encompass 163,000+ square feet, making it the largest collecting museum in the Big Ten. More than 100,000 visitors come through the Chazen’s doors each year to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Admission is free for all and includes programs for students, families and community members, all provided with the museum’s unique brand of Wisconsin hospitality.
This position is vital in supporting the mission of the Chazen Museum of Art:
We collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art and present related educational programs in support of the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
We do this because the visual arts enrich individual human experience and because knowledge of art is essential to understanding diverse cultures, past and present.
Minimum $20.00 HOURLY. Depending on Qualifications.
Full benefits provided to include health insurance and paid leave. The Chazen Museum supports and encourages paid professional development opportunities such as conference or workshop attendance. The University of Wisconsin–Madison campus offers ample recreation, cultural and educational opportunities. The museum is easily accessible and is located on many bus lines and bike paths.
Please see the full announcement, qualifications, position description and application instructions at:
https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/513677/preparator
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