Preparator – Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Job Summary:

Featuring a permanent collection of more than 23,000 objects, from vessels of ancient Greece to prints by Kara Walker, the Chazen Museum of Art is the second largest museum collection 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 our 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,

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.

Responsibilities:

Assists in preparing, handling, mounting, and installing collections, specimens, and related displays and exhibitions to enhance access, education, and enjoyment.

35% Handles and prepares collections within established policies

35% Supports the installation and maintenance of permanent galleries and traveling exhibitions

20% Assists in fabrication and construction of collection or exhibition related components

10% Assists in maintaining and utilizing specialized equipment related to the work of the section

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred

Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications:

Required:

– One year of art handling and installation experience in an art museum or gallery.

– Ability to demonstrate knowledge of professional museum standards for art handling and collection care procedures.

– Experience in the fabrication, carpentry, and painting, preferably with archival materials and in art related environments.

– Valid driver’s license required; must meet standards for operating state vehicles.

– Able to climb ladders, drive and operate aerial lifts, and follow related safety procedures.

Preferred:

– Experience with building or retrofitting crates and packages for safe shipping.

– Experience lighting artwork in gallery environments.

– Basic proficiency with SketchUp and the Adobe design suite or similar programs.

License/Certification:

Required

Drivers License – Valid

Work Schedule:

General work hours 8:00am-4:30pm or 8:30am-5:00pm, some flexibility in start/end times.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

This position requires working on-site at the Chazen Museum of Art.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $21.00 HOURLY

Depending on Qualifications

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

Additional Information:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of hire.

How to Apply:

Follow this link: https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/preparator-madison-wisconsin-united-states

You will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should describe your art handling and fabrication experience, including your total years of experience and where it was obtained.

Official Title:

Preparator I(LM024)

Department(s):

A02-GENERAL SERVICES/A0235/G SERV/CHAZEN MUSEUM

Employment Class:

University Staff-Ongoing

Job Number:

278085-CP

Categories: Job Postings