Museum Exhibition Preparator

The Utah Historical Society (UHS) is seeking to hire a full-time Exhibition Preparator to support and assist in all aspects of exhibition space prior to and post of the opening of the Museum of Utah. Prior to the opening, the candidate will be assisting in the preparation, installation, and fabrication of exhibition elements. Post opening this position will oversee exhibit maintenance for the Museum of Utah, ensuring the galleries are safe, clean, attractive, and fully operational, and that the exhibits support a positive Museum visitor experience. In this position, the candidate must demonstrate a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the museum industry, gained from employment at other museums, cultural institutions, art galleries, design/build firms, or through exhibition assistant positions. Responsibilities include experience with object-handling, audio-visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators help guide Exhibition Assistants in complex fabrication, installation, or de-installation projects. They will have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.

Supervision
The Preparator reports to the Exhibition Manager and may take direction from the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Registrar, and the Museum Director. Preparators occasionally provide guidance to Exhibition Assistants.

Example of Duties
Fabrication

• Collaborate with fabricators and internal teams to successfully implement exhibition designs.
• Assist with the reading and interpretation of drawings and plans, and assist with the preparation, fabrication, and finishing of certain elements of museum-specific objects.
• Assist with the installing and uninstalling of pedestals, kickbases, freestanding and wall mounted vitrines, exhibition furniture, and one of-a-kind object-driven constructions, among other projects.

Maintenance

• Perform exhibit and tactile for the Museum of Utah with a total gross square footage of approximately 17,000. Successful candidate will conduct work in the galleries in such a way that they clean up after themselves and help maintain a collections environment.
• Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws, sliding compound mitre saws and abrasion disc chop saws, light-duty routers, and angle grinders.
• Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills, specialty bits and anchors, etc.
• Perform basic assemblies with biscuits, precision-based glue-ups, cold connections with custom hardware, etc.
• Assist with framing, sheetrocking, taping/mudding, sanding, finishing and demolishing walls. Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to industry standards.
• Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet, curtains, and glass panels, etc.
• Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.

Handling and Installation

• Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.
• Perform and assist with the cleaning, repair, or repositioning of objects or artwork as directed by Registrars or Collections Managers.
• Support the transporting of crated objects through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Manager of Installation and Registrars.
• Support the placement and adjustment of lights per the direction of the Exhibition office to properly illuminate exhibitions.
• Perform and assist with other object-handling, installation and deinstallation tasks as needed and assigned.

Audio Visual and Tactile Interactives

• Assist in the installation and de-installation of tactile exhibitions. Read drawings, plans, spec sheets and help design.
• Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media-based exhibitions. Read drawings, plans, spec sheets and help pull equipment from A/V inventory.
• Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/keystoning/lens shifting, connecting speakers and amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.
• Independently execute the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of a single-channel audio-visual exhibits. Perform other audio-visual tasks as needed and assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• To perform this job successfully, candidates must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Three to five years of professional level experience in design, as well as design of innovative, visitor-focused exhibitions and/or environments.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working as an object handler, designer, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech at other museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions, etc.
• Proven experience in the use of 3D programs like Fusion 360, Autocad, Vectorworks, and SketchUp. Experience in Adobe Design Suite, as well as Microsoft Office programs.
• Proficiency in creating 3D renderings to scale for exhibit layouts and shop-drawings.
• Proficiency in creating CNC ready files for production.
• Demonstrated knowledge of space planning, museum exhibition best practices and standards, exhibition lighting, and integrating multimedia concepts into a traditional museum model.
• Knowledge of materials and construction techniques unique to the museum field.
• Knowledge and experience in being able to read fabrication drawings
• Ability to maintain budgets and keep to timelines.
• Working knowledge of procurement and contracts
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Proven ability to provide effective customer service for internal and external client groups.
• Must be detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills to manage a continuous workflow in a high volume, multitasking environment, with excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal personnel at all levels and external vendors in a supportive and positive manner
• Must have good organizational skills and ability to efficiently multitask, define problems, and resolve them quickly
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively with a high level of attention to detail, flexibility to work with changing or evolving schedules, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work unscheduled overtime during periods of installation/deinstallation.
• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects.
• Knowledge of best practices around handling hazardous materials (such as flammable and corrosive materials).

Work Location
This position may be eligible for a hybrid/flexible work schedule. Our office is located ay 3760 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah. A position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.  Note: Under Administrative Rule R13-4 all work must be performed within the State of Utah. As such employees should either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.

The Agency
For more information about the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement and the Utah Historical Society and Museum of Utah, click here.

About Us: Founded in 1897, the Utah Historical Society works to foster curiosity about the past, inform the present, and strengthen our shared future. The agency continues to share the state’s history through six major initiatives including National History Day, the women’s history initiative, publications, Peoples of Utah Revisited, Library & Collections, and the Museum of Utah. Learn more about our work at history.utah.gov and explore our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. (Download PDF reader)

Why You Should Join Our Team
 In this position, you would enjoy the generous benefits package offered by the State of Utah. We have an extremely competitive total compensation package that you can learn about HERE

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage)
  • 5 dental plan options (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other dental insurance coverage)
  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave increases with years of service. 
  • There are also 12 paid holidays.

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