Preparator, On Call

Skilled as a Preparator/Art Handler, and interested in part time opportunities with SAM? SAM's Museum Design & Production department maintains a pool of On Call Preparators to support fluctuating needs at different times throughout the year. Should you want to join our Preparator Talent Pool for consideration for future On Call openings, please submit your resume here. When we find ourselves in need of additional On Call Preparator talent, we'll reach out to this Talent Pool to gauge interest and availability. Curious if this position might be the right fit for you? Read on for the position details

Preparator/Art Handler, On Call

ROLE OVERVIEW: The On Call Preparator/Art Handler supports the Museum Design & Production department in art handling and gallery preparation of temporary and permanent installations, and ongoing gallery maintenance.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Design & Installation
COMPENSATION: $26.00 / hour
WORK SCHEDULE: The schedule for this On Call role is variable. Work is typically scheduled during standard business hours Monday - Friday, but the needs of the department and institution may require evening or weekend work.
BENEFITS: On-Call SAM Staff have access to an onsite fitness facility and SAM's museum library, can access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoy a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 15% discount at SAM's MARKET cafe, receive 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked, have a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year, and accrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with art installations of temporary and permanent installations
• Assists Lead Art Handler with the installation and deinstallation of artwork utilizing established art handling, hanging, installation, and movement techniques to assure safety
• Performs necessary tasks within the Museum Design & Production department such as gallery preparation, painting, and limited on-site construction

WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, art history, studio art, design, museum studies, or equivalent experience
• 3 years exhibition installation experience
• Valid Washington state driver's license
• Knowledge of basic art handling, conservation, registration, and art security requirements
• Proficiency in the areas of design of art handling, carpentry, and use of power and hand tools and heavy equipment
• Ability to work with close attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues
• Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality
• Collaborative and collegial work style
• Adhere to and adopt museum policies in a positive and professional manner

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise, in galleries, warehouses, and workshops. Workspaces may include outdoor areas. Noise levels range from light to excessive and there is exposure to varying air-quality standards. Objects in the collection may contain pesticide residues or other toxic materials, either inherently, or from previous treatments and there may be exposure to potentially toxic material. There may be risk from exposure to these materials and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and a respirator is required. Training and PPE will be provided.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Stationary Work: Approximately 5% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 95%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required.

Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with artists and co-workers is necessary.

Vision: Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork.

Office Work: Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.

Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: Ability to transport up to fifty (50) pounds of equipment and supplies.

Working at Heights: The ability to work safely at heights is required, ability to work on ladders and scaffolding is required.  Safe operation of multiple types of personnel and scissor lifts is required.

Celebrating difference. At Seattle Art Museum, our members, visitors, and local community come from all walks of life, and so do our employees, volunteers, and interns. The plurality of our identities and experiences strengthens our mission: connecting art to life. Our mission and vision call us to be responsive to a multitude of cultural contexts and lived experiences, and as such, our Strategic Plan directly addresses the role art plays in empowering and elevating social justice movements, and promoting structural change to further equity in our society. SAM is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace, because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to both historical and present inequities. We know that equity is not a single fixed destination, it's ongoing reckoning. As SAM continually strives to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace, we are particularly interested in engaging with those who have been historically underrepresented in the museum field. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we celebrate difference.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer. We are an equal opportunity employer, and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know at The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of the role. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

We encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We encourage you to submit an application, even if your experience doesn't feel like a 100% match with the position. We know applying for a job can be intimidating, and research tells us that womxn and folks of color are less likely to apply if they don't see themselves meeting or exceeding every single qualification listed. We encourage you to apply, even if you feel unsure about whether you meet every requirement in this job post. You could very well be a great fit for this role or others.

Requirements for employment. In order to be employed by the Seattle Art Museum, you must reside in the state of Washington. Employment at SAM is contingent upon successful clearing and maintenance of clearance in both a federal and state criminal background check.

Want to learn more? If you haven't already, check out our Careers page for more on working at SAM.

Though we'd love to be able to reply to every question that crosses our desk, due to the high volume of applications we receive, our HR team is unfortunately unable to offer a response to inquiries requesting search status updates, inquiries about hiring timeline, or requests to be put in touch with directly with the Hiring Team. If your experiences and capabilities are well suited to an open role, our Recruiter or the Hiring Manager will reach out directly to schedule an interview. Thanks for your understanding

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