The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

Preparators are responsible for the overall safe and efficient preparation, internal movement, display, and installation of collection and loan objects for exhibitions and special projects as assigned. Reporting to the Associate Director of Exhibition Installation (ADEI), their responsibilities include all tasks associated with exhibition installation from pre-production to deinstallation. Preparators support the Lead Preparator, working collaboratively alongside artists, Registration, and Visual Arts staff toward the successful realization of the Walker’s mission, fulfilment of artistic vision, and execution of its exhibitions program.

Individuals in this role provide leadership and oversight of the Walker’s exhibition fabrication efforts. From preliminary development and design to prototyping, fabrication, installation, and repair, they are engaged in all aspects of fabrication for exhibitions and related programming. Working collaboratively with the Lead Preparator they produce a range of exhibition furniture including but not limited to pedestals, risers, built in display cases, tables and seating. Their craftsmanship ensures the safe and aesthetically successful display of artwork while exemplifying the museum's standards of safety, durability, and accessibility.

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WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Exhibition Installation:

• Handle, transport, and install artworks safely and in accordance with professional museum standards.
• Prepare gallery spaces for exhibitions, including wall repair, sanding, and painting to ensure a finished and polished presentation.
• Construct, demolish, pack, and unpack crates for exhibition objects, ensuring proper protection during storage and transit.
• Safely load and unload trucks for exhibition installations, deinstallations, and shipments.

Exhibition Fabrication

• Select and work with a variety of materials including hardwoods, sheet goods, veneers, laminates, metals, and plastics for exhibition components.
• Prepare, assemble, and finish materials using appropriate products, methods, and techniques to achieve high-quality results.
• Operate and maintain stationary and hand-held power tools including but not limited to table saws, drill presses, routers, rotary blade/bit tools, nail guns, and apply adhesives and finishes with precision and safety.
• Perform welding and metalworking tasks as required for exhibition structures and custom elements.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and fabrication plans to accurately construct and install exhibition components.
• Apply basic math skills to measure, calculate, and plan material use for fabrication projects.

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WHAT WE NEED IN YOU

Preferred Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in art handling/installation, in a museum preferred
• Experience with CAD programs, Sketchup preferred
• Fabrication experience including materials such as hardwoods, sheet goods, veneers, laminates, metals, and plastics, welding experience preferred.
• Experience managing small hands-on projects.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem solver.
• Ability to work comfortably and safely at heights, demonstrating competence in the use of mechanical lifts and ladders.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must possess the ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Occasional desk work, using a computer
• Working outdoors for prolonged periods in a variety of weather conditions
• Working atop ladders and mechanical lifts at elevations 6ft-16ft or higher

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the role. All Walker role descriptions allow for potential career growth through broadening accountabilities. Other duties may be assigned and/or the essential functions of the position may change or be changed.

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JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $30-$40 hourly.

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.