Collections Preparator

We have an opening for a Collections Preparator to support the Collections and Exhibitions department at MCA Chicago. Reporting to the Senior Preparator, the Collections Preparator assists with the ongoing care, production, and display of MCA Collection and collection-related exhibitions. They safely handle artwork, maintain and optimize storage, and provide general collection care while assisting with logistical issues as they arise in the movement, storage, and transportation of artwork, and work closely with all Collections and Exhibitions staff to complete projects in a timely manner in accordance with best practices. To be successful in this role, you will:

• Manage the storage, packing, re-housing, and maintenance of the permanent collection on and off-site. Consult the Senior Preparator and Senior Registrar for Collections to select proper packing materials depending upon the medium, surfaces, condition, and fragility of the works in question.
• Track and manage information about the permanent collection, including measurements, inscriptions, marks, handling, and installation specifications, and current location, adding all information obtained into the collections database.
• Oversee all collections storage facilities.
• Assist Senior Registrar for Collections with creating iteration reports for time-based media works in the permanent collection.
• Assist MCA Photographer with access to and handling of the collection as needed.
• Install artworks, including but not limited to, painting, sculpture, and audio/visual, throughout the museum galleries and interactive spaces, including selection of proper hardware, exercising technical judgment, and troubleshooting installations as needed under the supervision of the Senior Preparator.
• Assist with design and pre-build of furniture, fixtures, mounts, and artists’ fabrications for exhibitions as assigned.
• Lead team of exhibition technicians during mid-sized and major exhibition turnovers as assigned by the Senior Preparator.
• Attend all Exhibition Team Meetings for assigned exhibitions.
• Manage budgets including creating estimates, tracking costs, processing invoices, and determining accruals for assigned exhibitions and collections projects.
• Locate, hire, schedule, and oversee contractors, fabricators, and other outside contractual production needs for assigned exhibitions.
• Oversee all components of installation/deinstallation of assigned exhibitions.
• Work with the Senior Registrar for Loans and Exhibitions and Senior Preparator for outgoing permanent collection loans, including art movement, packing and crating, location and tracking.
• Perform routine gallery and art storage maintenance.
• Properly load and secure artworks within a truck to keep them safe and stable during transport. Assist with receipt and release of art shipments.
• Use and maintain tools and equipment in accordance with safety regulations, keep supply inventory, and advise on ordering additional supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Preparator.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 3-5 years of museum or other professional art handling experience.
• Prior experience leading a team over the course of a project.
• Knowledge of and experience with best practices in art handling, packing, transport and installation of various types of artworks.
• Knowledge of power tools and their proper application as related to installation and fabrication.
• Familiarity with construction methods such as drywall, painting, carpentry, and framing.
• Mathematical and measuring skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to operate and become certified on fork/aerial lifts to aid installation and art movement.
• Familiarity with moving large/heavy objects and crates.
• Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy while performing job duties.
• Ability to safely lift 60 lbs.
• General mobility throughout all museum properties.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:

• Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off.
• Pre-tax, reduced-rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
• Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
• Free admission to many special and member events.
• Reduced-price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
• Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
• Access to our onsite library.
• Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
• Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.

Full-time staff members are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.