Current Openings:

Position Classification Title: Lead Preparator
Purpose of Classification:
Under general supervision, oversees the staging of exhibitions, events, and installations in the University Art Museum and prepares the NMSU Permanent Art Collection for loans on and off campus. Coordinates and manages all activities relating to installing, art handling, shipping, monitoring, and maintaining of exhibitions and loans including site-specific commissions, artist-led installations, and preparing and packing permanent collections for loans and traveling exhibitions. Manages facilities and equipment of University Art Museum, which may include buying and maintaining equipment such as installation, shipping, lighting and sound equipment, and other related inventory.
Standard Duties:
Prepares and oversees the staging of exhibitions and loans of artwork both on and off campus including the operation of all equipment and facilities as appropriate for individual exhibitions, artist-led projects, and on-campus installations. Designs and builds exhibitions-related pedestals, shelving units, platforms, and vitrines. Oversees the packing, shipping, and general movement and inspection of all art objects entering or leaving the University Art Museum, including the NMSU Permanent Art Collection. Works with the Collections Curator on photographing and creating condition reports for all art objects. Trains, coordinates, and supervises students engaged in the preparation of exhibitions and loans of artwork; trains and advises staff in techniques of art handling and installation. Collaborates with artists and curators to create efficient, high-quality exhibition designs that respond to the needs of both artwork and audience. As needed, identify and engage outside vendors, consultants, and other campus units for packing, crating, installation, and fabrication. Maintains an inventory of materials and equipment needed for the operation of all gallery spaces, including the NMSU Permanent Art Collection storage. Creates and implements a program of preventive maintenance, making or contracting for repairs of gallery walls and floors as directed. May provide billing information to departments and loaning institutions; may maintain contracts with loaning institutions including on-campus entities, as appropriate. Practices and provides leadership in museum standards, ensures adherence to established University and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, and safety standards. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of building design, construction, and maintenance. Knowledge of carpentry and electrical wiring, A/V, and digital equipment and installation. Knowledge of art handling, conservation and exhibition-related materials and standards, and museum best practices. Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Ability to produce exhibition layout and design drawings. Attention to detail, ability to create and maintain production schedules, ability to prioritize, supervise and delegate efficiently for both short and long-term projects in a dynamic work environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to coordinate the maintenance and repair of exhibition facilities, standard artwork exhibition areas (offices and hallways) equipment, and supplies. Ability to monitor and/or maintain quality control standards. Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine repairs on a range of art exhibition equipment and facilities. Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education- Bachelor's degree in a related field.Experience- Two years of museum, gallery, or other relevant experience in various aspects of art museum preparatory work
Certifications/License-
Departmental Requirements-
Special Requirements-
• Requires some nights and weekends.
• Must be able to move up to 50lbs
• Ability and skill to safely employ the use of a variety of tools, painting equipment, aerial platform lift, palette jack, forklift, ladders, scaffolding, and other heavy equipment and to handle oversized and/or heavy art objects and exhibition material.
• Excellent speaking/understanding of the English language including, art history terms and techniques.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, lift, push, pull heavy, fragile, odd-shaped objects carefully. • NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Part-time: 29 hours/week