The Associate Preparator is a skilled museum professional who collaborates closely with the Head of Art Operations in the planning and implementation of exhibitions and collections projects. This position performs advanced exhibition preparation, fabrication, installation, packing, and gallery maintenance. The Associate Preparator supports collections care, object movement, documentation, and preservation initiatives, helping ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and presentation for works of art across the Museum.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Preparator will:

Safely handle, pack, crate, transport, install, and deinstall works of art from the Museum's permanent collection and from institutional and private lenders in support of exhibitions, collections projects, and loans. Perform all work in accordance with Museum policies, professional standards, and accepted art handling practices while consistently reinforcing a culture of safety and object stewardship.
Collaborate with the Head of Art Operations in the planning and execution of exhibition installations and deinstallations. Help maintain safe, efficient work practices that protect works of art, staff, and visitors while ensuring projects are completed to the highest professional standards.
Fabricate exhibition furniture, pedestals, platforms, mounts, crates, and custom supports, and perform carpentry, painting, framing, lighting adjustments, wall repair, and other gallery preparation necessary for exhibitions and collections projects.
Safely operate woodworking tools, fabrication equipment, lifts, and other specialized museum preparation equipment.
Maintain inventories of tools, fabrication materials, exhibition hardware, collections care supplies, and shop equipment. Monitor equipment condition and recommend repair, replacement, or procurement as needed.
Support collections stewardship activities, including object movement, condition documentation, storage projects, inventory activities, and other collections care initiatives.
Maintain workshop spaces, galleries, and storage areas to ensure they remain safe, organized, and fully prepared to support current and upcoming exhibitions and collections projects.
Assist in supervising and training interns, volunteers, temporary staff, and contract art handlers in safe art handling practices, gallery preparation, and workshop procedures.
Perform routine gallery inspections and maintenance to identify safety, presentation, and facility concerns, coordinating corrective action as appropriate.
Assist with condition documentation and other collections stewardship activities as directed by, and in support of the Head of Art Operations
Provide administrative support for art operations activities, including purchasing, inventory tracking, project coordination, scheduling, and related documentation.
Exercise sound professional judgment in determining appropriate handling methods, installation techniques, and fabrication solutions while balancing the preservation of works of art, visitor experience, operational efficiency, and staff safety.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Three or more years of museum preparation, exhibition installation, art handling, or related experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of professional museum standards and accepted art handling practices.
Experience with woodworking, fabrication, carpentry, and the construction of exhibition furniture and mounts.
Ability to safely operate woodworking tools, shop equipment, ladders, lifts, and related museum preparation equipment.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and perform the physical requirements associated with exhibition installation and collections care.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Studio Art, Art History, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Experience working in an accredited art museum.
Familiarity with museum collections management systems and Windows.
Experience training interns, volunteers, or temporary staff.
Experience with gallery lighting, audiovisual installation, and exhibition graphics.

Physical Requirements

Frequently lift, carry, push, and move works of art and exhibition materials weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, scissor lifts, and other elevated work platforms.
Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support exhibition schedules and special events.

The New Britain Museum of American Art is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve and the rich cultural stories we steward. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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