Sarasota Art Museum
Ringling College of Art + Design
Chief Preparator
The Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design is transforming the historic Sarasota High School into a state-of-the-art destination, with the art museum as its anchor project. The Museum, a contemporary kunsthalle, will be a dynamic center for exhibiting innovative and compelling visual art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Museum is seeking the Chief Preparator to provide art handling related to the fabrication and installation/de-installation of galleries, receiving and shipping artwork, packing and storage of art objects. This position will work directly for the curatorial staff to interpret the design and construction of exhibits and displays of contemporary art for the visiting public. The Chief Preparator may supervise two or three part-time employees and/or manage hired contractors to support in the build-out of new exhibits.
The successful candidate will be able to maintain and drive exhibition project schedules, and will use their creativity to solve potential problems and prioritize the various needs of the curators, preparators and artists. They will need to be highly collaborative with exceptional interpersonal skills. The designed and constructed exhibitions completed by the Chief Preparator will be seen and appreciated by tens of thousands of visitors annually and will require execution at the highest degree of quality and expertise.
Open until filled. Apply on-line at https://ringling.simplehire.com
Ringling College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
High School diploma
Three to five years of experience working in an art museum handling and installing artwork, implementing exhibitions, and building exhibition furniture/walls
Proven ability to work on complex projects and lead an installation crew
Knowledge of art handling techniques, practices and principles, and associated materials
Experience with woodshop tools and fabrication techniques, as well as knowledge of building construction and general mechanical maintenance
Experience in the use of powered lifts and ladders in galleries as well as skill in handling trucks, forklifts, lifts and other forms of moving equipment
Flexibility to work extended hours as needed
Familiarity with museum industry standards and best practices as outlined by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license or ability to obtain one
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficiency in MS Office and SketchUp