Museum Preparator

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University. Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/.

Museum Preparators work as members of the Preparation and Design Team assisting with proper gallery and exhibition maintenance and repair in all venues.

• Acts as PREP Project Manager for exhibition and collection-related projects assigned by the Senior Preparator. Works in tandem with assigned Registration Project Manager to complete all aspects of the exhibition to meet opening deadlines. This includes coordination of OPS staff and contractors in the execution of tasks, provides logistical support in the movement of objects, and interfacing with external clients such as couriers, vendors and contractors. Communicates regularly with Senior Preparator to inform on the status of assigned projects.
• Works closely with curators, educators, registrars, and conservators in fulfilling installation and de-installation needs for exhibitions, gallery rotations, conservation moves and education spaces.
• Advises on costs for fabrication of casework, mounts and display solutions in assessing priorities within the projects and budget. Submits purchase requests. Provides Senior Preparator with the maintenance schedule, tool and materials inventory pertaining to mount fabrication as well as casework. Provides feedback to increase workflow efficiencies and fabrication improvements.
• Drives large trucks and vans, to perform safe transit of museum objects, loaned objects, and casework. Drives and operates scissor lifts, single-operator lifts (in excess of 40'), and forklift. Operates rigging equipment (gantry/hoist, boom lifts, duct lifts).
• Serves as Fabrication Specialist, responsible for training staff on techniques and process. Supervises fabrication projects and works closely with external vendors. Establishes fabrication and installation plans for caseworks, loaned objects and permanent collections.
• Mats and frames work on paper (photographs, drawings, prints). Performs lighting installation and maintenance in galleries. Performs packing and crating of loaned objects and permanent collection objects. Executes the fabrication of casework and supports, installs/assembles wall/case systems. Prints, presses, cuts, and installs labels and gallery text.
• Installs, maintains AV equipment within MOA galleries.
• Performs other duties as assigned including implementation of emergency protective measures and maintenance of gallery and storage spaces.
• May be required to travel (nationally or internationally) to serve as a museum courier. Assignments are based on the needs of the museum. Courier training and certification is required prior to the incumbent serving in this capacity. All training would be provided by The Ringling. May be required to work overtime according to department's needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of experience related to museum preparation or related post-high school education may substitute for experience at an equivalent rate.
  • (Note: higher education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
• Knowledge of:
  • The concepts, principles, and practices of collections management to include proper handling, installation, preservation, and/or maintenance.
  • Art storage and display methods, techniques, and procedures.
  • Exhibit displays, display design and installation. This may include framing, art installation, construction and finishing, carpentry work, alterations, and repairs.
• Ability to:
  • Interpret technical and artistic designs and create a final product.
  • Package products for shipping/delivery.
  • Meet physical requirements as determined by position. Ability to climb ladders, lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Meet project deadlines.
  • Utilize problem solving skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and ability to:
  • Identify safety hazards and necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment.
  • Safely operate machinery, tools, equipment and materials used in area of work.

• Background in Art/Art History (academic or vocational).
• Gallery lighting experience/driving lifts.
• Experience with:
  • Museum collections policies/procedures.
  • AV systems.
  • Matting/Framing.
  • Art/Artifact transportation/packing.

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans' Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans' Preference, select “yes” to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans' Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for eligibility information and required documentation, or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

Rate of Pay: The anticipated rate of pay will range between the mid 40's to mid 50's and will be based on the education, skills, and experience of the selected candidate. Find out more about our comprehensive benefits package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one-hour meal period.

• This position is based in Sarasota, FL and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
• This is a USPS position.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check to include fingerprinting.

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.