Temporary Preparator works under the supervision of the Director of Exhibition Production, the Exhibition Production Manager, and/or Lead Installation Technicians as assigned, to receive, mount, pack and disperse all exhibitions, including loans and works in the Permanent Collection. These functions involve collaboration with the Registration Department, Curatorial Department, and visiting artists and curators working on museum projects. Primary responsibility is the safe and careful handling of all objects placed within the Museum's care, whether owned or borrowed. Because the scope of the MOCA's exhibition program incorporates conventional art forms as well as those which are more experimental in nature, Temporary Preparator will have a variety of tasks and functions to perform, relating to all aspects of construction, fabrication and installation of exhibitions.

Essential Functions

• Must be able to competently handle works of art according to proper and safe procedures.
• Must be able to work well as a team member and relate to a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel.
• Must be able to work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
• Must display creativity in solving technical problems, and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art, Art History, or Media and Performing Arts. 
• Minimum of two years' experience working in a museum environment or related field including, but not limited to:  professional artist studio practices, galleries, motion picture and television, theatre and performing arts.
• Good manual dexterity and visual acuity skills.
• Must be able to stand for long periods.
• Must be able to bend and reach to lift, move, and carefully handle artwork.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds individually.
• Must demonstrate safe use of tools and equipment including, but not limited to: aerial lifts, various portable and stationary power tools.

Rate: $28.04 per hour

This position is covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement: Yes

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following:

• Stand for long periods.
• Bend, stoop, reach, lift, and climb to move materials and carefully handle artwork.
• Climb up and down stairs and ladders.
• Reach both above and below shoulder height.
• Be able to lift up to 50 pounds individually.
• Manual dexterity to operate manually-controlled equipment and safely handle works       of art. 
• Ability to visually inspect work; specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.