Collections Move Preparator

Bruce Museum https://brucemuseum.org/

Title: Collections Move Preparator
Status: Full-time, hourly, 20-month appointment with possibility of extension
Reports to: Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager
Supervises: N/A
Salary range: $50,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience

Overview
The Collections Move Preparator will be a member of the Collections Move team who are responsible for overseeing a major relocation and rehousing initiative of the Bruce Museum’s permanent collection. The successful candidate will be responsible for receiving and unpacking objects, assessing housing, and designing and fabricating new archival boxes and storage mounts as required for the preservation of the collection.

Responsibilities

• Designs and fabricates archival mounts and housing for a diverse collection of art and material culture objects, representing a wide range of cultures and time periods, as well as natural history objects including taxidermy, fossils, minerals, and dry specimens.
• Creates and manages archival housing production schedule in coordination with incoming transport schedule.
• Prepares storage furniture for objects and physically relocates collections objects into storage furniture, collaborating with Collections Move team and relevant Museum staff for additional support when required.
• Communicates regularly with Collections Move team for inventory control.
• Participates in regular meetings with the Collections Move team and initiates consultations with Curatorial and Exhibitions departments where required.
• Maintains archival supply inventory, managing timely procurement of materials as needed.
• Maintains departmental fabrication workstation and tools, ensuring safe workplace practices in the department and the Museum woodshop.
• Performs light cleaning of collection objects when appropriate, as determined by the team leader.

Recommended Education, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience as a preparator in a museum or similar environment required. Experience handling varied objects (art, scientific specimens, historic artifacts, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of basic carpentry or drafting tools, ability to use hand and power tools with precision.
• Expertise with accurate measurement taking and fabrication techniques.
• Understanding of archival and construction materials, familiarity with museum standard practices for exhibiting, handling, and storing art and objects.
• Excellent communication skills and initiative to collaborate on solutions for complex storage challenges, working with a team.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is normally performed onsite in onsite collections storage areas or workshop, with some desk-based work.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. 
• Ability to work at heights (up to 14′) using ladders/scissor lifts
• Some local travel to off-site storage locations may be required.

Benefits and Wages

Benefits: Medical & Dental (approximately 75% of premium covered by employer); HSA (employer contribution towards plan (medical) deductible); 401k (5% employer contribution); Pre-tax Commuter benefit; Group Term Life Insurance coverage up to $50k maximum; Short-term & Long-term disability coverage; PTO (Sick, Vacation & some Federal Holidays); Bruce Museum, AAM & NEMA Memberships; 20% discount in the Museum Store & Café.

Interested candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter and CV to jobs@brucemuseum.org with the subject line applicant’s last name and “Collections Move Preparator”.