Museum Preparator & Curatorial Assistant

The Jule Collins Smith Museum is excited to begin the search for a Museum Preparator & Curatorial Assistant! Reporting to the Chief Preparator in the Curatorial Affairs, the Museum Preparator and Curatorial Assistant provides overall support to the unit, particularly regarding exhibition installation/deinstallation, the safe handling, transportation, and storage of art, and the maintenance of the curatorial fabrication and other workspaces. An integral member of the Curatorial Unit, the position works in alignment with colleagues to ensure safe, professional, prompt and efficient operations of exhibitions and collections initiatives, all to support the implementation of the Museum’s vision of a highly creative, outward- facing, visitor-centered institution in service to the university, the region and the nation that welcomes everyone to explore, experience and engage with the visual arts.

About Auburn: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.

It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!

Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions in the gallery environment, including attending to lighting, fabrication and installation of exhibition signage and didactics, painting, and safe handling of art objects, such as hanging artworks, packing/unpacking outgoing and incoming art shipments, or transporting art, including out of town.
• Provides general support and assistance in matting and framing activities, pedestals, and other fixtures fabrication, and other types of construction and finishings, such as industry standard packing/shipping containers, crates, and strong boxes. Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment in workspaces as required.
• Assists in the maintenance of the collection and its associated records through the collection management software platform, including data entry, filing, and scanning; also create vault labels, object identifier tags, and object location tracking and other related tasks.
• Conducts research on artists for curatorial projects and acquisitions, and assist writing didactic text for exhibitions, collection support materials and other copy.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: May be responsible for training, assisting or assigning tasks to others. May provide input to performance reviews of other employees.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelors degree in Cultural resources, such as Art History, Arts Education, Education, Museum/Cultural/Visual Studies, Public Humanities, Cultural Studies, Museum Studies, or related field.

Experience:
At least 1 year of experience working within the cultural arts field focused on assisting in research, exhibition installation, and design in an arts and culture environment or spaces for diverse community audiences.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge in cultural resources along with an understanding of and respect for art/history and the materials, techniques, and creation of art objects.
• Knowledge of exhibition installation and maintenance materials, tools, and methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of museum ethics and principles.
• Broad understanding of the field of visual arts, including a range of historical periods, cultures and artistic trends, and a willingness to learn about subjects and material outside of the art history canon.
• Knowledge and successful use of transcultural, cross-disciplinary and non-linear approaches.
• Strong attention to detail, demonstrating a high level of accuracy.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, artists, and other arts and education professionals.
• Positive, enthusiastic, and calm demeanor that conveys openness, curiosity and decisiveness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues from different cultural and social backgrounds, varying ages, language skills, and physical abilities that utilizes high-level emotional intelligence.
• Excellent communication, organization and time- management skills.
• English language fluency; Spanish or Korean fluency is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently collaboratively on multiple projects within a deadline-driven environment.
• Forward thinking, innovative and willing to experiment.

Minimum Technology Skills

Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Minimum License and Certifications

Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Collector Systems or other collection management systems is desired.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range

$34,500-$51,800

Job Category

Arts/Museum

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

May vary based upon exhibition schedules and deadlines.

City position is located in:

Auburn

State position is located:

Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Frequently requires lifting up to 25 pounds. Occasionally requires lifting more than 100 pounds.

Posting Date

04/07/2023

Closing Date

EEO Statement

Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://www.auemployment.com/postings/36277
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter