Associate Preparator, Mount Maker (Full-Time)

Company Description Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here. When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person. That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people). We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events. Job Description The Associate Preparator at the Portland Art Museum requires a solid foundation in museum standards and art handling practices, along with specialized proficiency in mount making. The Associate Preparator acts as a model for Assistant Preparator during the preparation, installation, and strike of all exhibitions, at times giving direction and making sure proper protocols for art handling, storage, and display are being met. Under the direction of Chief Preparator and Supervising Preparator this is a collaborative, hands-on role that is both attentive and fast-paced, meeting both the goals of executing exhibition schedules safely and maintaining the museums objective in collection care and understanding current priorities. In this role, you will Performs the duties of Mount Maker, including working with Conservation and Curatorial staff in installation planning when mount making is neededIn absence of the Chief Preparator and Supervisory Preparator, the Associate Preparator serves as a backup to ensure timely project completion and careAssists Chief Preparator in all aspects of exhibitions including, carpentry and related shop work, painting, lighting, mount making, art handling, packing and installationAssists Chief Preparator and Registrars in, shipping and receiving of artworks, crate moving, unpacking and packing, crate building and retrofitting, and local and regional pickup and delivery of artworkAssists in maintaining workshop including, cleaning and organization of shop spaceAssists Registrars and Conservators in collection maintenance, organizing storage, rehousing objects, seismic mitigation, and collection documentationAssists in maintaining general appearance of galleries including cleaning of exhibit furniture/casework, dusting, and changing of lightsAssist with maintenance and troubleshooting of new media electronic artworks and displaysAttend meetings as necessaryTrain new staff as necessaryPerforms other related duties as assigned To be successful in this role, you have these requirements Minimum 3-5 years experience in art handling or similar field Experience installing and adjusting custom artifact mountsKnowledge of basic art rigging techniques, a plusKnowledge of shop safety and use of hand/power tools and willingness to learn and adhere to OSHA safety guidelinesKnowledge of safe art handling practices and principles of professional museum collection care and respect for works of artResponsibly demonstrates workplace safetyEffectively communicates verbally and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisor, staff, and other co-workersWillingness to work under the direction of visiting Couriers from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and different countriesSuccessfully fabricate from working diagrams and oral instructions to finished products in a variety of materialsWillingness to learn and follow ADA guidelinesStrong problem solving and analytical abilities, including practical math, geometry, and precise measurement skillsDemonstrated knowledge of professional museum installation techniques If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR. Job conditions & physical activities Schedule/Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 3:00pm (35 hours per week)Onsite/Not RemoteOccasional nights and weekendsExtensive close workConstantly standing, walking, bending body to wait, use of fingers, talking, reaching, hearing, feeling, handling, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and graspingFrequently push/pull/lift/carry up to 50 lbs (use of carts, wheels, etc.)Frequent repetitive motion of feetFrequent repetitive motion of hands and wristsOccasional outdoor work This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs. Benefits This role is non-exempt/hourly and full-time The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade H ($27.96 minimum - $32.70 midpoint - $37.45 maximum), based on experience Shift differentials (for hourly/non-exempt staff working onsite):Evening hours (6:00 pm-12:00 am) will be paid an additional $1.00 per hourNight hours (12:01 am-6:00 am) will be paid an additional $2.00 per hourMedical, dental, and vision insuranceRetirement plan with employer match Generous paid time off and holidaysEmployee perks and discounts Application Process for Associate Preparator Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. Application deadline We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.