Chief Preparator

MUSEUM SCI SR (009722)

UCPath Position ID: 40063997

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

703784

Approved Date:

4/4/2025 4:40:25 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/4/2025 4:40:22 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

9/22/2014

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1211D

Division:

PUBLIC ARTS UNIT

Department:

047500 - HAMMER MUSEUM

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40063997

Position Description ID

164935

UC Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI SR (009722)

Business Title:

Chief Preparator

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40062610

Reports to Payroll Title:

REGISTRAR COLLECTION MGR 1

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40063750

Department Head Payroll Title:

CURATORIAL MGR 3

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

9723

Museum Scientist

10.5

0

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Preparator supervises art handling and collection management for the museum, including all incoming and outgoing loans and daily art movement of the museum's collection and temporary exhibitions.  Incumbent is responsible for managing the handling, packing, and storing of artworks according to museum standards, including the design and implementation of long-term storage solutions for the museum's permanent collection.  The incumbent hires and supervises three full-time preparators, assigning lead preparator and framing roles to each; hires, trains, and supervises the part-time installation crew; manages the crew schedule for each exhibition; and manages all administrative functions related to the crew.  The incumbent also oversees the installation and de-installation of all temporary exhibitions, while actively participating in the movement, hanging, and placement of artwork.  Additionally, the Senior Preparator supervises the maintenance of all gallery spaces and preparator facilities.

The Hammer Museum at UCLA believes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are integral to fulfilling our mission to illuminate lives and build a more just work through art and ideas. We actively seek out different perspectives to broaden and enrich our understanding of the world. We believe this inspires thoughtful and provocative exhibitions and programs that serve the vibrant and varied communities that make up the city of Los Angeles. The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We share the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us.

ART HANDLING AND COLLECTION MAINTENANCE

1.  Supervise and direct all incoming and outgoing loans and daily art movement of the museum’s collection and temporary exhibitions under the general direction of the Director, Registration and Collections Management.

2.  Responsible for managing and overseeing the packing and crating of all incoming and outgoing loans per instructions by the Director, Registration and Collections Management and Registration department.

3.  Plan and oversee the movement of all artworks from the Museum’s loading dock or museum art storage to the galleries.

4.  Develop budgets, assign and oversee all in-house framing projects – an estimated 300-400 works per year.

5.  In consultation with Director, Registration and Collections Management, design, implement and manage long-term storage solutions for the permanent collection on- and offsite, specifically utilizing archival and seismic guidelines.

6.  Maintain communication with and assist Registration department regarding in-house art movements and shipments on a daily basis.

7.  Maintain in-house collection storage facilities according to museum standards.

50%

EXHIBITION INSTALLATION AND CREW MANAGEMENT

1.  Recruit and hire all full-time and part-time preparators.

2.  Supervise three full-time staff preparators, assigning lead preparator and lead framing roles to each for exhibitions.

3.  Complete evaluations and continuously manage performance for full-time and part-time staff.

4.  Manage part-time installation crew (up to 25 art handles at a given time)

 • Interview and recruit temporary preparator crew for each exhibition; assess skillsets and propose appropriate pay rates; closely monitor 1,000-hour limit; terminate staff as necessary

 • Maintain crew schedule for each exhibition

 • Review and approve preparator crew timesheets

 • Supervise crew in the installation and de-installation of all temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries, while actively participating in the movement, hanging, and placement of artwork

5.  Manage and maintain all exhibition lighting.  

6.  Source, purchase, and prepare all installation materials in advance of pending exhibitions in consultation with the Assistant Director, Exhibition Design and Production

30%

GALLERY MAINTENANCE

1.  Plan and implement special and routine maintenance of all exhibition spaces; ensure that lighting and electronic equipment are in working order, and oversee the condition of each gallery on a daily basis.

2.  Plan and implement daily maintenance of all exhibition-related AV equipment.

3.  Plan and oversee replacement of lights, equipment repair, and repainting of gallery walls as needed.

4.  Immediately report any of the following to Director, Registration and Collections Management, Assistant Director, Exhibition Design and Production, and curator in charge of the exhibition: damage to artwork; damage to exhibit material; irregularities in hygrothermograph chart readings; equipment malfunctions; security concerns.

15%

PREPARATIONS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION

1.  Plan and implement maintenance and organization of the preparator facilities, including Preparator Room, woodshop, department storage, photo documentation room, frame shop and workrooms.

2.  Manage and maintain museum lighting materials inventory, including but not limited to ordering replacement lights and special fixtures as needed.

3.  Maintain all exhibition-related tools, including scissor lift, hand tools and woodshop equipment.

4.  Manage and maintain installation material inventory, including all paint, tools, hardware and wrapping material; plan and implement routine inventory checks before and after each installation period.

5.  Process and prepare internal paperwork associated with ordering tools and materials.

6.  Devise and implement methods for keeping collection storage and preparation areas well organized and neat.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and/or equivalent combination of education and experience/training

Required

5+ years

Experience as a preparator in a public gallery or a museum

Required

Detailed knowledge of museum standards for packing, crating, handling, and installing artworks in both traditional mediums such as works on paper and paintings, as well as non-traditional contemporary media

Required

Knowledge of museum standards for housing works from the collection for long-term storage – specifically, identifying appropriate archival materials

Required

Knowledge of loss-prevention techniques – specifically, security hardware and earthquake mitigation, for works on exhibition and in storage

Required

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including technical writing

Required

Detailed knowledge of exhibition and display lighting and conservation light levels

Required

Extensive skill with appropriate and specialized tools needed for art handling and installation, including power and hand tools need for light carpentry

Required

Knowledge of hardware for hanging, stabilizing, and mounting artworks

Required

Knowledge of basic audio visual equipment, including setup and care of DVD players, video projectors, and sound systems

Required

Knowledge of materials and construction techniques for display, furniture, and light construction

Required

Skill in working as part of a team, motivating and directing supervisees, collaborating with colleagues, and assisting visiting professionals

Required

Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Ability to work overtime, including nights and weekends

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

Hammer Museum

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.