Preparator

MUSEUM SCI (009723)

UCPath Position ID: 40102753

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

807851

Approved Date:

6/16/2025 5:30:14 PM

Date Last Edited:

6/16/2025 5:30:11 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

12/1/2014

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:

40102753

Position Description ID

165196

UC Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI (009723)

Business Title:

Preparator

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40063997

Reports to Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI SR

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40062610

Department Head Payroll Title:

REGISTRAR COLLECTION MGR 1

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Chief Preparator, perform professional duties specific to art handling; matting and framing works of art; and exhibition installation. Serve as lead preparator on temporary exhibitions as assigned, assuming responsibility for installation from planning to completion. Additionally responsible for handling, hanging, installing, and packing art works according to museum standards for all temporary exhibitions under the supervision of the Chief Preparator. In conjunction with fellow preparator and under the supervision of the Chief Preparator, mat and frame all pending works for exhibition and loan, in addition to re-housing the museum's collection for long-term storage. Assist with incoming and outgoing loans for the museum, all daily art movement of the museum's collection and temporary exhibitions, and perform regular maintenance of the museum's exhibition galleries. Ideal candidate must be able to work as team leader on assigned projects as well as collaboratively as part of a team.

The Hammer Museum believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world. We champion the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations. 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 present the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us. A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs—including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances—that spark meaningful encounters with artistic expression.

EXHIBITION INSTALLATION

1. Act as lead art handler for specific temporary exhibitions as assigned by Chief Preparator, including scheduling and coordination with curator, artist, registrar, and exhibition crew.

2. Develop daily schedule and direct art handlers during installation, ensuring schedule and timelines are met.

3. Coordinate with other departments involved in installation, such as Design, Communications, and Curatorial, as necessary.

4. Develop solutions to complex installations and oversized works and present to supervisor and Exhibitions Registrar for review.

5. Coordinate and facilitate installations of exhibitions organized by other institutions; travel to other institutions to compile information for installations as necessary.

6. Assist Chief Preparator in overseeing the movement of all artworks from the loading dock or museum art storage to the galleries.

7. Maintain daily communication with and assist Registration Department regarding in-house art movements or shipments on an as-needed basis.

8. Manage and maintain exhibition lighting for assigned exhibitions in consultation with Chief Preparator and appropriate curator.

9. Assist with regular maintenance of exhibition galleries.

10. Assist with maintenance of gallery lighting; ordering/stocking of materials/equipment needed by department on a regular basis.

50%

EXHIBITION MATTING AND FRAMING

1. Manage framing needs for exhibitions and permanent collection under the supervision of Chief Preparator and Director, Registration and Collections Management and in consultation with appropriate curator.

2. Develop and implement framing schedules for exhibitions.

3. Develop and manage framing budgets for exhibitions under the supervision of Chief Preparator.

4. Process framing and material invoices for payment.

5. Determine sizes for mats, outside dimensions, and corresponding windows.

6. Cut mats for works of art on paper with a high level of accuracy.

7. Hinge or attach works to mats or mounts using reversible and archivally-sound methods and materials.

8. Frame works for exhibition and loan according to museum standards using archival materials and methods.

9. Create safe and archivally-sound mounts and cradles for books and portfolios.

10. Work occasionally with outside vendors on large and/or complex framing jobs.

11. Work with appropriate curator to select appropriate frame type and appearance.

12. Work with registrars and conservators to devise appropriate housing for works of art within museum conservation standards.

13. Devise and execute methods for wrapping and packing works of art for transport.

14. Manage and maintain frame inventory in consultation with Chief Registrar and Assistant Preparator.

15. Assist Chief Preparator in scheduling pending exhibition matting and framing projects.

30%

PERMANENT COLLECTION

1. Manage in-house collection storage facilities under the supervision of Chief Preparator, and assist Registration Department in inventory duties as requested.

2. Develop, propose and implement upgrades to permanent collection works, such as glazing, liner replacement, and environmental chambers, to improve the works both aesthetically and for long-term preservation.

3. Design and implement long-term storage solutions for permanent collection works on- and offsite, specifically utilizing archival and seismic guidelines, in consultation with Chief Preparator and Director, Registration and Collections Management.

4. Prepare works from permanent collection for outgoing loan, such as improving hardware, and suggesting proper packing and crating, in consultation with Chief Preparator and Director, Registration and Collections Management.

5. Manage and schedule rotations of artwork in Grunwald Study Center in consultation with Director, Grunwald Center and Assistant Registrar.

6. Attend industry conferences and share information on current packing and crating methods with preparators and registrars.

7. Serve as courier for outgoing loans from the Permanent Collection as necessary.

20%

•

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

and/or equivalent combination of education and experience/training

Required

Bachelor's Degree

in studio art, art history, or related field

Preferred

3+ year

Experience as a preparator in a public gallery or 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, including film and video works.

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

Detailed knowledge of exhibition and display lighting, conservation light levels, materials and construction techniques for display, furniture, and light construction

Required

Skill with appropriate and specialized tools needed to accomplish art handling and installation tasks, including power and hand tools needed for light carpentry

Required

Knowledge of materials for packing, crating, and storage of art works; knowledge of hardware for hanging, stabilizing, and mounting art work, paint and application techniques

Required

Demonstrated ability to perform calculations to determine window and matsizes and skill in accurately cutting mats

Required

Demonstrated skill in operating mat cutting equipment and air compressor and in framing works of art

Required

Skill in speaking to persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds to provide and/or obtain necessary information; ability to interface diplomatically and professionally with the public and outside vendors on a regular basis

Required

Skill in working independently and following through on assignments  with minimal direction; demonstrated organizational and time management skills; Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing

Required

Ability to operate heavy installation equipment; ability to operate and care forelectric hydraulic scissors lift

Required

Knowledge of drafting and drawing; ability to read detailed drawings and architectural drawings

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.

Ability to work overtime 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

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.