Minneapolis Institute of Art

Assistant Preparator

MINNEAPOLIS, MNPosted a month ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Minneapolis Institute of Art

  • Job overview

    The Assistant Preparator at Minneapolis Institute of Art is responsible for preparing, handling, and installing works of art to support exhibitions and museum operations.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves preparing gallery walls and exhibition furniture, handling and moving artworks safely, installing artworks inside and outside the museum, organizing storage areas, maintaining shop tools and supplies, and mounting labels for galleries.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers an hourly rate of $30.30 to $30.96, comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid life insurance, disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after two years, paid vacation, personal and sick days, and 11 paid holidays.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates need a BA in studio art or equivalent experience, at least one year of related museum or gallery work, knowledge of art handling, carpentry, and painting skills, plus physical ability to lift 75 lbs and operate various tools and equipment.

  • Work environment and culture

    The Minneapolis Institute of Art promotes an equitable, inclusive, and audience-centered culture valuing responsibility, positivity, and emotional awareness in a team environment.

  • Company information

    Minneapolis Institute of Art is a cultural institution focused on art exhibitions and education, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognized as an age-friendly employer.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is onsite at the Minneapolis Institute of Art with local and interstate travel for art delivery and collection.

  • Application process

    Applicants must apply online via the provided link; there is no set application deadline as postings remain open until candidates are selected for interviews.

  • Unique job features

    The job includes unique responsibilities such as handling valuable artworks, using specialized equipment like gantries and pallet trucks, and contributing to major exhibition setups.

Company overview

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a renowned art museum located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to inspiring wonder through the power of art. It houses an extensive collection of over 90,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years of world history, including pieces from diverse cultures and periods. Mia generates revenue through a combination of donations, memberships, grants, and special exhibitions. Founded in 1883, the museum has a rich history of community engagement and educational programs, making it a cultural cornerstone in the region.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your experience in art handling, carpentry, painting, and installation, emphasizing your ability to prepare and maintain gallery spaces as described in the job duties at Minneapolis Institute of Art.

  • Focus on showcasing skills related to safe handling and movement of artworks, familiarity with museum storage organization, and proficiency with tools and equipment such as hand and power tools, scaffolds, and trucks.

  • Apply through multiple channels including the Minneapolis Institute of Art's official job portal at jobs-artsmia.submittable.com and professional networks like LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.

  • Connect with current staff in the preparator or collections department at Mia on LinkedIn; ice breakers could include commenting on a recent exhibition or expressing admiration for Mia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'gallery preparation,' 'art handling,' 'carpentry,' 'painting,' 'installation,' 'museum storage,' and 'safety procedures' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple job posting locations, and discover relevant LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.

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