Description

Job Summary
Responsible for safely handling artwork, and the installation/deinstallation of the museum's collections and exhibitions to ensure the visual integrity and physical safety of the objects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Core Exhibition and Fabrication Duties

1. Art handling: Handle, move, and store artworks and exhibit fixtures using museum best practices.
2. Exhibitions: Install and deinstall exhibitions, pack/unpack/store artwork containers, set lights and lighting levels, produce and install graphics (lettering, labels, images, etc.), set up new media artwork (projectors, audio equipment, computers, etc.), and build artwork mounts following museum material and art collection standards.
3. Construction: Use hand and power tools to construct gallery fixtures (cases, pedestals, platforms, shelves, props, etc.) and art shipping containers. Order and maintain construction and shop materials. Arrange for and work with University Facilities & Services staff and outside contractors.
4. Collaboration: Work with curators and other staff to prepare and mount artworks for exhibits. Work with and train students and hourly workers. Assist with workshops demonstrating fabrication and installation skills.
5. Design: Under the supervision of a design and installation specialist, work with curators and other staff to design simple exhibitions.

 Operational and Support Duties

1. Maintenance: Clean displays, maintain gallery appearance, lighting, and fixtures.
2. Manage and clean the workshop and dock/storage spaces including equipment and fixtures.
3. Documentation: Prepare packing guidelines and installation instructions for traveling artworks.
4. Photograph objects or containers to assist with the installation/deinstallation process.
5. Transportation: Transport artworks on campus, locally, and regionally using museum best practices.
6. Assist with art collection emergency planning and recovery.
7. Perform related duties as assigned. 
8. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3108 - Museum Exhibits Preparator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search.  The budgeted salary range for the position is $39,000 to $48,750. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough
assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints.

Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 23, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button on the job posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

1. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:

 A. college course work in museum studies, art, industrial arts, graphic arts, design, visual communications or a closely related related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

• semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months).
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months).
• Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

B. work experience that required the use of hand and power tools and knowledge of construction techniques and planning.

2. Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a museum, gallery, fine arts shipping/storage facility, or art conservation center

Class C driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to use and maintain hand and power tools.
2. Knowledge of woodworking materials and tools.
3. Ability to use painting and basic cleaning materials.
4. Ability to learn and apply techniques for handling, mounting, and installing museum objects.
5. Ability to learn lighting system techniques.
6. Ability to learn to operate equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, art dollies, and lifting straps.
7. Ability to perform basic graphic arts and photographic documentation.
8. Ability to interpret and specify designs in drawings and written instructions.
9. Ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
10. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (with reasonable accommodations).
11. Ability to communicate effectively.
12. Ability to create, modify, and install various audio and video technologies.
13. Ability to matte and frame artworks to museum standards.