Preparations Assistant

Details

Open Date 10 / 15 / 2025

Requisition Number PRN16447N

Job Title Preparator

Working Title Preparations Assistant

Career Progression Track C

Track Level P1 - Entry Level Pro

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Type Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary? No

Standard Hours per Week 1-19

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Dependant upon departmental schedule.

Hours of operation : Monday – Friday 9 : 00am-5 : 00pm

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00073 - Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $17.00 - $19.00

Close Date 01 / 15 / 2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts ( UMFA ) at the University of Utah seeks a detail-oriented, motivated, and collaborative Preparations Assistant to support the installation, care, and display of artworks across the Museum’s galleries. This part-time position plays an essential role within the Collections team, assisting the Preparator with exhibition preparation, installation, art handling, and gallery maintenance.

The UMFA is the state and the University fine arts museum, serving as a vital cultural resource for Utah and the broader region. Established in 1914, the Museum stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 22,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity across the globe. Through its exhibitions, programs, and collections, the UMFA advances understanding of the visual arts and their role in shaping and reflecting the human experience.

Working under the supervision of the Director of Collections, this position works closely with the Preparator. The Preparations assistant assists with all aspects of exhibition and gallery preparation, art handling, and maintenance in support of the Museum’s dynamic exhibitions program and collections care priorities.

Responsibilities

Exhibition Preparation and Installation

Assists with the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and gallery rotations.

Helps hang two-dimensional artworks and install three-dimensional objects and mounts.

Aids in matting, framing, and the fabrication of basic mounts and display supports.

Assists with exhibition lighting and installation of A / V and multimedia components.

Supports the installation of gallery graphics, labels, and signage.

Gallery Maintenance and Preparation

Prepares galleries for installation, including patching, painting, and surface finishing.

Performs regular gallery maintenance, including dusting pedestals, vitrines, and floors.

Assists in the cleaning and basic care of outdoor sculptures.

Helps organize and maintain exhibition tools, hardware, and materials.

Art Handling and Packing

Participates in the safe movement and packing / unpacking of art objects under supervision.

Handles museum objects according to established best practices and safety protocols.

Assists with incoming and outgoing art shipments

Fabrication and Shop Support

Aids in the construction of pedestals, mounts, and exhibition components.

Assists in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe wood and metal shop.

Ensures tools and materials are properly stored and inventoried.

Team Collaboration and Training

Works collaboratively with the Collections staff as well as staff members from other museum departments. This role may interact with individuals for exhibition-related tasks.

Attends weekly department meetings.

Participates in training on museum standards for art handling, installation, shop safety, and other trainings assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Five years experience in exhibit preparation, carpentry and fabrication, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Working knowledge of display techniques and specifications including understanding of various materials used in fabricating displays; ability to secure and pack materials for shipping. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are required in order to interpret instructions and present exhibit preparation information. This position is not responsible for providing patient care. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Minimum Qualifications

Experience in a woodshop and / or metal shop environment.

Familiarity with hand and power tools and a commitment to safe work practices.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.

Punctual, reliable, and able to manage time effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior museum, gallery, or fabrication experience.

Experience with art handling, installation, and basic mount-making.

Familiarity with matting and framing techniques.

Knowledge of basic exhibition lighting and A / V setup.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds safely and independently.

Frequent standing, bending, stooping, and reaching.

Ability to climb ladders and work at heights up to 20 feet.

Ability to operate a Genie or scissor lift (training provided).

Good vision or vision corrected to excellent with glasses or contacts.

Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals common to art preparation and fabrication.

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and / or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director / Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO / AA). More information, including the Director / Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at :

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

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