Exhibition Preparator III - Mount Maker

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

Under occasional supervision and as part of a team, is responsible for the production of an assigned project or component of a project, serves as a lead preparator, or assumes overall responsibility for highly skilled production-related tasks, or supervision of a major shop area. May supervise up to 6 Preparators (I -II).

Duties and Responsibilities (in addition to those of Exhibit Preparator II):

• Fabrication of safe and stable structural support mounts for a variety of artifacts and specimens. Fabrication materials include metal, acrylic, fabric, and foam.
• Responsible for highly skilled mount-related tasks.
• Assists with artifact handling and transport within the museum, ensures safe storage of objects in the Mount Shop, tracks incoming/outgoing objects.
• May serve as lead on a project, supervising assigned staff, maintaining tools, equipment, and supplies, and coordinating with other departments, contractors, and suppliers. May coordinate with Conservation, Registration, and Collection Managers as needed.
• May assist with object photo documentation and measurements, database uploads into KEmu, and/or collecting and preparing materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.
• May be asked to train staff in mount making methods.
• May assume overall responsibility for the supervision and operation of a major shop area (welding equipment, safety, vault climate).
• May supervise a team of preparators (6 or fewer) for a period of time (6 months or fewer).
• May assist with determining specific material needs, quantities, construction sequences, finishes, and installation procedures. May initiate purchase orders.
• May participate in reviewing shop drawings, materials, and mount designs for projects.
• May assist with the organization and content of traveling exhibits, records, packing instructions, assembly information, inventories, and related tasks.

Qualifications:

• HS diploma or equivalent required, some college or formal training in a related area is preferred.
• Must have a demonstrated high level of proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and mount-making processes and techniques. Must have a broad knowledge of materials and hardware.
• Must have an integrated understanding of the work activities of the department and at least 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mountmaking, welding, brazing, archival processes, rigging, or specialized fabrication techniques.
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory skills is necessary.
• The ability to work as a team member is essential. Museum experience is highly desirable.
• This position requires the completion/passing of the pulmonary function exam and respirator test (post-employment offer, prior to the start date).

Pay: $29.00

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [email protected].