The Museum Exhibit Preparator will be responsible for the professional care, safe movement, and installation of objects from the collections of The University Museum and objects on loan to the museum from other institutions or individuals. Included in this responsibility is the supervision and care of the museum collections environment and preservation of objects ranging from routine cleaning to minor repairs and photo documentation in accordance with internal protocols and national museum standards and practices. The Museum Exhibit Preparator is also responsible for the transport of any museum objects, either moving on or off campus, including careful, appropriate packing/shipping and attendant record keeping.

Additionally, the Museum Preparator is responsible for the installation of all museum objects on campus and at local locations. This responsibility requires the planning, design and construction of display systems consistent with the standards of the museum profession (walls, pedestals, shelves, cases, frames, mounts, stands), taking into consideration the integrity of the objects, their security and the goal of accessible display throughout the University. This position also maintains all tools, equipment and supplies for the Museum Operations fabrication shop and collections storage areas. Further duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs and goals of the Museum and/or the University.

Candidates must have the ability to:
-Construct exhibition furniture, mounts, crates and storage housings using rough and finish carpentry and other fabrication techniques utilizing various kinds of lumber, drywall, metal, and other materials.
-Use, maintain, and repair stationary and portable hand and power tools in a large workshop.
-Carefully move, handle, house and precisely mount very large, small and fragile museum objects.
-Use, maintain and repair gallery and museum lighting systems.
-Lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
-Perform tasks at varying heights, use ladders and elevated platforms.
-Work while standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time.
-Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a large cargo van.
-Must be able to move large materials with mechanical assistance such as fork lifts, pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks.

This position is a current civil service vacancy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and will close to applicants at 11:59 p.m. CST, on the posting end date.  SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time (50% or more) employees including medical, dental and life insurance; tuition waivers; financial savings plans; vacation and sick leave; and pension plan as part of a total compensation package to eligible employees.

Applicants must submit a completed Civil Service Application, which must include complete employment history, through HireTouch. If you do not possess any employment history, you must indicate this within the employment history section of the application. Your application should reflect all relevant skills and experience related to the minimum qualifications listed for this position.  While a resume may be submitted with the application, data for each employer must be listed on this application form. (The words "See Resume" may only be used as a substitute in the section entitled "Specific Duties Performed".)  If the application is incomplete you will not be considered for the position as our office will be unable to evaluate your application to determine if you possess the required minimum qualifications. 

If qualifying by education or to qualify for a required educational requirement, you must submit your transcripts, including those for SIUE, at the time of application. Applicants qualifying for Veteran’s preference must submit a copy of form DD214 at the time of application. For additional information, please visit: Eligibility Criteria and Point Allocation and Proof of Eligibility.   Please submit any other licenses or certifications related to the position at the time of application.

To apply for this vacancy, click the “Apply for Position” button at the top of the job description page.  This will prompt you to access your existing HireTouch account or create a new account.  Only create a new account if you have NEVER done so previously.  After logging in or completing your new profile, you can then complete the application process for individual positions.  In your HireTouch account, you will upload all necessary documentation as requested above. 

For all Civil Service positions, Illinois residency is required within 180 calendar days of the start date for the designated position.

Applicants will be subject to a background check and/or drug screening prior to an offer of employment.  NOTE: Some positions are represented by a union and may require union dues.

For more information, please visit the Office of Human Resources website at www.siue.edu/human-resources or call Civil Service Testing at 618-650-2190.

1.  Any one or any combination of the following types of preparation:
     a)  Credit for college training leading to a major or concentration in museum exhibits-technology.
     b)  Credit for college training leading to a major or concentration in a field related to museum exhibits technology and/or design (such as industrial arts, graphic art, design, visual communications, or art).
     c)  Credit for college training leading to a major or concentration in any field.
     d)  Work experience that required the use of hand and power tools and a knowledge of construction techniques and planning.
     e)   Intensive training in museum exhibits technology and/or design in a recognized museum training program

    That totals -1.0 unit according to the following conversion rates:
        60 semester hours (or Associate degree) in “a” = 1.0 unit
        120 semester hours (or Bachelor's Degree) in “b” = 1.0 unit
        120 semester hours (or Bachelor's degree) in “c” = 0. 5 unit maximum
        3 years of “d” = 1.0 unit
        1 year of “e” = 1. 0 unit

2.  Demonstrated experience working independently in the use, maintenance, and repair of workshop tools and materials, such as hand and power tools, table saws, miter saws, drill presses, routers and with materials including various kinds of lumber, drywall, metals, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.

3.  Valid driver’s license.

-Two or more years working independently as a preparator or art handler in a museum or gallery or similar setting, with increasing levels of responsibility.
-Extensive knowledge of design and construction of museum and gallery exhibition furnishings and mounts fabricated via rough and finish carpentry and other material fabrication techniques utilizing materials such as metal and plastic.
-Experience matting and framing two-dimensional artworks.
-Excellent fine and gross motor skills and demonstrable visual and physical attention to detail.
-Training in fine art techniques and art history.
-Ability to use work processing, database, and desktop publishing software and digital photographic cameras.
-Ability to use museum collection management software such as PastPerfect or similar.
-Ability to perform digital graphic arts editing, printing and mounting techniques.