Assistant Preparator and Art Handler​/Technician, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke, VA

Assistant Preparator and Art Handler/Technician, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke, VA

Assistant Preparator and Art Handler/Technician

Updated:
November 2025

Department:

Exhibitions and Facilities

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Head Preparator and Art Handler/Technician

Assist Head Preparator and Art Handler/Technician with museum-quality art handling related to the display, maintenance, and long-term care of the Museum’s collection and implementation of the Museum’s active schedule of exhibitions and programs. Responsible for assisting Museum staff with fine art handling, storage, packing, transportation, installations, and all related preparation for the collection and exhibition objects and assisting facilities staff on an as‑needed basis with non-gallery related maintenance, repairs, and projects as assigned.

Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.

• Assist Head Preparator and Art Handler/Technician with all aspects of exhibition planning and implementation as assigned
• Assist Registrar with documentation, organization, storage, and inventory of all objects and exhibition-related objects as assigned
• Work in collaboration with Deputy Director of Operations and Project Management and with Facilities Manager as needed with non-gallery related maintenance, repairs, and projects as assigned
• Packing/unpacking, handling, and hanging, installing, or deinstalling artwork; matting and framing artwork, production and installation of mounts and other exhibition furniture as needed
• Oversee and participate in the safe movement and handling of all collections and exhibition objects in accordance with best practices and industry standard
• Assist with organization of storage locations, preparation of housing for collections objects in storage and for transportation purposes to and from the Museum and between offsite locations
• Movement, care, and placement of pedestals and vitrines used in installations and other projects
• Production and installation of gallery didactic labels, text panels, vinyl, and various exhibition signage for collection and exhibition objects; label formatting as necessary
• Observes and reports, when necessary, on the condition of elements within the Museum, including temperature, humidity, and the security of the works of art
• Assists with location tracking and documentation of art movement, updating museum collection database as needed
• Act as courier/representative for any off-site movement of objects as approved by the Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Collections
• Maintains gallery lighting, lighting storage, and supplies
• Responsible for installing, ensuring best display of digital media/video in Museum exhibitions
• Assists Head Preparator and Art Handler/Technician with budget and submitting purchase orders
• Other duties as assigned

• Practical knowledge of professional art-handling standards and procedures
• Practical knowledge of matting and framing techniques
• Art installation procedures, techniques, and methods and materials
• Understanding of professional object description and condition reporting terminology
• Competency in basic construction and fabrication techniques
• Excellent computer skills with proficiencies in use of spreadsheets, word processing and Windows-based graphics applications such as Sketchup Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign, or equivalent
• Logistical planning skills, especially concerning object movement and shipment
• Ability to work with other people in a cordial and effective manner
• Ability to work effectively with all units and levels of the organization
• Ability to function well with internal and external customers
• Capacity to pay attention to detail and accuracy
• Must be able to physically move artwork (big/small/heavy/light) and crates; pack, unpack and crate artwork; install artwork; climb ladders and be carried up to 80 feet on lifts

• Bachelor’s degree in studio art, museum studies, art history, or other relevant field preferred
• 2 years of art-handling, hands‑on experience in an art museum setting preferred
• Experience in fine…