Job Details

Preparations Assistant

Position Number: 6650508
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Museum & Arts Administration

Preparations Assistant

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

Requisition Number: PRN16447N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: Dependant upon departmental schedule.Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Department: 00073 - Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $17.00 - $19.00
Close Date: 1/15/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190380