Join Our Team

A Diverse Staff of Dedicated and Passionate People

The Eiteljorg Museum seeks to attract, recruit, and support a diverse staff of talented people. We offer competitive packages and practice equal opportunity employment policies. In this section, find listings for any open positions.

Preparator

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art seeks to find a Preparator to join our team. This is a full-time position that includes benefits such as retirement, health, vision and dental insurance, paid time off, and short/long term disability.

The Preparator is responsible for: the preparation of collection items for exhibition in the museum galleries including, mount-making, sewing, hinging, matting and framing. They are responsible for the overall safe and efficient movement, installation, and de-installation of collections, loans, and exhibitions items; initial installation and maintenance of lighting in exhibitions areas; and working with contractors for gallery preparation for exhibitions. The Preparator reports to Director of Museum Collections and will work with the Registrar, Collections Manager, and Director of Exhibitions and Graphic Design.

To Apply: Please submit résumé and portfolio to personnel@eiteljorg.com by June 16, 2023. Address all materials to Allison Evans, Director of Museum Collections. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.

Please note that a job offer will be contingent on completion of a successful background check.

Job Description

Position title: Preparator
Reports to: Director of Museum Collections
Department: Collections

Status: Full-time, exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Preparation

  • Preparation of items for exhibition in museum galleries.
    • Matting
    • Framing
    • Mount-making for 3-D items
    • Clothing form preparation
    • Some sewing and other preparation needs
  • Collaborate with Registrar on collections care and travel safety to build, prepare and/or outsource mounts for outgoing loans.
    • Create installation guidelines for loan items as needed.
  • Participate in yearly budgeting process with Director of Museum Collections and Director of Exhibitions & Graphic Design.

Exhibitions

  • Lead install and de-install exhibitions.
    • Install and de-install artwork (2-D and 3-D) in galleries for all exhibitions and rotations.
    • Work with Director of Museum Collection and Director of Exhibitions & Graphic Design on scheduling installations and de-installation.
    • Schedule and oversee outside contractors for exhibitions, including painters, additional installers and/or mount makers, off-site storage company, etc.
    • Work with Registrar on any mount needs for incoming loans for exhibitions.
    • Ensure that collection care standards are enforced during all installations and de-installations.
  • Lighting
    • Install lighting for exhibitions.
    • Maintain lighting in all galleries/exhibitions.
    • Maintain a working knowledge of museum lighting and practices.
  • Gallery maintenance
    • Work with the Collections Manager to maintain a cleaning schedule for items on display.
    • Train housekeeping, interns, and volunteers to clean the galleries.
    • Ensure proper case and plexi bonnet care that houses art on display.
  • Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies for exhibit preparation.
    • Submit requests for supplies and materials as needed to supervisor.
  • Maintain the mount room and woodshop ensuring they are clean, organized, and equipment is in working order.
  • Coordinate with appropriate staff on the organization and use of the off-site storage facility.

Collections Care

  • Remain current with approached and developments in materials and techniques used in preparation and display of museum collection.
  • Assist in ongoing reorganization of storage.
  • Assist in housing items in the collection to appropriate archival storage.
  • Participate in a full inventories and spot checks of the collection.
  • Assist in location updating in the collections management system when items are moved.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements / Qualifications

Requirement / Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in studio arts or related field preferred
  • Minimum 3-5 years’ experience with fine art handling, mount making, and installation
  • Ability to hinge, cut mat, and frame works on paper
  • Demonstrated experience making mounts for 3-D items
  • Ability to read and follow diagrams and schematics
  • Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, hydraulic lifts, fork and scissor lifts, rigging, and, scaffolding
  • Ability to retro-fit and build some crates for traveling artwork
  • Excellent problem solving skills, organization, and communication skills
  • Must know desktop software including: Google drive, Dropbox, Outlook calendar, Microsoft office products, and comfortable using collections management software (The Museum System (TMS) knowledge a plus)

ADA REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to climb ladders and work from an elevated lift.
  • Must be able to endure long periods of standing and working upright.
  • Must be able to safely operate power equipment.
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
  • Must have a valid driver license.
Additional Information

A DIVERSE STAFF OF DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE: The Eiteljorg Museum seeks to attract, recruit and support a diverse staff of talented people. We offer competitive benefit packages and practice equal opportunity employment policies.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is a major cultural institution that has developed a national reputation for excellence. The Eiteljorg Museum shares the art, history and diverse cultures of Native America and the American West in all their diversity and complexity. As a 501c3 nonprofit, the Eiteljorg Museum conducts compelling art exhibitions and engaging programs for the public. In 2019, the museum celebrated 30 years of telling amazing stories.

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Museum Info

Monday – Saturday:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday:
Noon – 5 p.m.

500 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Jun 04
Jun 07
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