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Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Preparator II
Job Summary:
The Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture at the School of Human Ecology is seeking applicants with a minimum of three years of post-baccalaureate work experience in art handling and installation in a museum or gallery setting.
The Preparator is a key role at the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture (the center) that leads technical aspects of the center’s exhibitions. This position reports to the Engagement Manager for Exhibitions and Programs and works closely with the Collections Manager, guest curators, and student hourly Exhibition Prep Assistants. The Preparator is responsible for the physical and logistical aspects of exhibition fabrication, including collaborating on exhibition design, planning and implementing production workflow, exhibition installation and lighting, and gallery maintenance. The Preparator is responsible for specialized object handling and the fabrication of mounts for objects in the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection and objects on loan to the center for exhibition in the Ruth Davis Design Gallery and Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery.
The Preparator is also responsible for the care and organization of the galleries’ workspace and resources, including specialized equipment, gallery display furniture, and material and supply inventory and orders. This includes the ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, ensuring proper shop upkeep, gallery maintenance and cleaning, and the orderly inventory and storage of gallery furniture, tools, and supplies.
In addition, the Preparator must demonstrate the ability to contribute positively to a small team environment and to both give and receive constructive feedback and direction, fostering a collaborative and respectful working atmosphere across all exhibition and program activities.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The work performed in this position requires the following physical abilities and environmental conditions:
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects, equipment, and materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to squat, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with the preparation, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of exhibitions.
The position involves regular interaction with delicate artworks, exhibition materials, and specialized tools and equipment, as well as participation in shop maintenance and workspace organization.
Responsibilities include maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace, including the care and storage of tools, equipment, and materials used in fabrication and installation.
Typical schedule may be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, these hours may be flexible. Final schedule will be determined with the final candidate at time of hire. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet gallery installation and event schedules.
A valid driver’s license is required for this position. The selected candidate must complete Driver Authorization through UW–Madison prior to operating any university vehicle. Additional information is available at UW–Madison Driver Authorization and Insurance.
This position is anticipated to start on January 11, 2026. Final determination of start date will be made at time of hire
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Handles and prepares collections within established policies
- Supports the installation and maintenance of permanent galleries and traveling exhibitions
- Assists in fabrication and construction of collection or exhibition related components
- Conducts basic monitoring of environmental conditions in storage and galleries
- Assists in maintaining and utilizing specialized equipment related to the work of the section
Department:
School of Human Ecology, Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture:
The Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture is the primary destination for the multi-disciplinary study of material culture and design at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The center focuses on the study of textiles, material culture, and design and is a hub for innovative programs that engage local, national, and international audiences. The Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, the Ruth Davis Design Gallery, and the Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery support the work of the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture. See https://cdmc.wisc.edu
Compensation:
The starting salary for this position is $26.25/hr. Final salary will be determined at time of hire based on experience and qualifications of the final candidate.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.
Required Qualifications:
A strong background in fabrication with skills in carpentry, painting, and using power tools and demonstrated hand skills and experience making museum quality mounts using appropriate archival materials (fabric, foam, acrylic, archival board, wood, etc.)
Experience managing multiple projects and competing deadlines concurrently, including developing and implementing time-sensitive workflows for fabrication, gallery preparation, and installation
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with museum loan protocols, including packing, unpacking, condition reporting, and coordination with lenders
Education:
BA or BFA required
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.
You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
Applicants should attach a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
Interviews will include a technical interview related to the job responsibilities of this position.
The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.
Applicants for this position will be considered for the titles of Preparator I and Preparator II. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist. Pay will be commensurate with experience.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Kyle Brown, kyle.brown@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
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Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
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