Job Description

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 climb ladders and work safely at various heights within gallery, exhibition, and workshop spaces.
– 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.
– Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while handling, transporting, and installing artworks and display components safely and efficiently.
– Work is performed in museum, gallery, and workshop environments that require adherence to established safety and operational procedures.
– 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.
– The role may occasionally require work outside standard business hours to meet exhibition schedules and deadlines.
– Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training are provided and required as appropriate to the tasks being performed.

Work Schedule:
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.

Driver Authorization:
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.

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 with at least one aspect of the center’s tripartite focus on material culture, textiles, and design
– Demonstrated knowledge of professional museum collection care and object handling procedures
– Experience supporting exhibition design and consulting with designers and curators to plan and realize technical aspects of exhibitions
– Experience managing multiple projects and competing deadlines concurrently, including developing and implementing time-sensitive workflows for fabrication, gallery preparation, and installation
– Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience with museum loan protocols, including packing, unpacking, condition reporting, and coordination with lenders
– Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral properties of fabric and textiles, as relevant to both mount making and preparing textile artifacts for display
– Knowledge of historical objects and skills for working with them
– Demonstrated ability to train and supervise others; willingness to teach preparator skills and tasks to student hourly employees

Education:
BA or BFA required

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Local area, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,

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