Assistant Preparator

Department: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Classification: Museum Technician
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular Ongoing
Salary: $20.98 - $31.63 per hour
FTE: .5

Review of Applications Begins

November 21 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration a complete application must include:

1. A current Resume/CV.
2. A cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will only be contacted once you are notified.

Motivated candidates will bring experience and innovative ideas regardless of meeting every preferred competency or qualification. Please apply if you meet some of the key qualifications and would enjoy working with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art team to support innovation in art installation exhibition design and cultural engagement.

Department Summary

The University of Oregons art museum located on Kalapuya Ilihithe traditional Indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya peopleopened its doors to the public in 1933. Designed by Ellis F. Lawrence then Dean of Architecture & Allied Arts at the University of Oregon the museum was built to house the Murray Warner Collection of Asian Artmore than 3700 works donated by Gertrude Bass Warner. After a major renovation and expansion the museum reopened in 2005 at 70000 square feettwice its original sizeas the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA). Over 20000 square feet are dedicated to exhibitions and related programs serving both the university and the broader community.

The only academic art museum in Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features engaging exhibitions significant collections of historic and contemporary art and dynamic educational programs that support the universitys academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities. The collection includes more than 17000 works of art across all media with extensive holdings in Asian art (Chinese Japanese and Korean) Pacific Northwest art Russian icons European and American modern and contemporary art and Latin American art. Special exhibition galleries display works from the collection and on loan representing many cultures of the world past and present.

JSMA Mission Statement: To foster global understandings of art and cultural histories by working with faculty students and communities to contribute to a more just equitable and sustainable world.

Vision: We envision a world where art artists and cross-cultural understandings are essential for a holistic education and a healthy society.

JSMA Values:
Transformative learning through art and museums.
Student faculty and public engagement with art.
Scholarly excellence and innovation.
Artists voices and creative insights.
Diverse cultures communities and experiences.
Equity inclusion and accessibility.
Social justice relevance and accountability.
Empathy compassion and well-being.
Meaningful collaborations and sustained relationships.
Responsible collection stewardship and fiscal oversight.

Position Summary

The Assistant Preparator plays a vital role in preparing installing and caring for artworks in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Arts permanent collection traveling exhibitions and the dynamic Shared Visions program. Shared Visions showcases significant new acquisitions from recent auction house purchases requiring frequent installations de-installations and careful coordination of artwork movement.

In this role you will:

Assist with weekly Shared Visions activities prepare galleries support shipments and help ensure timely high-quality installations and de-installations.
Assist with preparing and installing exhibitions paint galleries refurbish mounts and pedestals mat frame and hang artworks of varying size and weight.
Assist with fabricating and installing interpretive elements create and place labels signage and casework to professional museum standards.
Assist with handling and storing artworks safely pack unpack and organize artworks in storage; document movement and condition in the museum database.
Assist with traveling exhibitions support shipments flexing your schedule to meet deadlines and accommodate deliveries.
Collaborate across museum teams work with conservators registrars curators designers and fellow preparators to meet exhibition goals.

This position follows an anticipated schedule of Monday 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. and Wednesday 8:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. with flexibility required to accommodate art shipments and exhibition deadlines in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

The position reports directly to the Designer/Lead Preparator with additional guidance from Associate Preparators the Collections Manager and the Registrar.

Minimum Requirements

Two years of general carpentry experience involving both basic construction work like framing and finish work such as cabinetry.

Professional Competencies

Knowledge of industry standards in handling works of art in a wide variety of media including painting sculpture textiles works-on-paper ceramics metalwork glass stone and new media.
Knowledge of industry standards for proper packing and crating materials and techniques for works of all media.
Knowledge of basic setup of audio-visual technology including proximity sensor alarms and willingness to master new technology as needed.
Strong computer skills using programs relevant to job responsibilities such as Adobe Photoshop Illustrator and SketchUp.
Sensitivity to sustainable practices in the reuse of materials.
Ability to operate a personnel lift pallet jack and a variety of hand and power tools with precision and dexterity.
Ability to make independent decisions when problems arise.
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively with museum staff university departments and vendors to accomplish the goals and mission of the museum and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university in museum studies fine art art history history anthropology or a closely related field.
Two years of experience in art handling and installation.
Experience working in institutions dedicated to objects of historical and/or cultural significance.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503 Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees including health insurance retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process please email us or call .

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions) age physical or mental disability genetic information (including family medical history) ancestry familial status citizenship service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law) veteran status expunged juvenile record and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs activities and employment practices as required by Title IX other applicable laws and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information related policies and complaint procedures are listed here.

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