Position Summary
The Goldstein Museum of Design (GMD) in the College of Design (CDes) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Museum Preparator. The Museum Preparator is responsible for the movement and preparation of collection objects for photo documentation. The Museum Preparator reports to the Registrar. This is a grant-funded 50%-time (20 hours per week), 12-month civil service position. Funding for employment in this position runs through April 2024. This position requires full on-site work.

Salary Range: $20.80/hr – $22.12/hr

Responsibilities
Object Movement and Preparation – 70%
• Responsible for the movement and preparation of collection objects for photo documentation
• Carry out safe art handling of a broad range of objects from a collection of 25,000
• Work closely with photographer to set up and photograph collection objects
• Track object movement and record locations in the collections database

Project Management – 20%
• Discuss project needs and develop timeline for project completion in conjunction with the registrar, curator and photographer (GMD staff).
• Work cooperatively to keep projects on task and create effective solutions.
• Keep GMD staff updated on activities and actively participate in weekly meetings with GMD staff.
• Assist with development of operational policies and procedures.

Maintenance of Time and Work Space – 10%
• Maintain a record of work done each day referencing the project, time, and quantity of effort.
• Maintain cleanliness and functionality of work space, equipment, and facilities.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or related fields and 2 years of museum operations experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Working knowledge and understanding of standard museum practices and procedures
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to organize and plan schedules and to coordinate several tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and follow instructions
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Comfortable climbing ladders and the ability to lift 30lbs unassisted.
• Good written and verbal skills.
• Experience with use of databases and basic data processing.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience handling textiles, costumes and decorative arts and knowledge of costume history.
• Knowledge of the design disciplines, i.e., architecture, clothing design, graphic design, interior design, housing studies, landscape architecture, product design, and/or retail merchandising.

The Goldstein Museum of Design is the only design museum in the upper Midwest.  The Museum is devoted to advancing the understanding of design through exhibitions, research, preservation, and education.  Founded in 1976, the Museum’s emphasis on the design that touches people’s lives is based on the teaching and collections of Harriet and Vetta Goldstein, professors in the University’s Design Department from 1910 to the late 1940s.

https://design.umn.edu/goldstein-museum-design

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To be considered for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). Inquires on the search process may be directed to Zang Lee, HR Generalist, at [email protected].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to either attest that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or agree to comply with the University’s testing requirement. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

In the coming weeks the University will move from attestation to requiring all faculty and staff systemwide to submit proof of vaccination.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.  Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.