Audio Visual Preparator

Job Title: Audio Visual Preparator

Department: Exhibitions

FLSA Status: Exempt Employment

Status: Full- Time

Union Position: Yes

Grade Level: 3

Salary: $74,510.60

Reports to: Director of Exhibitions Management

Position Overview

The New Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a skilled professional for the position of Audio Visual (AV) Preparator with expertise in time-based media art projects. The successful candidate will partner with the Chief Preparator, Production Preparator, and Preparator to complete the audio visual, digital, and multimedia installation needs of exhibitions, from the planning stage through installation and deinstallation. The AV Preparator will also work closely with the Director of Exhibitions Management, Registrars, Curatorial Department, Operations Staff, and Art Handling Crew on a varied portfolio of high-profile installations and artists' projects.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position includes full employee benefits and is represented by the Local 2110 UAW. The standard schedule is Sunday through Wednesday from 10:15 AM to 6:15 PM, and Thursday from 1:15 PM to 9:15 PM for the Museum's public late-night. Candidates must have the flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support the exhibition installation calendar.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for technical aspects of AV setups of exhibitions including research, planning, AV and technical design, production, equipment purchasing, installation and deinstallation, and maintenance of artist projects and exhibitions.
• Install exhibition AV including but not limited to running cables, mounting projectors and speakers, assembling LED structures and panels, and programming all AV components.
• Manage an up-to-date and accurate inventory of exhibition AV equipment, resources, and technical infrastructure.
• Maintain a clean and organized AV storage room and replenish stock of all AV related consumables.
• Assist in the production of AV-related exhibition furniture, mounts, and other AV related elements.
• Perform daily maintenance of all exhibitions and galleries including daily on/off procedures, pedestal, and platform cleaning, vacuuming, and sweeping, paint touch-up, etc.
• Work as part of the installation crew, including art handling and transport of art works, object lighting, and other installation activities for exhibitions, artist projects, and other events.
• Guide and assist part-time art handling crew during installation.
• In coordination with Chief Preparator, maintains stock of departmental supplies of PPE, gloves, general cleaning supplies, lamps for gallery use, and all standard exhibition related consumables.
• Other duties as directed within the scope of the AV Preparator's job responsibilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or a related field and at least 3 years' experience working with museum-quality AV installations is required. AV Preparators must be able to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds) and operate a scissor lift and pallet jack and be comfortable working at tall heights. Qualified candidates must demonstrate proficiency in audio systems and video components, workshop skills and safety, including hand and power tools. The ideal candidate will have a basic knowledge of electrical trade and interest in contemporary art, prior experience with SketchUp, and the ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Program through the Difference Card, Commuter Benefits Program through the Difference Card, Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, and other voluntary benefits.

Paid Time and Holidays Off

We offer full-time employees 15 days of paid time off, 8 sick days off and 13 holidays off as applicable throughout the fiscal year.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this JD describes you, then please apply for this role.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The New Museum's mission is simply "New Art, New Ideas." Founded in 1977 by curator Marcia Tucker with a bold vision of presenting contemporary culture in a critical and scholarly context, the New Museum has been a leader among contemporary art museums for over 40 years and is among the most respected internationally for its risk-taking curatorial program. The New Museum is a center for exhibitions, information, and documentation about living artists from around the world, focusing on emerging and under-recognized voices, and providing a platform for the artists who are defining our cultural moment. In 2007, the New Museum made history with the inauguration of its first permanent building at 235 Bowery designed by the Tokyo-based firm SANAA. Since opening its new location, over 4 million have visited or attended programs and events, and the Museum has 155 exhibitions featuring over 600 artists from 60+ countries in our galleries, as well as over 1,200 public programs ranging from live performances, conferences, residencies, screening, after-school programs, and family days. For more information about the New Museum and its programs, please visit


Equal Opportunity Employer

The New Museum of Contemporary Art believes that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity and we do not discriminate against our staff members or applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status provided they are qualified and meet the requirements for the job. The New Museum provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities. As per New York State Guidelines, all candidates hired must be vaccinated with the COVID vaccine.