Preparator (Instructional Support Technician II)

It is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in demand comprehensive university that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.  

About the Position: 

Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts is an essential part of the creative fabric of Southern California, proudly serving as both an academic and cultural resource. We are a living laboratory for the arts, where success is measured in lines of dialogue, phrases of choreography, sheets of music and slabs of clay. Our alumni leave lasting legacies by contributing to the vitality of the arts nationally and globally and can be found in all facets of the thriving art and entertainment industries. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Preparator (Instructional Support Technician II). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

The Preparator (Instructional Support Technician II) will be part of exciting new galleries and programming of the Visual Arts Complex. Under the direct supervision of the gallery director, the Preparator will maintain exhibit spaces and work with artists and collaborators. The Preparator is responsible for all aspects of design, fabrication, construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of exhibit spaces.

This role requires a deep understanding of art handling techniques, conservation practices, and exhibition organization. Matting and framing skills are highly desirable. The position is responsible for creating a visually compelling display environment by building walls, gallery furniture, mounts, pedestals, painting, installing labels, signage, and lighting. In addition to handling and securing art objects, they are responsible for the safety of the objects. Supervise the handling, packing, unpacking, and installation of artworks for exhibitions. Ensure that artworks are transported safely to and from the institution, using appropriate packaging and transportation methods. Collaborate with director/curators and exhibition collaborators designers to determine the layout and placement of artworks within exhibition spaces. Provides professional gallery service to the other campus stakeholders collaborating on gallery projects. Conducts regular condition assessments of artworks to identify any signs of damage or deterioration. Coordinate with conservators to address any necessary conservation or restoration work. Ensure that artworks are displayed and stored in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage from environmental factors.

Train and assist a team of primarily student art preparators and technicians, providing guidance and training in art handling best practices. Schedule and assign tasks to preparators art preparator team to ensure efficient workflow during the installation and de-installation of exhibitions. Maintains an inventory of art handling equipment, including crating materials, lifting devices, and display hardware. Procures necessary supplies and equipment to support the art preparator team. Maintains detailed records of all artworks, including condition reports, installation documentation, and loan agreements. Creates and update databases or digital records to track the location and status of artworks. Assists the gallery director with correspondence emails and other daily administrative duties. Expand the gallery’s technical and Health and Safety Training and manage technical shops. Implements security protocols to protect artworks from theft or damage. Ensures the safety of staff and visitors during the installation and de-installation processes. Assists in budget planning for art preparation and installation activities. Monitor expenditures and seek cost-effective solutions for art handling projects. Other duties as assigned.