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Lead Installer/Preparator

Appalachian State University
$40,766-42,912
United States, North Carolina, Boone
287 Rivers Street (Show on map)
Apr 16, 2025
Position Summary Information


Classification Title Curatorial Specialist
Working Title Lead Installer/Preparator
Location Boone, NC
Job Category 5
Position Number 088351
Department Office of Arts Engagement - 540400
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in the area related to the area of assignment and one year of experience, which demonstrates the attainment of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions
The Lead Installer/Preparator is a curatorial specialist position at Appalachian State University. This position is instrumental to the implementation of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts' programming through the supervision of and participation in all technical and mechanical aspects for the preparation and installation/de-installation of approximately 12-15 exhibitions per year in 6 changing gallery spaces and additional interior and exterior sites across campus (Smith Gallery - Summer installation in conjunction with An Appalachian Summer Festival, Arts Corridor, and the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition), as they relate to the Center's mission.
The Installation Manager, Lead Installer/Preparator reports directly to the Curator and works closely with the Collections Manager at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and is a vital member of the Turchin Center's curatorial team.
Areas of Responsibilities & Duties include:
Installation:

  • Facilitates the installation and de-installation of exhibitions including site-specific and new media installations using museum best practices
  • Manages the receiving, shipping, handling, packing, and storage of artworks according to museum standards
  • Designs and fabricates custom mounts and exhibition furniture, building and installing temporary walls
  • Oversees lighting and HVAC monitoring in the galleries and works with the Collections Manager to monitor the permanent collection storage facilities.
  • Coordinates and manages art installation schedules with the Curator, Collections Manager, Housekeeping, Visitor and Donor Services, Curatorial Assistants, and any additional contract personnel as necessary


Gallery Management and Maintenance:

  • Supervises the general maintenance of all gallery spaces, workspaces and tool storage. This includes daily gallery inspections and daily inspections of works on view in temporary exhibitions and assisting with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, deterioration, etc. with the Collections Manager and Curator
  • Performs weekly gallery walkthroughs, as well as, scheduling and supervising a team of interdepartmental staff who perform daily security walkthroughs to check for security, temperature and humidity, pest, or any other concerns with collections manager
  • Coordinates with the Office Manager in submitting work orders to the university's department of facilities, working with facility personal to implement necessary upgrades, repairs, and various building improvements in the Turchin Centers physical structures
  • Must have good dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to climb and work on ladders up to 75 feet in the air for extended periods of time, to reach works of art above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects (up to 75 pounds).
  • Coordinates the installation of the Outdoor Rosen Sculpture exhibition and Arts Cooridor including contracting the crane and rigging services.

Leadership/Supervision:

  • Trains and supervises student workers assisting with preparation, installation and de-installation to complete all projects on schedule
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team-oriented environment in the department that extends to other museum departments.
  • Serves as the Emergency Building Coordinator by assisting university safety and emergency personal.

Organizational Functions:

  • Fully participate as a team member of the TCVA staff by working closely with staff colleagues in the curatorial, education, outreach, marketing, visitor/member services, administrative and financial areas of the center's operations
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning sessions and retreats, and other meetings, as necessary

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

  • Knowledge and study of studio art, museum studies, art history or other fields related to the arts
  • Tested art handling and project managing skills
  • Graphic design proficiency desired
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work under deadline
  • Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree in studio art, museum studies, art history, or a related field
  • 3 years of related experience
  • Graphic design proficiency

Type of Position Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type 1.0
Work Schedule/Hours
40 hours per/week (8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday), with occasional evening and weekend hours required.
Number of Hours Per Week 40
Number of Months Per Year 12
Mandatory Staff No
Physical Demands of Position
Must have dexterity, visual-motor coordination and ability to climb and work on ladders and operate a genie lift up to 50 feet in the air, for an extended period of time. To reach works of art above shoulder level and to lift heavy objects, up to 75 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Overall Competency Level Contributing
Salary Grade Equivalency GN07
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range $40,766-42,912
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.
Program Management:

  • Supervises the general maintenance of all gallery spaces, workspaces, tool storage, and all art storage facilities. This includes daily gallery inspections and daily inspections of works on view in temporary exhibitions and assisting with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, deterioration, etc. with the Collections Manager and Curator
  • Performs weekly gallery walkthroughs, as well as, scheduling and supervising a team of interdepartmental staff who perform daily security walkthroughs to check for security, temperature and humidity, pest, or any other concerns
  • Coordinates with the Office Manager in submitting work orders to the university's department of facilities, working with facility personal to implement necessary upgrades, repairs, and various building improvements in the Turchin Centers physical structures
  • Coordinates the installation of the Outdoor Rosen Sculpture exhibition including contracting the crane and rigging services.


Managing Work & Performance:

  • Facilitates the installation and de-installation of exhibitions including site-specific and new media installations using museum best practices
  • Manages the receiving, shipping, handling, packing, and storage of artworks according to museum standards, including the design and implementation of long-term storage solutions for the museum's permanent collection
  • Designs and fabricates custom mounts and exhibition furniture, building and installing temporary walls
  • Oversees lighting and HVAC monitoring in the galleries and works with the Collections Manager to monitor the permanent collection storage facilities.
  • Coordinates and manages art installation schedules with the Curator, Collections Manager, Housekeeping, Visitor and Donor Services, Curatorial Assistants, and any additional contract personnel as necessary.

Professional Knowledge:

  • Fully participates as a team member of the TCVA staff by working closely with staff colleagues in the curatorial, education, outreach, marketing, visitor/member services, administrative and financial areas of the center's operations.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings, planning sessions and retreats, and other meetings, as necessary.
  • Shares knowledge regarding best practices in exhibition installation with professional colleagues, student employees and interns.

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.


Posting Details Information


Posting Date 04/16/2025
Closing Date 05/01/2025
Competency Level Statement Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach required documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • List a minimum of 3 professional references with contact information

Search Chair Name Mary Anne Redding
Search Chair Email reddingm@appstate.edu
Applicant Pool Preference External (Post on the Web)
Departmental Information


Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/50528
Posting Number 201502863P
Applied = 0

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