Job Title: Assistant Preparator

Department: CSFAC@CC - Museum

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/ Hourly

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 2080 Hours per year
• 12 Months per year
• 40 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

Set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado College is a place where individuals are determined to positively impact the world. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment where students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work together. Here, you are welcomed as a valued member of the community. Colorado College is a place to explore, grow, and thrive.

Job Summary

The Assistant Preparator plays a vital role in bringing exhibitions and collections to life at the Fine Arts Center Museum. This hands‑on position supports the full cycle of exhibition installation and deinstallation—from handling and mounting artwork to preparing galleries, constructing display elements, and maintaining tools and AV equipment. In addition to ensuring exhibitions are beautifully and safely presented, the Assistant Preparator helps keep museum spaces organized, functional, and visitor‑ready. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys craftsmanship, problem-solving, and working closely with museum professionals to create exceptional visual and educational experiences for the campus and broader community.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation of all exhibitions and permanent collection presentations, work closely with museum staff on exhibition scheduling, security, and implementation.
• Assist in the preparation, handling, moving and installing of artwork in galleries and collections storage areas.
• Support the installation and monitor all audio-visual equipment as needed for exhibitions and other presentations.
• Assist in the preparation, construction, installation, repair and storing of casework, pedestals, crating, mounts, lighting, wall colors, labels, text panels, graphics, signage, didactic components, AV equipment, and other exhibitions materials.
• Maintain and track inventories for Exhibitions Department items including building materials, tools, audio-visual equipment and other items.
• Maintain a clean, highly organized and properly equipped preparation area and exhibition supply carts; purchase tools, hardware, matting and framing materials as needed. Conduct scheduled gallery and facility inspections to ensure that works of art are secure and properly displayed, and that galleries and installation furniture are clean.
• Operate heavy equipment including scissor lift, Colorado College vehicles, and other equipment as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Some college/Associate’s degree plus a minimum of one year of experience in art handling and installation in a museum environment; basic knowledge of materials, construction and fabrication process; basic knowledge of conservation framing and mounting of paintings and works on paper, including photographs, prints, watercolors, drawings, and mixed media; some knowledge of mount fabrication and mounting practices for a wide variety of two and three dimensional objects; exceptional organizational, time management, problem-solving, and communication skills; proficient with computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and Illustrator; knowledge of hand and power tools and shop safety, basic carpentry skills; knowledge of current audio-visual technology; ability to adhere to a schedule; the ability to problem solve, work independently, and maintain a cordial and professional relationship with staff, visitors, faculty and students.
  
  

Physical requirements include climbing of ladders, bending, stooping, lifting heavy objects on a regular basis, operating equipment for movement of crates and lighting installation; daily, sometimes hourly, changes in priorities and tasks; frequent and various sorts of interruptions, and some irregular work hours; mental demands such as written and oral comprehension, spatial orientation, memorization, and mathematical reasoning.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A. or B.F.A. in a related field. Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

• Does not supervise others
• Position will not drive CC vehicles

Application Instructions

• Application Deadline - last day to submit an application: 3/1/2026
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

• $19.10 to $22.44 per hour

What We Offer:

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 0.085 vacation hours for each hour worked and 0.0462 hours of sick time for each hour worked
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Explore the Department: To learn more about the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, visit the current Exhibitions Page: Exhibitions

Accommodation Statement:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Colorado College, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (719) 389-6421 or HR@ColoradoCollege.edu

E-Verify Information:

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov

Benefits and Wellness Information:

Please refer to our Benefits Page

Leave Information:

Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html