Job Description
Profile insights
Here’s how the job qualifications align with your profile.
Education
Bachelor's degree
(Required)
Job details
Here’s how the job details align with your profile.
Pay
$42,100 - $61,000 a year
Job type
Full-time
Work setting
University
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Full job description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Palmer Museum of Art is seeking a Museum Preparator to assist with exhibition installation, art handling, collections care, and shop maintenance.
The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania.
As a collaborative member of the preparation team, the Museum Preparator will strive to accomplish the museum's mission and to support its strategic direction as set by the Director and the senior leadership of the college and university.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Ensure the safe and proper installation of all artworks.
Participate in exhibition changeover duties, including preparing and painting gallery walls and exhibition furniture, installation of exhibition design elements, and assisting with lighting themes.
Assist in the construction of exhibition furniture and accessories, mounts, and any other exhibition-related needs.
Serve as team lead when installing special exhibition loans and permanent collection objects; supervising part-time staff, student interns, and contracted art handlers as directed by the Chief Preparator.
Assist with oversight of all art moves including transport of objects in collections care facilities.
Keep proper documentation of art and collection moves and specific projects.
Pack and retrofit crates as needed.
Assist with the packaging and storing of collection items.
Participate in gallery maintenance and preventative conservation (e.g., care of outdoor sculpture).
Other responsibilities include maintaining the gallery and back-of-house areas (e.g., the wood shop, storage facilities, and loading dock) and updating departmental inventories.
To complete the responsibilities of this position, the Museum Preparator will move and assist in moving heavy objects, as well as work near the top of the museum’s double-height ceilings – all with proper safety precautions.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of best practices in the field of museum preparation
Ability to think strategically and apply creative methods to solve installation problems
Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
Experience in fine art handling and installation, as well as working in a museum or gallery setting is a requirement. Candidates must also be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
This is a full-time staff position, reporting directly to the Chief Preparator.
The Palmer Museum of Art, located in The Arboretum at Penn State, is situated administratively in the College of Arts and Architecture. For more information on the Palmer Museum of Art, please visit our website at: https://palmermuseum.psu.edu/ .
About the Palmer Museum of Art
A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, the Museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty, and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs and outreach, the free Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns.
An expansive 21st-century teaching museum, the Palmer Museum of Art is a beacon for advancing the arts and humanities on Penn State’s University Park campus and throughout its diverse communities. The Palmer is dedicated to catalyzing groundbreaking research, scholarship and publications and providing impactful, object-based learning for Penn State and K-12 students. The Palmer’s rewarding and thought-provoking exhibitions and programs promote visitor participation, belonging and discovery. In January, the Palmer was voted one of ten winners in the national USA Today 10Best contest for Best New Museums of 2026.
About the College of Arts & Architecture:
The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State is a comprehensive arts and architecture community including academic programs in architecture, landscape architecture, music, theatre, visual arts, graphic design, and art history, with a center for the performing arts, and a university art museum, which collectively serve as important cultural resources that provide educational engagement programs for Penn State and area communities. The college is committed to artistic and scholarly creativity, research, community engagement, and the preparation of specialized practitioners in all the arts and design disciplines, along with community engagement in its programs.
In addition, the college is home to several research centers, institutes and initiatives, which foster a vibrant culture of inquiry that promotes excellence within the arts and design disciplines, while at the same time leveraging the potential of a comprehensive research university. There are approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the college. The college is housed in sixteen buildings on the University Park campus. It includes performance spaces, gallery/exhibition spaces, a lighting and design lab, computer labs, special subject libraries, specialized studios and a stage lighting archive.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning ******* and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, ****** assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-XXXXXX.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Here’s how the job qualifications align with your profile.
Education
Bachelor's degree
(Required)
Job details
Here’s how the job details align with your profile.
Pay
$42,100 - $61,000 a year
Job type
Full-time
Work setting
University
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Full job description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Palmer Museum of Art is seeking a Museum Preparator to assist with exhibition installation, art handling, collections care, and shop maintenance.
The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania.
As a collaborative member of the preparation team, the Museum Preparator will strive to accomplish the museum's mission and to support its strategic direction as set by the Director and the senior leadership of the college and university.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Ensure the safe and proper installation of all artworks.
Participate in exhibition changeover duties, including preparing and painting gallery walls and exhibition furniture, installation of exhibition design elements, and assisting with lighting themes.
Assist in the construction of exhibition furniture and accessories, mounts, and any other exhibition-related needs.
Serve as team lead when installing special exhibition loans and permanent collection objects; supervising part-time staff, student interns, and contracted art handlers as directed by the Chief Preparator.
Assist with oversight of all art moves including transport of objects in collections care facilities.
Keep proper documentation of art and collection moves and specific projects.
Pack and retrofit crates as needed.
Assist with the packaging and storing of collection items.
Participate in gallery maintenance and preventative conservation (e.g., care of outdoor sculpture).
Other responsibilities include maintaining the gallery and back-of-house areas (e.g., the wood shop, storage facilities, and loading dock) and updating departmental inventories.
To complete the responsibilities of this position, the Museum Preparator will move and assist in moving heavy objects, as well as work near the top of the museum’s double-height ceilings – all with proper safety precautions.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of best practices in the field of museum preparation
Ability to think strategically and apply creative methods to solve installation problems
Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
Experience in fine art handling and installation, as well as working in a museum or gallery setting is a requirement. Candidates must also be able to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
This is a full-time staff position, reporting directly to the Chief Preparator.
The Palmer Museum of Art, located in The Arboretum at Penn State, is situated administratively in the College of Arts and Architecture. For more information on the Palmer Museum of Art, please visit our website at: https://palmermuseum.psu.edu/ .
About the Palmer Museum of Art
A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, the Museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty, and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs and outreach, the free Museum is a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns.
An expansive 21st-century teaching museum, the Palmer Museum of Art is a beacon for advancing the arts and humanities on Penn State’s University Park campus and throughout its diverse communities. The Palmer is dedicated to catalyzing groundbreaking research, scholarship and publications and providing impactful, object-based learning for Penn State and K-12 students. The Palmer’s rewarding and thought-provoking exhibitions and programs promote visitor participation, belonging and discovery. In January, the Palmer was voted one of ten winners in the national USA Today 10Best contest for Best New Museums of 2026.
About the College of Arts & Architecture:
The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State is a comprehensive arts and architecture community including academic programs in architecture, landscape architecture, music, theatre, visual arts, graphic design, and art history, with a center for the performing arts, and a university art museum, which collectively serve as important cultural resources that provide educational engagement programs for Penn State and area communities. The college is committed to artistic and scholarly creativity, research, community engagement, and the preparation of specialized practitioners in all the arts and design disciplines, along with community engagement in its programs.
In addition, the college is home to several research centers, institutes and initiatives, which foster a vibrant culture of inquiry that promotes excellence within the arts and design disciplines, while at the same time leveraging the potential of a comprehensive research university. There are approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the college. The college is housed in sixteen buildings on the University Park campus. It includes performance spaces, gallery/exhibition spaces, a lighting and design lab, computer labs, special subject libraries, specialized studios and a stage lighting archive.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning ******* and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, ****** assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-XXXXXX.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Museum Preparator, Palmer Museum of Art position is now open for candidates interested in the Helper Jobs sector. This role in University Park offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Helper Jobs is a plus.
