JOB TITLE: MUSEUM PREPARATOR 2, PHMC

JOB CODE: 26720

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Museum Preparator job series describes work in the presentation and physical care of the museum artifacts and collections for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in the restoration, preparation, reproduction, construction, installation, and maintenance of museum artifacts and exhibits for fine art, natural science, and history collections in the state museum and at field sites.

An employee in this job performs advanced technical work in carpentry, painting and refinishing, metal-working, and other trade methods to preserve, construct, present, and maintain museum exhibits, artifacts, period reconstructions, and other display components. Work involves researching the characteristics of historical collections; testing a variety of materials and restorative methods to replicate a periodization; and using proper methods, tools, and techniques to produce historically accurate results. Work includes refinishing, reproducing, and restoring antique wood, metal objects, and surface areas for period rooms and exhibit structures. Work may also include providing technical training to lower level preparators and museum staff. Work is performed with considerable independence and reviewed by the Exhibits Section Chief or a PHMC administrator for achievement of goals and objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job based on the responsibility for fabricating replacement parts and models when methods are not well established, which involves conducting experiments to identify the chemical nature and physical properties of artifacts, and developing methods and techniques for accurate restoration.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Restores, preserves, designs, constructs, assembles, and maintains museum artifacts, period architectural reconstructions, decorations, and other museum and exhibit components.

• Operates, maintains, and assists in the repair of machines and tools used in carpentry, painting, finishing, model building, metalworking, and other similar trades.

• Researches and interprets the chemical nature and physical properties of artifacts; conducts experiments with chemical, cleaning, and adhesive products.

• Designs and fabricates tools, models, and missing parts from woods, metals, plastics, glass ceramics, and other natural and synthetic materials.

• Provides guidance to lower-level staff in the reconstruction of interior surfaces, furnishings, and fittings of a room to authentically represent a period in history.

• Trains and instructs lower level preparators in the methods and techniques of museum preparator work.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to safely utilize tools, equipment, and materials of the multiple skilled trades.

• Knowledge of the physical properties and characteristics of woods, metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, stains, and other materials used to restore, preserve, construct, or fabricate artifacts and exhibit components.

• Skill in machining, carving, cutting, and finishing techniques used to restore, construct, and install museum artifacts, exhibits, and exhibit components.

• Ability to employ museum industry techniques for maintaining natural science exhibits and museum dioramas.

• Ability to research, experiment, duplicate, and develop methods for restoring and producing historically authentic artifacts.

• Ability to adapt materials, tools, and techniques for use in solving new and unusual problems.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a Museum Preparator 1 (Commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of experience in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of museum displays of which three years is required to be at the skilled level.

or

• Three years of skilled work experience in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of museum displays and an associate degree in archeology, art, history, museum studies or a related field.

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training