Educational Specialist (Exhibitions Assistant & Preparator) (0080726) presso University of Hawaii, HI

About the Department

Title: Educational Specialist (Exhibitions Assistant & Preparator)
Position Number: 0080726
Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, Department of Art & Art History
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Date Posted: September 9, 2025
Closing Date: September 23, 2025
Band: B
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities:

• *Works under the direction of the Department Chair and Gallery Director and serves as the Educational Specialist (Exhibitions Assistant & Preparator) to provide support for the design, strategic planning, construction and execution of exhibits and displays.
• *Consults with the Gallery Director on projects within the Art Building Galleries, John Young Museum, and provides support at other art locations as required.
• *Collaborate with the exhibition team and Gallery Director to the development and implementation of exhibition designs including drafting design plans.
• *Plans, prepares and installs exhibitions, considering theme, aesthetics, and object relationships; gallery readiness (including wall work and contractor oversight); and coordinates and sets up exhibit lighting.
• *Prepares, installs and de-installs artwork according to museum standards.
• *Designs, constructs, and maintains mounts and display apparatuses in consultation with the Gallery Director, including framing, matting, shelves, cases and pedestals.
• *Develops safe installation procedures for all exhibits.
• *Consults with the Gallery Director and Assistant Gallery Director to implement appropriate care of permanent collection according to current best practices; facilitate documentation and record keeping of items.
• *Responsible for the safe and secure handling of artwork, in accordance with best practices, including unpacking and professional packing for shipment and storage, fabrication of custom crates and manages the receipt and release of art shipments, and coordinates insurance documents.
• *In coordination with the Assistant Gallery Director and University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) facilities, monitor and maintain appropriate climate (temperature and humidity) for the display and care of artworks.
• *Consults with the Gallery Director to develop and implement security procedures in relation to certain art objects.
• *Collaborates with the Assistant Gallery Director to photographically document exhibitions, artworks, and artistic processes to professional standards, ensuring proper organization and storage as permanent gallery records, as assigned by the Gallery Director and/or Department Chair.
• *Trains, supervises, and mentors students in exhibit design, fabrication, and installation and serve as a resource in these areas.
• *Collaborates with the Assistant Gallery Director to maintain comprehensive long-term records of all gallery activities, as assigned by the Gallery Director and/or Department Chair.
• *Attends and participates in meetings and ongoing communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• *Organizes shipments of artwork to and from the museum and galleries, assuring that the artwork is appropriately handled and safely transported, while considering budget allocations.
• *Researches vendors and procures supplies and equipment. 
• *Manages and organizes supplies and equipment storage and inventory.
• *Works closely with the Gallery Director to develop project budgets, manage payments, and track expenses while staying within budget allocations.
• *Maintains gallery and storage spaces, including artwork, equipment and physical infrastructure (floors, walls, ceiling, lights, doors, windows and display fixtures, etc), ensuring readiness for exhibitions and events. 
• *Collaborate with and assist other units within the department as needed, contributing skills to complete tasks that may be assigned outside of the scope of responsibility, as well as supporting overall departmental goals.
• *Assist with the setup for public, private, and gallery related events, including audio/video, and general support, which may occur at off campus locations and outside of normal business hours, weekends and/or holidays.
• Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes essential functions

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Arts and Sciences or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for preparator, installer, art handler or exhibition technician; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated. 
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of preparator, installer, art handler or exhibition technician as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with preparator, installer, art handler or exhibition technician.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software.
8. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Familiarity with exhibition design practices and a thorough knowledge of construction techniques and materials.
10. Ability to climb ladders to reach and work at a height of 16 feet.
11. Must be able to lift and carry various objects of up to 50 lbs (without assistance) pertinent to the normal course of exhibit installation.
12. Ability to visualize and distinguish colors and shades.
13. Ability to safely use power tools and specialized equipment.
14. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
15. Ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays, and/or at off-site locations.
16. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner.  Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation, which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications:  

1. Possession of a Masters degree in Studio Art, Art History, Design, or related field.
2. Demonstrated ability to be well-organized, detail oriented, and effectively manage multiple projects often under pressure and shifting priorities.
3. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently to manage assigned projects and deliverables.
4. Demonstrated skills in carpentry, woodworking, or metalworking.
5. Experience handling art objects of various types with an understanding of best practices and safe handling procedures
6. Experience in the restoration of Art objects of various types.
7. Experience installing media-based artwork or audio-visual equipment, and a working knowledge of exhibition lighting.
8. Proficiency with photographic and video techniques including image editing.
9. Experience with graphic arts including printing and production processes, art book design, InDesign, exhibition typography, and other layout programs.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, AutoCad, Rhino, Sketchup or other CAD software, Embark, and the ability to learn new computer applications.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the following required documents:

1. A cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications,
2. Current resume,
3. Official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required upon hire),
4. Names of three (3) professional references (including phone number and e-mail addresses).

Note: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.

Inquiries: Brad Evan Taylor, Department Chair, [email protected]

Position Duties

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
 In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
 
 In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. 
 
 Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/   

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