Seasonal – Preparator

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis seeks experienced preparators to join the installation
team and implement the physical execution of museum exhibitions. Preparators report to the
Registrar and work closely with the curatorial department. CAM has two installation periods per
year, ranging from three to four weeks, in which all current exhibitions are packed, galleries are
reconfigured, and new exhibitions are installed. The upcoming installation period is August
11–September 5, 2025.

Responsibilities

  • Pack, unpack, and install works of art including, but not limited to, paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations
  • Prepare and paint galleries and display furniture, including demolition and wall preparation
  • Install wall text and vinyl
  • Perform basic carpentry and construction projects as needed 
  • Install and test A/V equipment

Qualifications

  • Experience handling and installing all types of art objects, lighting, gallery preparation and painting, framing, and fine art packing
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Communicates effectively and carries out instructions precisely
  • Works well under pressure and meet deadlines 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds comfortably and work at heights over 10 feet
  • Mechanical ability and shop experience with hand and bench tools; basic carpentry skills
  • Knowledge of fabrication with wood, metal, plastics, electrical, and electronic components
  • Experience moving heavy objects and the attendant use of pallet jacks or lifts
  • Ability to work while standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time
  • Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Working Schedule

This is a temporary, seasonal position. Working hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm,
with possible late nights and/or weekends.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The pay range for this
position is $22–$26/hour.

Application Instructions

Please click “Apply Here” to be forwarded to the application portal. To apply, you must create a
free account for Submittable. You will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to
those received by July 11. 

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you require
reasonable accommodations to participate in an interview, complete an application, or any part
of the hiring process, please contact Erica Buss at ebuss@camstl.org to discuss your needs.

Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity,
and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We will continually strive to achieve a welcoming
environment in all our spaces, where staff, artists, board, and community feel reflected and
valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values will guide and impact all the
decisions the museum makes, both internal and external, so that we are choosing a path toward
ongoing transformation. We embolden ourselves to carry out these values by:

  • acknowledging our place in and actively working against our national problem of systemic racism and white supremacy;
  • ensuring that underrepresented voices are included and heard;
  • seeking out and building partnerships that represent our DEAI values;
  • continuing to be a free gathering space and an open forum for ideas.

We enthusiastically take on the work of change. To remain true to these core values, we will
hold ourselves accountable through a perpetual process of reflection and responsive action.

About the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis works to enrich lives and inspire curiosity, creativity,
and learning through experiences with contemporary art. Focused on a dynamic array of
changing exhibitions, the Museum reflects and contributes to the global cultural landscape while
engaging thousands of visitors through a wide array of public programs. CAM nurtures the
creative minds of our city’s youth through free, in-depth art education, making a long-lasting
impact on the community. We are a site for discovery, a welcoming space, free and open to all.
CAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, family
responsibilities, national origin, or veteran status. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive
culture.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications
for a given role. If most of this job description describes you, we encourage you to apply.