Lead Preparator

The AGA is seeking a full-time Lead Preparator. Reporting to the Exhibitions Manager, the Lead Preparator will provide coordination and technical assistance for the production, presentation, preparation and maintenance of AGA exhibitions; and for the care and maintenance of the AGA’s permanent collection. The Lead Preparator provides assistance to curatorial staff, exhibiting artists and visiting curators. Working within the Preparator team, the Lead Preparator has a focus on the coordination and supervision of the execution of production needs. This includes the organizing of production related information, providing technical guidance during the development of projects, the delegation of tasks among the Preparators, and the scheduling and supervision of the Assistant Preparators.

Please submit your cover letter including the position you are applying for and resume by email.

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Responsibilities and Duties

The Lead Preparator will focus on the following tasks:

Participation in exhibition and installation planning to determine appropriate methods, scheduling, staffing, equipment and materials required for the production of visual art installations and exhibitions.

Provision of expertise to curatorial staff and visiting artists on methods, priorities and technical requirements for the handling, installation and lighting of works of art in all media.

Assistance in the design of floor plans and overseeing the production of Gallery space reconfigurations (wall construction and demolition) for exhibition installations.

Sourcing and ordering of materials, equipment and supplies required for the functioning of exhibition installations, collections maintenance and other related projects.

Ensure that the Preparator team tasks are accomplished on time and museum standards are maintained and timelines are followed.

Establish a communications system to coordinate with the Exhibitions Manager, Production Coordinator, Curators and other members of the Preparator team about the planning and progress of projects.

Hire, train, schedule and supervise Assistant Preparators for exhibitions installation and other related projects.

The Lead Preparator will coordinate the Preparator team to complete the following tasks:

Supervision and participation in the construction, renewal and painting of temporary and permanent gallery walls.

Supervision and participation in the physical mounting and securing of works of art in appropriate display environments.

Construction and testing of specialized hanging hardware according to the specific needs of works of art.

Installation of audio/visual systems needed for exhibitions, including: specialized mounting and electrical requirements.

Installation of two and three dimensional objects as well as multimedia artworks.

Installation of lighting in gallery exhibition spaces in keeping with museum standards.

Supply inventory and ordering of installation materials, including: lumber, hardware, packing materials, tools, paint, etc.

Assessing physical properties of works of art to determine strategies for their safe transportation.

Artwork moving and handling, including driving and delivery of art works. Operation of Gallery vehicles during the transportation of works of art and other supplies.

Operation of forklifts and other heavy equipment needed for the installation of exhibitions and movement of crates and other materials.

Maintenance of AGA exhibitions and the preparation of operating manuals for use by staff.

The construction of specialized display fixtures and cases with regard to the individual requirements and sensitivities of each work of art, including: pedestals, display cases, shelving, etc.

Artwork preparation, including: the design and fabrication and maintenance of archival matting and framing systems for artworks in keeping with archival standards set by the Canadian Conservation Institute.

The construction of appropriate stretchers, strainers and handling/transportation/storage frames for the safe display and storage of paintings.

Providing expertise in the design and construction of specialized archival containers to ensure the safe storage and transportation of works of art.

Planning, coordinating and constructing travelling exhibition crating systems in keeping with the archival standards of the Canadian Conservation Institute and standard AGA procedures.

Preparing packing and crating instruction manuals for use by exhibition borrowing venues.

Provision of expertise and execution of appropriate methods of preventative conservation in the handling, storage and shipping of artworks in the Gallery’s collection and in national traveling exhibitions.

Perform other duties as assigned.

A BFA or MFA degree would be an asset or equivalent knowledge of art materials and practice

A minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in a similar role.

Class 5 driver’s license is required; Forklift and Aerial lift platform training is an asset.

Experience with a wide range of workshops tools.

Familiarity of Occupational Health and Safety and Museum Archival Standards.

This position often requires standing or sitting for a period of seven and a half hours and lift up to 40lbs.

Police Security Check is required.

You must have legal authorization to work in Canada and maintain this status throughout your employment with the AGA.

This is a full-time position commencing November 2, 2026. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please submit cover letter including the position you are applying for and resume by email to sara.mckarney@youraga.ca

Deadline: October 7, 2026

The Art Gallery of Alberta is an equal opportunity employer serving diverse communities. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Apply Now

The Art Gallery of Alberta

The AGA is committed to promoting diversity and representativeness within our organisation. We strive to provide and maintain a fair and equitable environment for all by valuing and respecting individual differences for our enrichment and that of the community we serve.

The Art Gallery of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional land of diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Nitsitapi / Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe. We also acknowledge all the Indigenous, Inuit and Metis peoples who make Edmonton their home today.

The Art Gallery of Alberta is an equal-opportunity employer serving diverse communities. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.