Preparator

Job Title: Preparator
Employment Full-time, Permanent Exempt
Location Mount Vernon, NY
Reports to Registrar and Lead Preparator
IC or Manager: Individual Contributor - No direct reports

About the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation:
The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation expands the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008) who believed strongly in the power of art as a catalyst for social change. The Foundation delivers on its mission through ongoing research and support for exhibitions, while sustaining the well-being of innovative artists and the work of socially engaged institutions that embody the same risk-taking, inclusive, and multidisciplinary approach that Rauschenberg exemplified in both his art and philanthropic endeavors. The Foundation primarily supports small to midsize arts and socially engaged organizations that are contrarian and experimental, even courageous, in driving towards equity. In addition, the Foundation amplifies the creative life of artists and scholars across the disciplines through residencies, commissions, and accessible public platforms. Finally, the Foundation supports research, exhibitions, publications, academic partnerships, and special projects across the globe that promote the legacy of Rauschenberg’s joyful, responsive, and irreverent approach to making work while living an empathetic and meaningful life.

Position Summary:

The Preparator plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and presenting our extensive art collection. This position is responsible for the meticulous design, construction, and maintenance of custom housing for our collections, as well as the preparation of artworks for domestic and international exhibitions, loans, and consignments. Based at our state-of-the-art storage facility in Westchester County, NY, this on-site role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and excels in both technical skills and creative problem-solving.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Expertly move, pack, and install artworks for exhibitions, viewings, audits, consignments, loans, and conservation projects.
• Supervises small teams of art services staff, contractors, and conservation fellows as needed.
• Occasionally travels as installation and transport courier, as needed.
• Maintain and update precise database records for artwork location tracking, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Executes, files, and catalogues art movement receipts and bills of lading.
• Provides guidance on art handling, transportation, and installation, addressing any technical or logistical challenges that arise.
• Upholds and enforces safety and environmental regulations throughout all preparatory and handling activities.
• Makes, updates, checks, shares, and files condition reports and handling/installation instructions.
• Maintains supply inventory of warehouse consumables and handles all re-orders and stocking.
• Supports the development and refinement of procedures and best practices for art handling, storage, and installation to enhance operational efficiency and collection care.
• Performs additional duties as may be relevant and pertinent to the role as required to support the Foundation’s mission and art services operations.

Experience & Skills Required:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in art services is required. Must be a self-starter, a team-player, and be able to work independently on long-term projects.
• A strong knowledge of museum standards for art handling is required.
• The ability to safely operate power tools such as table-saws, mitre-saws, band-saws, and drill-presses is required. Experience using pallet jacks, j-bars, and dollies is required.
• Must have extensive experience packing artwork: choosing and using archival materials to construct boxes, slip cases, portfolios, folios, travel-frames, and complex sculpture trays.
• Must be able to safely lift and maneuver large, complex objects mechanically and physically on a daily basis.
• Must be comfortable reviewing and executing receipts, expects, and bills of lading.
• Certified experience operating a forklift preferred but not required.
• Experience working with Conservators or an interest in conservation is preferred but not required.
• Experience reviewing condition reports and loan agreements is preferred but not required.
• Bachelors, MFA, or related degree preferred with fluency in spoken and written English. Advanced computer skills: Mac OS X, MS Office, Filemaker Pro, Adobe.
• Experience using SketchUp and/orAutoCAD is preferred but not required.

ADA Specifications:

Physical requirements: Lifting and moving heavy objects (in excess of 50 lbs), bending, kneeling, crouching, standing for long periods of time, etc.

Compensation & BenefitS:

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans with generous employer contribution, tuition reimbursement and other perks.

As an equal opportunity employer and in our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment, the Rauschenberg Foundation strives to attract a diverse mix of talented people. Opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in art organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

 orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in art organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.