Preparator (Fixed-Term/Temporary Coverage)
About the Foundation
The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg by fostering interdisciplinary creativity and supporting artists, scholars, and change-makers. Focus areas include expanding access to Rauschenberg’s work, nurturing emerging artists through residencies, and promoting art’s role in social issues.
Position Summary
RRF is seeking a skilled and experienced Preparator for a temporary, fixed-term assignment. The Preparator will support the care, handling, movement, and installation of artworks across the Foundation’s programs. The initial assignment is for a five-month period, primarily providing coverage for ongoing collection and exhibition needs in support of the Foundation’s centennial celebration programming. This is a hands-on, in-person role based at the Foundation’s Mount Vernon, NY location.
Key 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.
Required Skills & Experience
- 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.
Work Environment
This is a fully in-person role based primarily at RRF’s Mount Vernon, NY location.
ADA Specifications
- Requires the ability to sit, stand, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time.
- Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
- Requires the ability to travel.
- Must be able to lift up to 40lbs. and safely maneuver complex objects.
- Must be able to climbs stairs and ladders.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated compensation for this position is between $35.00 - $38.50 per hour, contingent upon experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Foundation is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to attract a wide range of talented individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in arts organizations.
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