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.
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.
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.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.Must have extensive experience packing artwork using archival materials.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/or AutoCAD 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.
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, the Rauschenberg Foundation strives to attract a diverse mix of talented people. Opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to any protected characteristic.
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