Preparator

Position Title: Preparator   Location: Grand Rapids (Kendall)   Department:

92430 - KCAD Gallery

  Advertised Salary: $17.00 per hour   Benefits:

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

KCAD Admin & Staff Benefits

  FLSA: Non-Exempt   Temporary/Continuing:  Temporary   Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time   Union Group: N/A   Term of Position: 12 Month   At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause   Summary of Position: • The Preparator will work closely with the Exhibitions Curator to produce high-quality exhibitions.
• The Preparator assists in planning, preparation, security, installation, and de-installation of gallery exhibitions and other display materials.
• Key responsibilities include; training and supervision of temporary work crews and student gallery workers on gallery installations, preparation and maintenance of exhibitions, storage, and preparatory spaces.   Position Type: Staff   Required Education: • BA or BFA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, BA in Design, or related field.   Required Work Experience: • At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in art handling, gallery/museum work, or fabrication/installation, with an emphasis on preparation/installation strongly preferred.   Required Licenses and Certifications: • Scissor Lift Certification, or ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire.   Physical Demands:

• Bending
• Carrying
• Moving
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Climbing
• Driving
• Heights
• Lifting
• Pulling/Pushing
• Repetitive movement
• Standing

  Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:     Essential Duties/Responsibilities: • Coordinate, oversee, and execute logistics of all exhibition installations and deinstallations working alongside the Exhibitions Director.
• Track supplies, resource needs, and determines adjustments in stock quantities as required.
• Monitor the condition and appearance of exhibitions, identify problem areas, recommend solutions, and oversee the necessary repair, maintenance, or coordinate work with other departments as required.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of gallery spaces, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Insure adherence to safe workplace practices including using the lift upon certification by the university and procedures in the handling of art and in all preparation work and workshop spaces.
• Coordinate and execute the packing, labeling, shipping, and local transport of art and exhibitions.
• Condition all incoming and outgoing artworks to ensure that works are documented and that no damages occurred during its loan period.
• Fabricate, plan, and purchase materials for exhibition assets/display purposes.
• Monitor environmental needs in gallery space.
• Knowledge of various Technology and AV set ups.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Operates university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.   Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: • Assist in the development of exhibition and special project budgets.
• Coordinate and manufacture exhibition-related signage and labels..
• Train, monitor, manage, schedule, and work alongside on-call preparators and student preparators.   Skills and Abilities: • Strong skills in art preparation, carpentry, building, and painting.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.   Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript 1

  Optional Documents: • Visual portfolio of exhibition or fabrication projects
• Any certifications or licenses   Special Instructions to Applicants:     Initial Application Review Date:
August 4, 2025