Preparator (On-Call)

• Job Title: Preparator

Under the direction of the Head Preparator, Project Design you will work closely with other preparators, registrars, curatorial staff, artists, and other stakeholders to produce high-quality exhibitions.

• Reports to: Head Preparator, Project Design
• Classification: On-Call, casual
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Schedule: Variable Schedule
• Compensation: Regular: $28/hour; Lead $31/hour (see description for level qualification & skills)

YBCA is seeking to build our pool of on-call preparators to support the production of projects and exhibitions throughout YBCA’s Campus. Under the direction of the Head Preparator, Project Design you will work closely with other preparators, registrars, curatorial staff, artists, and other stakeholders to produce high-quality exhibitions.
This position is responsible for all aspects of project production, install/deinstall of exhibitions, packing of artwork and general gallery maintenance and upkeep.

What you’ll do

• Safe handling of works of art for YBCA exhibitions, including moving, packing, hanging, fabricating, and installation of artworks with a high emphasis on safety.

• Collaborate with peers to find creative solutions for installation challenges.

• Participate in daily and weekly schedule and health and safety meetings.

• Assist in the preparation and execution of gallery exhibitions, public artworks, and other YBCA programming and projects.

• Use of relevant skills including painting, woodworking, metalworking, framing, rigging, signage, and/or preparing A/V equipment to develop, implement and maintain YBCA exhibitions and programming.

• Perform ongoing preventative maintenance and repairs to galleries, storage, shop, and preparatory spaces.

• Assist in production of exhibition displays and original artworks as needed for YBCA exhibitions and programs.

• Comply with all safety procedures, Recognizing danger and safety hazards and propose methods to eliminate them.

Qualifications

• PREFERRED REGULAR PREPARATOR ON-CALL QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS

  The qualifications listed are guidelines, you don’t have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have skills that are transferable, please apply.

  • Interest in contemporary art and exhibition making.

  • 1+ years’ experience in the handling and installation of artworks and exhibition materials; or a relevant combination of education, training, and experience.

  • Friendly, team focused attitude. Thrives in a highly collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and works effectively with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, points of view, and aspirations.

  • Ability to problem solve and to work well under pressure while adhering to deadlines.

  • Working knowledge of standard tools and safety methods used in: painting, art installation, signage and furniture assembly.

  • Prepare frame materials including cutting mat boards, backing boards, plexiglass, and other frame package materials.

  • An attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness when working on assigned projects.

• PREFERRED LEAD PREPARATOR ON-CALL QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS

  The qualifications listed are specialty attributes in addition to the regular on call qualifications above. You don’t have to have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If you have skills that are transferable, please apply.

  • Experience in a woodworking shop, preferably in an art museum setting; good knowledge of woodworking machinery and of lumber materials and laminates; ability to read and follow design drawings and construction plans.

  • Experience working on graphics with an emphasis on mat cutting, weeding, preparing and installing vinyl signage.

  • Technical proficiency with audio/visual technology as well as proper care and installation of equipment (ex. Projection mapping, Audio Mixer

  • Experience with MIG and/or TIG welding, general metal fabrication and use of hydraulic band saw and grinders.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. following appropriate safety procedures.

• Be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment up to 30 lbs. occasionally to complete assigned job tasks.

• Work in an upright standing position for long period of time; be able to reach overhead; have full range of mobility in upper and lower body.

• Be able to work in various positions, including, but not limited to stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time, climbing stairs, navigating the property/building quickly and easily as required to meet the job functions

• Climb ladders and work at heights above ground level.

• Ability to use scissor lifts to work at extended heights at 22 – 29 feet above ground.

• Ability to work in different environmental working conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wind, humidity).

• Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands and fingers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Benefits include PTO & ability to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan and potential access to SF City Option programs. Free/members admission price, discounts in the shop, and discounts on ticketed events at participating North American Reciprocal Museum institutions with your YBCA badge.

How to Apply

Apply online: https://ybca.org/work-with-us/

Application Status

After you apply, you will receive a confirmation email to let you know that your resume has been received. A member of our recruiting team will personally review your application and, if you are a potential match for one of our open positions, we will be in touch. If there is not a match right now, we will keep your resume on file for future opportunities.

Agencies and Recruiting Firms: Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.

YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49)