Exhibition Technician

About the role

Dia Art Foundation is seeking Exhibition Technicians interested in current and future work at Dia Beacon and Dia Chelsea; availability for occasional work at Dia Bridgehampton a plus. Dia’s Exhibition Technicians assist with the safe handling, installation, and presentation of artworks, with tasks varying by exhibition and location.

Responsibilities

• Unpack, pack, install, deinstall, arrange, assemble, and otherwise prepare artworks for exhibition and shipping while ensuring their safety
• Demonstrate proper installation and art-handling skills according to museum best practices
• Absorb and release artworks, including loading and unloading crates on the loading dock or at street level
• Creatively problem solve while communicating with supervisors as needed
• Physically assist with the packing, unpacking, installation, deinstallation, and movement of collection artworks as necessary
• Assist with all exhibition-related tasks as assigned and needed, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, making mounts, unframing, installing lighting and AV equipment, and maintaining clean and safe prep spaces, tools, and exhibition areas
• Perform basic carpentry and painting assignments
• Participate in install debriefs with supervisors to review successes and challenges, providing an opportunity to receive and share feedback on processes and workflows

Requirements

• BA or BFA in specialty area or equivalent work experience required
• Two or more years of related experience required; experience with modern or contemporary art and large-scale installations preferred
• Solid background in exhibition installation and safe art-handling procedures required

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of tools, hardware, gantries, scissor lifts, and scaffoldings
• Strong grasp of safety procedures required
• Ability to productively collaborate with a team and work with artists

Skills

• Ability to work on ladders, hoists, and scissor lifts at heights up to 20 feet

Physical Demands

• Must be able to spend prolonged periods of time standing and walking while in the galleries
• Must be able to lift, carry, or move equipment up to 50 lbs
• Must be prepared to work outdoors to receive and release shipments

Working Conditions

• This is a project-based position working across Dia locations, primarily Dia Beacon and Dia Chelsea, with the possibility of infrequent work at Dia Bridgehampton

Benefits

This position is represented by the Technical, Office & Professional Union, Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO. Dia employees have the opportunity to learn about Dia’s collection and sites through presentations by artists, curators, historians, and writers. Staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

Pay

$37 per hour

Schedule

Shifts are generally seven hours per day, inclusive of breaks, although eight-hour days and/or late shifts might be requested as project needs arise. The number of hours throughout the year is determined by Dia’s exhibition schedule and collection activity with no guaranteed minimum of hours.