What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preparator / Art Handler position at Dolby Chadwick Gallery?
The Dolby Chadwick Gallery in San Francisco seeks a highly motivated, experienced and detail-oriented Art Preparator to join our team.
Schedule: Five days a week.
Start Date: We are looking for someone to start immediately.
Availability: Tuesday–Friday (9–6), Saturday (11–5)
The ideal candidate must possess the following:
- Experience in a gallery or museum with excellent references
- Working knowledge of safe and proper art handling, packing & installation methods suitable to a wide range of media
- Capable of excelling in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to prioritize various tasks and complete them in a safe and timely manner
- Must exhibit an ability to pay careful attention to detail
- Basic carpentry skills including wall repair and painting
- Physically able to lift and safely move artworks of varied dimensions and weight with assistance
- Professional demeanor
- Positive, upbeat attitude
Principal Responsibilities:
- Installing and de-installing artworks for exhibitions
- Safely handling artworks for client presentations
- Perform basic art preparation (hardware installation, wire hanging, patching and painting walls, signage placement, etc.)
- Packing artworks safely for storage, shipping or off-site deliveries
- Ensure compliance with packing and shipping standards for all artworks (domestic and international)
- Help coordinate domestic and international shipping while keeping organized records
- Moving artworks of various weights and dimensions throughout the gallery or to and from delivery trucks
- Work with Registrar to perform condition reports for artworks coming in and going out
- Monitor and maintain proper art handling standards to ensure artwork safety
- Overall maintenance of gallery (patch/paint walls, change lightbulbs, tidy back room, etc.)
- Maintain tools, equipment, and prep areas in safe and organized working condition
- Assist with emergency response or damage mitigation if artwork issues arise
- Willingness to support a wide range of gallery operations with a proactive, solutions-oriented attitude
Minimum Qualifications & Skills:
- Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of art handling, international and domestic shipping, and storage techniques
- Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Team player - “can do” spirit
- Self-starter with ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
- Valid driver's license
Pay is commensurate with experience.
If you feel as though you are a good fit for this position please respond with your resume and cover letter.
Thank you!
Job Type: Full-time
Base Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $38