Preparator

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids

Jul 20, 2025

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
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
	Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.