Background:

Located in Beacon, New York, Dia Beacon presents Dia Art Foundation’s renowned collection of art from the 1960s to the present as well as special exhibitions, new commissions, and educational and public programs. Occupying a former box-printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River, the contemporary art museum spans nearly 300,000 square feet and features installations of works by some of the most significant artists of the last half century.

Position Summary:

Dia is seeking skilled Exhibition Technicians for ongoing work from February through June of 2023. Supervised by the Manager of Exhibitions, the Exhibition Technicians will join the technical staff at Dia Beacon and participate in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions at the museum. The Exhibition Technicians help safely handle and install artwork. Most weeks during this period will be scheduled for five days per week. Shifts are generally scheduled at seven hours per day, inclusive of breaks, although eight-hour days and/or late shifts may be requested as needed.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• As part of a team, unpack, pack, install, arrange, assemble, deinstall, and prepare artworks for exhibition while ensuring the artworks’ safety
• Demonstrate proper installation and art-handling skills according to museum best practices
• Assist with the release and receipt of art including loading and unloading crates on the loading dock
• Creatively problem solve and escalate problems to supervisor as needed
• Physically assist with the movement, installation, deinstallation, packing, and unpacking of collection artworks as necessary

General Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with all exhibition-related tasks as assigned and needed, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, assembling and securing artworks, making mounts, unframing, installing lighting and AV equipment, and maintaining a clean and safe prep space, tolls, and exhibition area
• Perform basic carpentry and painting assignments
• Participate in install debriefs with the Manager of Exhibitions to review successes and challenges, providing an opportunity to receive and share feedback on processes and workflow

Education, Certification, Experience:

• BFA or BA in specialty area or equivalent work experience required
• 2 or more years of related experience required; experience with modern art and large-scale installations preferred
• Solid background in exhibition installation and safe art handling procedures required
• Thorough understanding of tools, hardware, gantries, scissor lifts, scaffolding, and safety procedures required
• Ability to productively collaborate with a team and work with artists

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• This is a temporary position based in Dia Beacon’s offices in Beacon, New York
• 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 fifty pounds
• Able to work on ladders, hoists, and scissor lifts at heights up to twenty feet
• Able to operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills; perform mechanical or skilled trade tasks of a non-repetitive nature
  
  

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID among our employees, Dia Art Foundation requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, religious belief, or pregnancy.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by emailing a letter of interest and resume to csmith@diaart.org with “Exhibition Technician” as the subject heading.

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports a neurodiverse workplace.