About Dia Art Foundation

Dia Art Foundation was established in 1974 for the purpose of collecting, commissioning, and presenting major works of art made in the 1960s onward. Today it consists of nine permanent sites across the United States and Germany, as well as three changing exhibition spaces in New York State: Dia Chelsea in the city, Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley, and Dia Bridgehampton on Long Island. Dia is taken from the Greek word for “through” and conveys the foundation’s role as a facilitator of meaningful artistic experiences that can be encountered in single and repeated visits.   

Position summary

Supervised by the Head Preparator, the Exhibition Technician will join the technical staff at Dia Beacon and participate in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions at the museum. The Exhibition Technician helps safely handle and install artwork. Shifts are generally scheduled for seven hours per day, inclusive of breaks, although eight-hour days and/or late shifts may be requested as needed. The number of hours is flexible throughout the year as determined by Dia’s exhibition schedule and collection activity.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• As part of a team, physically assist with the movement and installation of artworks, including packing, unpacking, deinstallation, arrangement, assembly, and other preparations needed for exhibitions and collection presentations, while ensuring 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 to supervisors as needed

Other responsibilities

• Assist with all exhibition-related tasks as assigned, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, assembling and securing artworks, making mounts, unframing, installing lighting and audio-visual equipment, and maintaining a clean and safe preparation space, tools, and exhibition area
• Perform basic carpentry and painting assignments
• Participate in installation 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, and experience

• BA or BFA in specialty area or equivalent work experience preferred
• Two 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

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 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
• Able to lift, carry, and move equipment up to 50 pounds

• Able to work on ladders, hoists, and scissor lifts at heights up to 20 feet
• Able to operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills
• Able to perform mechanical or skilled trade tasks of a non-repetitive nature

This position is represented by the Technical, Office & Professional Union, Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO. 

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest.  

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. Candidates with nontraditional learning or career paths and/or applicants whose qualifications differ from those listed above are encouraged to apply.