Exhibition Technician

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.

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. Shifts are generally seven hours per day,inclusive ofbreaks, althougheight-hourdays and/or late shifts might be requested as project needs arise.

The number of hoursthroughout the year isdeterminedby

Dia’sexhibition schedule and collection activity with no guaranteed minimum of hours.

• Aspart ofa team, unpack, pack, install, deinstall,arrange, assemble,and otherwise prepare artworks for exhibition and shippingwhileensuring their safety
• Demonstrate proper installation andart-handling skills according to museum best practices
• Assistwiththereceipt and release of artworks, including loading and unloadingcrateson the loading dock or at street level
• Creativelyproblem solvewhilecommunicating with supervisorsas needed
• Physicallyassistwith the packing, unpacking, installation, deinstallation, and movementof collection artworks as necessary

• Assistwithallexhibition-related tasks as assigned and needed, including but not limited to preparing tables and work areas, making mounts, unframing, installing lighting and AV equipment, andmaintainingclean and safe prep spaces, tools, and exhibition areas
• Perform basic carpentryandpainting assignments
• Participate in install debriefs with supervisorsto review successes and challenges,providing an opportunity to receive and share feedback on processes and workflows

• BA or BFA in specialty area or equivalent work experience required
• Twoor moreyearsof related experience required ; experience with modern or contemporary art and large-scale installations preferred
• Solid background inexhibition installationandsafe art - handling procedures required

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

• 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
• Must be able to spend prolonged periodsof time standing and walkingwhile in the galleries
• Must be able to lift, carry,or move equipment up to50 lbs.
• Must be prepared to work outdoors to receive and release shipments
• Must be ableto work on ladders, hoists, and scissor lifts at heights up to20feet

Dia employees have the opportunity to learn about Dia’s collection and sites through presentations by artists, curators, historians, and writers. Staff s gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

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.