Head Preparator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

For three decades, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) has been a dynamic hub for contemporary art in San Francisco's downtown community. We showcase innovative and thought-provoking work across visual arts, performing arts, film, and more, bringing together artists, audiences, and perspectives under one roof.

YBCA is a catalyst for conversations around critical social and cultural questions, using art as a medium for dialogue. We support artists who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark experimentation and innovation in the arts.

Mission: To be a gathering space for creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.
Vision: To be a catalyst of creative exploration, expression, and innovation that empowers artists, inspires community, and drives lasting social change.

Values:

• Belonging – The arts are for everyone.
• Inclusive Collaboration – We are stronger together.
• Optimism – Art has the power to inspire change.
• Curiosity – Learning is at the center of artistic expression.

YBCA is seeking to build our pool of on-call preparators to support the production of projects and exhibitions throughout YBCA's Campus. Under the direction of the Head Preparator & Project Designer, you will work closely with other preparators, registrars, curatorial staff, artists, and other stakeholders to produce high-quality exhibitions. This position is responsible for all aspects of project production, install/deinstall of exhibitions, packing of artwork, and general gallery maintenance and upkeep. We are looking for those proficient in audio/visual technology and woodworking to join the team.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Safe handling of works of art for YBCA exhibitions, including moving, packing, hanging, fabricating, and installation of artworks with a high emphasis on safety.
• Collaborate with peers to find creative solutions for installation challenges.
• Participate in general shop operations, including cleaning and organizing shop spaces.
• Use relevant skills including painting, woodworking, metalworking, framing, rigging, signage, and/or preparing A/V equipment to develop, implement, and maintain YBCA exhibitions and programming.
• Perform ongoing preventative maintenance and repairs to galleries, storage, shop, and preparatory spaces.
• Comply with all safety procedures, recognize danger and safety hazards, and propose methods to eliminate them.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness when working on assigned projects.
• One or more years of experience working at a museum, gallery, art studio, private art collection, or related institution as an art handler, preparator, fabricator, carpenter, or other craft- or trades-related job (or a relevant combination of education, training, and experience).
• Flexibility and availability to respond to on-call scheduling needs.

Who Should Apply?

Research shows that many candidates—especially those from communities most affected by inequities—apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. At YBCA, no one meets 100%.

If much of this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. We are interested in building a mission-driven, collaborative, and curious team, not in checking every box.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary is $28/hour for the Regular On-Call Preparator position and $31/hour for the Lead On-Call Preparator position :

• PTO
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Reciprocal entry to participating Bay Area and North American museums (NARM) 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.

YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

Accommodations

YBCA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. To request an accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact accommodations@ybca.org with the subject line “Accommodations Request.”

Health and Safety

At YBCA, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our community. Our current COVID-19 health and safety protocols meet or exceed local, state, and federal public health requirements. 

Application Status

Thank you for your interest in joining the YBCA team! After you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know we’ve received your resume. Our recruiting team will review your application and reach out if your experience matches an open role.

We also invite you to upload your resume and join the YBCA Talent Community to stay connected and be considered for future opportunities as they become available. We wish you the best of luck in your job search!
Agencies and Recruiting Firms: Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA.

PREFERRED REGULAR ON-CALL QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS

The qualifications listed are guidelines; you don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have transferable skills, please apply.

• Assist in the preparation and execution of gallery exhibitions, public artworks, and other YBCA programming and projects.
• Familiarity with basic rigging hardware and hanging systems (e.g., French cleats, museum hanging rail, D-rings, wire).
• Technical proficiency with basic audio/visual technology as well as proper care and installation of equipment (ex., TV installation and programming media players)
• Perform various skilled and semi-skilled tasks including safely working with power tools, adhesives, and metals.
• Comfort with adjusting gallery lighting equipment as needed for installations.
• Friendly, team-focused attitude with an awareness and competence in working with a diverse group of coworkers and colleagues.
• Ability to problem-solve and to work well under pressure while adhering to deadlines.
• Working knowledge of standard tools and safety methods used in painting, art installation, signage, and furniture assembly.
• Ability to prepare frame materials, including cutting mat boards, backing boards, plexiglass, and other frame package materials.

PREFERRED LEAD ON-CALL QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS

The qualifications listed are specialty attributes in addition to the regular on-call qualifications above. You don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If you have transferable skills, please apply.

• Experience in a woodworking shop, preferably in an art museum setting; good knowledge of woodworking machinery, lumber materials, and laminates; ability to read and follow design drawings and construction plans.
• Experience working on graphics with an emphasis on mat cutting, weeding, preparing, and installing vinyl signage.
• Advanced technical proficiency with audio/visual technology as well as proper care and installation of equipment (e.g., projection mapping, audio mixing).
• Experience with MIG and/or TIG welding, general metal fabrication, and use of hydraulic band saws and grinders.