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Preparator
Job no: 498064
Work type: Staff
Location: Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Categories: Administrative, Staff
Position Title: Preparator
Location: Grand Rapids (Kendall)
Department:
92600 - KCAD Admin and Finance
Advertised Salary: $17.51 per hour.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
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 Director 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 supervising temporary work crews and student gallery workers on gallery installations, preparing and maintaining exhibitions, and managing storage and preparatory spaces.
The anticipated start date of this position is August 2026; however, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H1B, etc.
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 and resource needs and determine adjustments in stock quantities as required.
Monitor the condition and appearance of exhibitions, identify problem areas, recommend solutions, and oversee necessary repairs and maintenance, or coordinate work with other departments as required.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of gallery spaces, tools, equipment, and supplies.
Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices, including using the lift only after university certification and following procedures for handling art and for 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 damage occurs during their loan period.
Fabricate, plan, and purchase materials for exhibition assets/display purposes.
Monitor environmental needs in gallery space.
Knowledge of various Technology and AV setups.
Operate a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Supports, promotes, and develops university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
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.
Project management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
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: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of their degree. Transcripts must include the institution name, the applicant's name, the date the degree was attained, and the degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
August 24, 2026
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.
Advertised: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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