Preparator
/Job Title:
Preparator
Organization:
Catriona Jeffries
Deadline:
Apr. 15, 2026
Organization Description:
Since 1994, Catriona Jeffries has garnered international recognition for the work of its artists and its esteemed exhibition program. The gallery began through an engagement with Vancouver’s photo conceptual histories and has since expanded to represent artists who are making significant contributions to Indigenous art discourses, materially centred sculpture practices, strategies in media theory and poetics, and diverse approaches to painting. By maintaining dialogues with artists, writers, curators, museums, and private collections, Catriona Jeffries continues to generate projects that place the work of gallery artists within new historical trajectories and international contexts. Through an expanded practice of research and exhibition-making, the gallery remains committed to fostering meaningful and global conversations in contemporary art.
Website:
Job Description:
Preparator is a full-time, 4 days a week position that is responsible for the installation of gallery exhibitions and the movement of works between gallery, studios, exhibitions, museums, art fairs, and collections. The Preparator is responsible for handling the gallery’s inventory and related documentation. This part-time position has the opportunity to evolve into a full-time position.
Responsibilities:
• Working collaboratively and independently, the Preparator is responsible for installing/deinstalling exhibitions and other ongoing projects.
• Create custom packaging for various mediums, 2D and 3D works. Handle work with care and confidence when unpacking/packing custom crates and boxes.
• Daily building inspection of the warehouse, exhibition space, courtyard, etc.
• Communications with external contractors and suppliers, ie) custom crate fabrication, plinths, ordering packing materials, general building repairs, etc.
Qualifications:
• Prior experience in an art gallery or museum is preferred. Ideal candidate will have a background in visual art and/or related discipline.
• Has prior woodworking experience and knows how to safely operate basic power tools, including table saw, chop saw, drills, etc.
• Resourceful in researching and sourcing materials and equipment when it comes to packing, shipping, and installation of works, noting the prevalence of unusual materials and technologies in contemporary art.
• This position is physically demanding and requires an individual who can responsibly lift and move heavy objects including crates and artwork.
• Local Class 5 driver’s license is required. Experience and certification in operating scissor lifts and forklifts is an asset.
• Have a working knowledge of the Mac OS system, Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel for communications; and an understanding of data entry and linking records in a relational database is an asset.
• Ability to communicate clearly and openly with the team, generate timelines for projects and following requests in a timely manner, prioritize and handle various tasks and projects, create systems for an organized, efficient workflow.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your experience with contemporary art, as well as your resume, in a single PDF format by e-mail to gallery@catrionajeffries.com, subject “Preparator Application” by April 15, 2026. No telephone inquiries please, only successful applicants will be contacted.
Remuneration:
Salary $45,000-48,000/year. Commensurate with experience.
