Department: Exhibitions & Collections
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Museum Technician is part of a professional installation team that works closely with registrars, designers, curators, conservators, artists, and other museum staff to produce high quality exhibitions. The Technician assists in the preparation of the galleries and installation of artworks and other display materials. Some evening and weekend hours required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Handle, pack, transport, store, and install artwork of all media and cultures
- Implement proper procedures for handling artwork
- Fabricate, prepare, and paint pedestals, walls, moldings, cases, signs, and related materials
- Perform regular touch-up and repair work in galleries; daily maintenance of exhibits and outdoor sculptures
- Move and scrape walls; prepare galleries for exhibitions
- Assist in unloading and loading exhibition shipments; operate box truck to transport works to and from storage
- Maintain shop tools and equipment
- Install and maintain audio-visual presentations
- Keep workshop and installation areas clean and orderly for the safety of personnel and art objects
- Facilitate compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations, documentation, and receive training in the use of supplies, materials, and equipment
- Respond when art works are threatened due to unanticipated conditions and move objects to safety in accordance with the Disaster Preparedness Plan
- Periodically attend TSA training, conferences and/or workshops
- Perform other departmental tasks as required
Qualifications
Education
- Art handling and installation experience preferred
- Experience in the proper use of shop tools and equipment, hardware, and materials
- Degree with emphasis in the arts, design, or related field preferred, or trade experience
- Minimum two years museum exhibition experience preferred
Knowledge
- Proper procedures for operating portable and stationary power tools preferred
- Archival standards of collection care preferred
- Ability to read shop drawings preferred
- OSHA regulations/guidelines preferred
Abilities
- Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team to produce high quality products while meeting strict deadlines
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Confidentiality, cooperation, and respect
Skills
- Skills in carpentry, fabrication of exhibition display furniture, painting, and/or exhibition lighting preferred
- Knowledge of or ability to learn how to operate a fork lift, scissor lift, and box truck
- Organization and time management
- Knowledge of or ability to learn how to fabricate seismic mounts
Other
- A valid California Driver’s license and insurance
Physical Demands
- Must be able to lift and carry 60 pounds
- Must be able to work overhead on ladders and lift equipment
- Daily walking, which includes stairs
Work Environment
- Fast-paced environment with strict deadlines
- Work space can be dusty and/or noisy
Salary Range: $20.00 – $24.00 per hour
If interested, please submit cover letter and resume to: resumes@sdmart.org, or mail to: The San Diego Museum of Art, Attention: Human Resources, Museum Technician, P.O. Box 122107, San Diego, CA 92112.
The San Diego Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, protected medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
