Art Handler (Museum Preparator)

We’re Hiring: Museum Preparators

SFO Museum, located at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), is looking for enthusiastic Museum Preparators who are passionate about art, aviation, and bringing stories to life. In this dynamic role, you’ll help captivate millions of travelers by creating visually striking, world-class exhibitions that turn the airport into a cultural destination. Working alongside experienced, supportive teammates, you’ll dive into hands-on work across a wide range of semi-skilled and skilled tasks. From building and installing exhibits to caring for museum displays and works of art, you’ll play a key role in transforming public spaces into inspiring, unforgettable experiences plus take on exciting, related projects as they arise.

Apply today and become part of an amazing Museum team where creativity takes flight and your work inspires millions of travelers every day!

The essential functions of this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assist in the preparation, hanging, installation and deinstallation of exhibition and collection objects utilizing proper handling and security techniques.
2. Assist in the packing, loading, and unloading of art objects.
3. Assist with lighting, A/V installation, cutting and assembling mats for photographs and prints, and object mount-making.
4. Construct and/or paint exhibition furniture such as walls, platforms, pedestals, risers, mounts, and other fixtures.
5. Perform various skilled and semi-skilled tasks including safely working with power tools, adhesives, and metals.
6. Affix exhibition labels, didactics, graphics, photographs, and other materials to walls within exhibition cases.
7. Participate in general shop operations including cleaning and organizing of shop spaces.
8. Work with all levels of Museum staff and may communicate with colleagues in other Airport departments. The positions report to 3544 Curator III, Exhibition Production & Installation Supervisor, work as a team within the Preparation department, and have no direct reports.
9. Perform other job-related duties consistent with the Museum Preparator (3520) classification.

How to qualify

Education:

1. Possession of an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Art, Fine Arts, Museum Studies or a related field.

Substitution:

Qualifying full time work experience (2000 hours equal one year) in the preparation, fabrication, installation and the care and handling of valuable art objects; making museum mounts for objects; building exhibition furniture and working closely with museum staff at a museum, gallery, or traveling exhibition program may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year of work experience equals to thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units.

Desirable Qualifications

1. One (1) 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.
2. Excellent manual dexterity and knowledge in the special care and handling of irreplaceable objects.
3. Ability to solve problems and find attractive and safe solutions in the display of objects.
4. Ability to perform complex fabrication using wood, metal, and/or plastic.
5. Collaborate in a fast-paced team environment.