Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Preparator, Collections & Exhibitions
Curatorial Affairs - La Jolla, CA - Full Time
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Preparator, Collections & Exhibitions
Department: Curatorial Affairs
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $22.60 - $23.82/hr.
Apply By: November 28, 2024
JOB SUMMARY: Assist with museum-quality art handling related to the display, maintenance and long-term care of the Museum collection and implementation of the Museum’s active schedule of exhibitions and programs. Assist in the planning and implementation of collection and exhibition projects. Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Strong preparator skills and the ability to perform the physical requirements and working conditions as outlined. Previous experience required in light construction for the fabrication of display elements and crates. Working knowledge of safety protocol with woodshop equipment, solvents, and hand-held and stationary power tools. Good organizational skills and attention to detail and follow up. Good communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of employees, artists, and vendors. Strong team player and ability to work in a team environment. Five years recent, relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. Museum or gallery experience required.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
OUR WORK CULTURE: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment, while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.
ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCEPTANCE: MCASD is committed to the diverse and full inclusion of all qualified applicants. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Studies show that people from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities apply to positions only when they are confident that they meet 100% of the qualifications. We’d like to change that dynamic, so we don’t miss out on great candidates. If you have equivalent skills, experience, and/or education relevant to the job and are willing to learn, we value your expertise and encourage you to apply. MCASD will ensure that people with disabilities and/or qualifying medical conditions are provided reasonable accommodation.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background check. DMV and MVR check. Evidence of insurability.
VACCINATION STATUS: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation.
EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Department: Curatorial Affairs
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $22.60 - $23.82/hr.
Apply By: November 28, 2024
JOB SUMMARY: Assist with museum-quality art handling related to the display, maintenance and long-term care of the Museum collection and implementation of the Museum’s active schedule of exhibitions and programs. Assist in the planning and implementation of collection and exhibition projects. Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Installation and preparation of Museum exhibitions, including movement of artwork (big/small/heavy/light) and crates; cleaning and preparing gallery spaces; climbing ladders and scaffolding; painting, sanding, and light demo of walls; lighting and graphics. Receiving, packing and unpacking, handling, and displaying fine art objects; fabricating exhibition pedestals, props, and other display designs.
- Experience with driving box trucks and lifts (fork and scissor lifts)
- Construct display elements, travel frames, and crates.
- Maintain gallery display spaces with touch-ups, lighting, dusting of frames, and display area.
- Assist in securing quotes from and schedule services of outside contractors related to maintenance, construction, and installation.
- Research material sources, exercise resourcefulness in procuring materials.
- Operate tools and equipment associated with woodworking, electrical, light construction, and audio-visual and computer displays.
- Outdoor sculpture installation and concrete work/drilling.
- Work directly with artists on projects as needed.
- Assist registrars with documentation, organizing and locating objects, annual inventories, and other projects as assigned.
- Work in conjunction with curators to produce gallery and exhibition design materials as requested.
- Assist in the implementation of collection photography through 3rd party vendors or internally as needed.
- Ensure safe work environment through knowledge of and adherence to safety policies and procedures.
- Work independently and assume responsibility for complex tasks as assigned.
- Use problem-solving skills to perform concurrent multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Perform occasional deliveries, pickups, and offsite installations, as needed.
- Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Strong preparator skills and the ability to perform the physical requirements and working conditions as outlined. Previous experience required in light construction for the fabrication of display elements and crates. Working knowledge of safety protocol with woodshop equipment, solvents, and hand-held and stationary power tools. Good organizational skills and attention to detail and follow up. Good communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of employees, artists, and vendors. Strong team player and ability to work in a team environment. Five years recent, relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. Museum or gallery experience required.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- The operation of tools, power tools, and equipment associated with electrical, plumbing, and woodshop; woodworking, minor construction.
- Working in the presence of paint, paint fumes, and chemical fumes associated with common industrial supplies.
- The maintenance, repair, replacement, and general upkeep of equipment and properties.
- The movement, installation, and retrieval of artworks.
- Lengthy periods of time in gallery or non-office spaces including alternate shifts and/or moving between locations.
- Working with electrical wiring and lighting, which may involve supporting items overhead for sustained periods of time.
- Suitable driving record, valid driver’s license, and evidence of insurability.
OUR WORK CULTURE: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment, while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.
ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCEPTANCE: MCASD is committed to the diverse and full inclusion of all qualified applicants. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Studies show that people from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities apply to positions only when they are confident that they meet 100% of the qualifications. We’d like to change that dynamic, so we don’t miss out on great candidates. If you have equivalent skills, experience, and/or education relevant to the job and are willing to learn, we value your expertise and encourage you to apply. MCASD will ensure that people with disabilities and/or qualifying medical conditions are provided reasonable accommodation.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background check. DMV and MVR check. Evidence of insurability.
VACCINATION STATUS: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation.
EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
