Senior Museum Technician for Works on Paper

Fine Arts Museums Of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

48d•$35 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Preparation and Installation, the Senior Museum Technician manages all aspects of exhibition and permanent collection gallery installation. This includes the management of an art installation crew, the packing and unpacking of all art objects, installation of all objects from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional objects, rigging of sculpture, proper movement of crate handling for loading and off-loading trucks, transport of items between museums and from lending individuals and institutions. The Senior Museum Technician is responsible for staying up to date on installation materials, techniques, protocols, and best practices. The position is a leadership role and is responsible for the training and supervision of art handlers/museum technicians in an exhibition or installation setting. The nature of this work requires manual dexterity and close care in the handling of valuable art objects. The application deadline is Friday, December 5, 2025, at 9 PM PST.

Requirements

Requires completion of high school/GED, supplemented by 4 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, installation of exhibit displays; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Must have a valid California Driver's License, be able to drive a truck, lift 75 pounds, and stand for long periods of time.
Requires good knowledge of the tools, practices, and methods used in painting; rough and finish carpentry, as well as fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
Requires the ability to work from sketches and drawings and follow oral instructions about the construction and installation of museum exhibits.
Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Curatorial, Conservation, and Registration staff; estimate costs and construct a wide variety of fixtures; handle delicate and valuable works of art with extreme ease; and direct and work with Museum Technician crews.
Requires considerable skill in the use and care of hand and power tools and in the use and application of various materials.

Responsibilities

Serves in a leadership capacity in the installation, deinstallation, removal, and demolition of exhibitions and other projects.
Liaise and serve as a thought partner on installation planning and execution between Design, Curatorial, Registration, and Conservation Departments.
Prepares cost and material estimates for new installation and construction jobs; Prepares Purchase Orders for supplies and equipment associated with art handling and installation.
Assists Senior Lighting Technician with exhibition/gallery lighting when needed.
Manages the preparation, hanging, mounting, and installation of art objects for exhibitions and permanent collections.
Performs best practices for loading and off-loading of Art Crates for exhibitions and permanent collection, including the safe operation of fork trucks.
Maintains the shop on a regular basis. Notifies supervisor if maintenance or supplies are needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.