Art Handler - Part Time, Temporary

Mingei International; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Mingei International Museum seeks an Exhibition Install/Deinstall Assistant to support the setup and breakdown of gallery spaces for upcoming exhibitions in Balboa Park, San Diego.

The role emphasizes art handling, packing, and safe installation techniques, with a focus on teamwork and precise execution in a busy museum environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; associates degree or museum-related certification/experience preferred.
• Knowledge of proper handling of various art mediums.
• Ability to identify safest methods to pack and install art objects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in deinstalling artwork from closing exhibitions.
• Paint, patch, and prep gallery walls; prep gallery changes.
• Construct exhibition furniture as needed.
• Clean gallery furniture and vitrines during installation/deinstallation.
• Pack artwork for return shipment.
• Install artwork for upcoming exhibitions.
• Assist Preparator with other installation duties.

Skills

Art handling

Gallery installation

Packing art

Education

High School diploma

Associates degree or museum-related certification

Tools

Power tools

Installation hardware

Pallet jack

Job description

Founded in 1978, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves and exhibits “art of the world, art of the people,” including folk art, craft, and design from all eras and cultures. Located in San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park, our highly respected museum offers stunning exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more than 200,000 visitors each year. The Museum is a nonprofit organization.

Mingei has a deep commitment to creating a space where people are inspired to see their own world through new eyes and, in turn, rediscover, embrace, and nurture their own creativity. The recently transformed Museum is a place where all are welcome, where the community can gather, and where individuals can rest and find creative inspiration.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position will assist Exhibition Department staff to deinstall, prepare the gallery, and install artwork for exhibitions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in deinstalling artwork from closing exhibition(s)
• Paint, patch, and prep gallery walls; general gallery change over preparation
• Build exhibition furniture as needed
• Clean gallery furniture/vitrines as necessary as well as general gallery cleaning during installation/deinstallation
• Pack artwork for return shipment
• Install artwork for upcoming exhibition(s)
• Assist Preparator with other install duties as necessary

REQUIREMENTS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Education: High School diploma required; associates degree or certification in museum
  related experience preferred; Museum internship experience also accepted
• Knowledge of proper handling of various art mediums
• Ability to identify and execute best way to pack art objects for travel
• Ability to identify the safest way to install art objects
• Be able to multitask and take direction
• Flexibility as it relates to shifting priorities and problem solving
• Ability to climb ladders
• Lift at least 50lbs, sometimes overhead
• Stand and be on your feet for long periods of time
• Comfortable operating a pallet jack
• Has previous installation experience with a gallery, museum, fabrication and/or as an
  artist assistant.
• Experience making exhibition mounts
• Experience fabricating exhibition furniture/walls
• Familiarity with power tools and installation hardware

TERM AND COMPENSATION

This temporary position is a part-time, nonexempt position, paid at $21.50 per hour. The expected days for this position are 7.5 hours per day Monday, Wednesday and Friday from September 20 to October 16, 2026 and November 2 through November 20th, 2026 at which time this temporary position will end.