Exhibition Prep & Install Lead

Oakland-Museum-of-Californi; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oakland Museum of California is seeking an Associate Preparator to handle, install, de-install, and transport art and artifacts across core galleries and temporary exhibitions. The role collaborates with Production, Collections, Design, and other museum departments to ensure safe handling and high-quality presentation.

Applicants should have 2+ years in museum settings, strong communication, and ability to work with technical drawings, fabrication, and museum standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Ability to read, understand, and utilize technical drawings and references.
• Experience with safe artifact handling and exhibit fabrication is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle, prepare, pack, transport, install and de-install art and artifacts for exhibitions.
• Fabricate and install exhibit casework, mounts, and gallery surfaces to museum standards.
• Mat, mount, and frame works; prepare works for installation.
• Install and de-install media, lighting, and wiring for exhibitions.
• Lead sub-teams during production, installation, and gallery rotations.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Driver's license

Reading drawings

Fabrication basics

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

B.A. degree preferred

Job description

The Oakland Museum of California is seeking an Associate Preparator to handle, install, de-install, and transport art and artifacts across core galleries and temporary exhibitions. The role collaborates with Production, Collections, Design, and other museum departments to ensure safe handling and high-quality presentation.

Applicants should have 2+ years in museum settings, strong communication, and ability to work with technical drawings, fabrication, and museum standards.