Museum Prep I, Fabrication, On-Call

SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

SF City Option

SFMOMA Membership

Job summary

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is seeking an on-call Fabricator I for the Fabrication Shop in San Francisco. You will construct and finish casework and displays for the museum's collections and exhibitions, following safety and departmental standards.

Responsibilities include executing fabrication requests, painting and assembling structures, and maintaining shop operations. Requires a Bachelor's degree or trade certification or equivalent experience, with strong safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Trade Certification or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of one year of related experience or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and plans.
• Efficient use of time and materials in fabrication projects.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and efficiency.
• Safe operation of wood and metal shop tools and equipment.
• Ability to guide others in the safe use of shop equipment.
• Knowledge of safety precautions for solvents and adhesives.

Responsibilities

• Execute fabrication requests for installation and display of exhibitions and artworks.
• Paint or construct casework, pedestals, displays, fixtures, mounts, and related structures.
• Assist in maintenance of fabrication shop per schedule.
• Foster a collaborative team environment within the department.
• Demonstrate best practices in fabrication and finishing techniques.
• Transport materials and displays safely throughout the museum.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Reading fabrication drawings

Time management

Attention to detail

Safety practices

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or Trade Certification

Tools

Power tools

Wood shop equipment

Metalworking tools

Job description

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule : On-Call, fully onsite

Under supervision of the Gallery Infrastructure & Fabrication Manager , and exhibiting safe fabrication practices, as well as institutional standards, the Museum P reparator I, Fa brication Shop is responsible for constructing and finishing of casework a nd display methods pertaining to SFMOMA ’s Collecti on and Exhibitions Programs.

The position works collaboratively with other museum departments in the construction of exhibitions design pertaining to SFMOMA’s Program.

Responsibilities & Duties

• E xecute fabrication requests related to the installation and display of exhibitions and works of art.
• Paint and/or construct casework, pedestals, displays, fixtures, mounts, and other finished structures related to the installation and display of exhibitions and works of art.
• Assist in maintenance of fabrica tion sho p according to maintenance schedule at all SFMOMA fabrication facilities.
• Foster a team environment and actively contribute within the team framework of the department. Follow proper procedures and protocols with regard to upkeep of the shop.
• Demonstrate best practice standards in regard to fabrication skills and finishing techniques.
• Safely and securely transport materials and casework/displays throughout the museum and ensure that gallery and work areas are well maintained.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree or Trade Certification, or equivalent work experience. Knowledge of modern and contemporary art desirable. Art Museum experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, follow plans, and execute complex fabrication projects for a wide variety of applications.
• Ability to work in effective and efficient manner with regard to time and materials.
• Demonstrated concern for detail, accuracy, and efficiency in the execution of projects.
• Demonstrate safe wood and metal shop practices with all fabrication shop equipment including both stationary and portable power tools.
• Ability to guide others in the safe use of the fabrication shop and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety precautions and procedures related to the handling of solvents, adhesives and other fabrication related solutions.
• Ability to demonstrate and foster good stewardship in regard to the upkeep of the fabrication spaces.
• Ability to demonstrate and foster good stewardship in regard to the museum’s waste handling and recycling practices. Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, museum staff, students, outside clients, vendors, volunteers, and the public.
• Strong communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Medium lifting, up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent exposure to a Construction/Jobsite environment, including wood dust, paint fumes, and other environmental hazards.
• Personal protective equipment is supplied when mandated.

$31.60 - $37.93 an hour

$31.60/hour (starting); $37.93/hour (position)

This is a union position subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Job posting open date: 11/3/26

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.

Benefits: SF City Option, SFMOMA Membership, and more

At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal or state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at [email protected] .