Museum Preparator II — Installations & Art Handling

The Jewish Education Project; San Marino (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Matching retirement plan

Paid time off

Staff discounts

Free museum admission

Free guest passes

Job summary

The Huntington is seeking a Prepare II to join the Preparation Department. The role focuses on planning and implementing exhibition schedules, rotating the permanent collection, and caring for artworks per museum standards.

The Preparator II works as part of a team, reporting to the Head of Preparations. Responsibilities include handling, packing, installing, and creating display mounts, with strong emphasis on safety and collaboration with curatorial and preservation staff.

Qualifications

• Three to four years in preparation, collections management, and installation in a gallery or museum.
• Expertise in industry-standard materials, processes, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in mounting, matting, and framing works on paper.
• Experience handling two- and three-dimensional art objects

Responsibilities

• Assist with object preparation, installation/de-installation of exhibitions, and gallery rotations.
• Receive, unpack, and pack artworks; assist curators with placement in galleries.
• Handle and install artworks and collections objects per museum standards.
• Create or modify display mounts, case risers, and related supports.
• Perform carpentry tasks like retrofitting crates and modifying pedestals; spackle and paint.
• Light and maintain exhibition lighting; monitor A/V elements; clean regularly.

Skills

Preparation

Collections management

Installation

Art handling procedures

Heavy equipment operation

Safety protocols

Matting & framing

Tools

Scissor-lift

Gantry

Pallet jack

Pedal lift

Job description

The Huntington is seeking a Prepare II to join the Preparation Department. The role focuses on planning and implementing exhibition schedules, rotating the permanent collection, and caring for artworks per museum standards.

The Preparator II works as part of a team, reporting to the Head of Preparations. Responsibilities include handling, packing, installing, and creating display mounts, with strong emphasis on safety and collaboration with curatorial and preservation staff.