Senior Museum Preparator — Exhibition Installations

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

City and County of San Francisco’s SFO Museum seeks a Principal Museum Preparator to lead the preparation staff and oversee the installation of exhibitions across the airport terminals. The role requires hands‑on production, design and construction of fixtures, and close collaboration with curatorial and conservation teams.

The ideal candidate has an Associate Degree in Art/Museum Studies and at least four years of experience in fabrication, installation and care of valuable artworks, with

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Art, Fine Arts, Museum Studies or related field.
• Four years of verifiable experience in preparation, fabrication, installation and handling of valuable art objects.
• Experience coordinating with museum staff and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation staff and act as point of contact for the team.
• Oversee installation and deinstallation of about 25 exhibitions per year.
• Collaborate with design, curatorial, registration and conservation staff on exhibits.
• Design and draft shop drawings with the Exhibition Designer.
• Design and construct installations including showcases, pedestals, walls and mounts.
• Order materials and maintain supplies for Exhibition Production Shops.
• Employ museum techniques to protect and store art objects.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the assigned shop area.

Skills

Team leadership

Exhibition installation

Art handling

Shop drawings

Materials management

Education

Associate degree in Art or Museum Studies

Job description

City and County of San Francisco’s SFO Museum seeks a Principal Museum Preparator to lead the preparation staff and oversee the installation of exhibitions across the airport terminals. The role requires hands‑on production, design and construction of fixtures, and close collaboration with curatorial and conservation teams.

The ideal candidate has an Associate Degree in Art/Museum Studies and at least four years of experience in fabrication, installation and care of valuable artworks, with