THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you ready to be part of something inspiring? We’re actively hiring several passionate and detail-oriented Preparator I (On-Call/As Needed) candidates to join our dynamic exhibitions team! In this hands-on role, you’ll dive into a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks— from preparing and fabricating exhibit components to installing and taking down stunning displays and furniture. You'll work closely alongside our expert full-time staff whenever handling priceless works of art, ensuring every piece is showcased with care and precision. If you're enthusiastic about art, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes magic, we’d love to hear from you!
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is the world’s leading museum dedicated to connecting global audiences with Asian and Asian American art and culture. With a collection of 20,000 objects spanning over 6,000 years — from ancient sculpture to contemporary installations — the museum offers a powerful lens into the depth and diversity of Asian cultures. A vibrant center for public engagement, the museum is a place where history and the present meet to inspire a more connected future. The museum’s mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. It serves as a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organization that values creativity, teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion and where you will be surrounded by a diverse, talented, and enthusiastic group of colleagues.
The nature of the work involves heavy lifting, manual dexterity, and the ability to assist in the handling of delicate, valuable, and irreplaceable art objects with extreme care.
The Preparator I (as needed/on-call) provides assistance to the Preparation department during periods of peak workload or on special projects. The Preparator I (as needed/on-call) must be open to work on temporary assignments varying in the number of hours and days.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists in the preparation, hanging, installation and deinstallation of art objects utilizing proper handling and security techniques.
- Assists in the loading and unloading of art objects.
- Assists with carpentry, finish work, packing/crating, lighting, A/V and mount making as required.
- Paints and/or constructs walls, platforms, pedestals, and other exhibition fixtures.
- Performs various skilled and semi-skilled tasks including working with power tools, adhesives, and metals.
- Participates in general shop operations including cleaning, and organization of shop spaces.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Performs other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two (2) years of experience in installation of exhibit displays including the installation of three-dimensional objects in conjunction with wire object mounts, or a relevant combination of education, training, and experience.
- Knowledge and skill in the use and care of standard hand and power tools; practices and methods of exhibit installation; safe work practices related to the installation of art.
- Ability to problem solve and work well under pressure with conflicting demands.
- Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 75 lbs. and at heights up to 6 feet.
- Extremely flexible, reliable, and dependable; integrity and sense of humor
WORKING CONDITIONS
Preparators’ Shop. Physical agility, good vision, and manual dexterity are required to fabricate mounts, move art, and operate tools/equipment. Also involves medium to heavy work requiring lifting, carrying, and moving materials, tools, and equipment, and finished exhibit and display fixtures and furniture. May involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, heat, dust, and toxins. Required to wear safety glasses and mask when necessary for health and safety.
This position is represented by Local 1021, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and new hires start at step 1 of the wage range: $31.1975/ hour. This is an as needed/on-call position with the museum.
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS
At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission (https://about.asianart.org/?_ga=2.101697409.1608861273.1673316760-540643684.1673316760) is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/ (https://about.asianart.org/careers/). Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.
The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
