Museum Technician

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

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The Corporation of Fine Arts Museums (COFAM) is seeking a Museum Technician. Under general supervision, the Museum Technician performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the preparation, installation, and care of museum exhibits, and works of art; performs related duties as required. This position performs maintenance work and renovation of museum galleries. The Museum Technician must be responsible and able to follow established procedures in connection with the preparation and installation of museum exhibits and the care of works of art. Nature of work requires extensive art handling skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to lift and move art with extreme care.

COFAM is the privately funded non-profit corporation which supports the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which are comprised of two iconic sites in San Francisco’s beautiful parks- the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Legion of Honor Museum in Lincoln Park. As the largest public arts institution in the western United States, the Museums house a world-class collection of 151,000 artworks that span more than 5,000 years; present an ambitious schedule of more than 10 exhibitions per year; and welcome 1.5 million visitors in a typical year.

Under the direction of Director and CEO Thomas P. Campbell, the Museums have recently launched a new strategic plan that outlines a bold new vision for the next four years and prioritizes Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Access (DIEA); our connection to the Bay Area community; and building a foundation for a future capital and endowment campaign.

COFAM is committed to advancing career opportunities for a diverse pool of qualified and capable talent, centering equity and inclusion across all aspects of our recruitment strategy.

Step 1 of the pay range is $26.51 per hour.

This Union position is full-time, 40 hours a week, and has a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision and 401(k), and paid time off.

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 29, 2021

If you require an alternative method of completing this application please contact humanresources@famsf.org.

Responsibilities

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Using extreme care and established art handling guidelines, prepares, hangs, mounts, and installs art objects for exhibits.

  2. Constructs and prepares props and backgrounds for exhibits, vitrines, and showcases. Constructs and prepares exhibition platforms and pedestals. Prepares and installs general exhibition effects. Uses hand power tools and rigging equipment.

  3. Movement and preparations of exhibition furniture and casework for exhibition galleries. Assembles and mounts wall panels, labels, photomurals, photographs, and other materials.

  4. Works with curators, registrars, and conservators on installation and deinstallation projects.

  5. Assists photographers with art handling for photographic and digital imaging projects.

  6. In conjunction with registrars and conservators, will be assigned to duties such as off-site travel for pickup and deliveries from local lenders and collectors, and the set-up of objects for acquisitions and board meetings that require tight turnarounds and may require flexible schedules.

  7. Works with curators, registrars, and conservators to organize, clean, and maintain art storage.

  8. Operation of scissor lifts, Gantries, transit vans, Box trucks, and Fork trucks.

  9. Assist conservation departments for preparations of art for museum display.

  10. Up to date on museum function and industry best practices.

Requirements

Education: A high school diploma or GED.

Work Experience: 2 years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in handling valuable works of art with extreme care is essential.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of a computerized database is preferred.

  • Knowledge of the standard tools, practices, and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry, and cabinet work.

  • Knowledge of the use of different materials, such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.

  • Basic mount making and fabricating skills.

  • Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools, especially in the application of various materials.

  • Ability to work from design and construction drawings.

  • Ability to follow oral instructions as to construction and installation of museum exhibits.

Working Conditions:

  • Physical Demands: Requires the ability to stand for long periods of time. Must be able to comfortably lift 75 pounds.