Link to job application: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/job/d764e378

Position Title: On-Call Exhibition Preparator (Contractor)

Hours: 8-30 hours per week during install periods, depending on the exhibition
Reports to: Exhibition Fabrication Catalyst
Last Revision: 11/27/2018
Rate: $18-22 per hour based on experience
Deadline: Rolling; interviews will not begin until mid January 2019

Starting date: February 2019




What’s great about this job:
Assist with exhibition installation and the creation of dynamic and welcoming spaces throughout the museum, guided by the MAH exhibitions strategy.


What you’ll be doing:

  • Assist with exhibition de-installation & install. Handling and installing artwork, painting walls, mounting and installing graphics, and safely transporting exhibition elements. Carefully removing and preparing artwork for shipping, patching walls, breaking down exhibition furniture, etc.
  • Working under the Fabrication Catalyst, improve the function or aesthetic of public and staff spaces. This may include cleaning shop spaces, hanging artwork, or installing exhibition furniture.
  • Coordinate with the exhibitions teams to arrange schedule. Exhibition installs may require 8-30 hours per week, sometimes nights and weekends, depending on the exhibition. . Nights and weekends may be required infrequently.
  • Assist with fabrication of display elements such as cases and mounts. May include wood carpentry/framing, A/V or other hardware installation, machining, etc.
  • Inform the Fabrication Catalyst of project delays, needs or changes. Could include reporting observations of damaged art/objects or fabrication design that must be addressed before moving forward.
  • Collaborate with MAH staff. Maintain strong collaborative relationships and clear communication with staff.



You’re a great fit for this job if:

  • You have knowledge and skills in standard woodworking and mechanics tools, practices and methods used in painting, rough, finish carpentry, and building standard mechanical systems.
  • You have experience in art handling for two and three-dimensional artwork and artifacts.
  • You understand safety measures needed to maintain a safe working area—both when working alone, with volunteers and in public spaces.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.



Bonus points if you…

  • You have fabrication and problem-solving experience with a variety of materials including: wood, plastics, metals, fabrics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
  • You have experience installing and operating audio and visual presentation systems.
  • Maintain a valid California Driver’s license in good standing. Use of large rented delivery trucks will be required periodically.
  • You are an excellent communicator and collaborator.
  • You like to experiment and proactively problem solve.
  • You’re Bilingual in Spanish.
  • You have experience working in a team.



Upcoming exhibition timeline
On call work will be as needed during the following time periods:
2/18/2019-3/1/2019: Guided by Ghosts - Tessa Hulls
3/25/2019-4/5/2019: We’re Still Here: Stories of Seniors & Social Isolation
6/24/2019-7/5/2019: Justin Favela TBD
7/22/2019-8/2/2019: Lezin Gallery TBD
9/3/2019-9/6/2019: History Gallery: 30 Years After Loma Prieta Earthquake
9/23/2019-10/4/2019: Solari Gallery TBD
10/21/2019-11/1/2019: Art Forum Gallery: Santa Cruz Tattooed TBD


How to Apply:
To be considered for an interview, please upload the following materials:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/CV
  • Three professional references.
  • Portfolio of up to five pieces you’ve fabricated.
    This could be projects such as cases, pedestals, moveable walls, design elements, displays, interactives or furniture. Please include photographs of the finished pieces, a short description, and any preliminary design drawings, models or installation photographs. *If you did not entirely produce yourself, please state what role you specifically played in its fabrication.