3522-Senior Museum Preparator

Overtime eligibility - Covered (Non-Z) - Nonexempt

Labor agreement - SEIU Local 1021

The Asian Art Museum seeks a skilled Senior Museum Preparator to support the construction installation de-installation and safe handling of artworks for exhibitions and gallery rotations. Working closely with a cross-departmental creative team this role helps bring exhibitions to fruition through expert craftsmanship problem-solving and thoughtful design collaboration. 

Under direction this position constructs museum-quality fixtures showcases pedestals temporary walls and mounts; installs and arranges exhibits; packs unpacks and oversees storage of art objects; and performs related duties as assigned. Work requires a high degree of manual dexterity and exceptional care in handling valuable artworks. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES 

The 3522 Senior Museum Preparator is distinguished from the 3524 Principal Museum Preparator in that the latter performs duties of a more difficult and complex nature and has greater supervisory responsibilities. Class 3522 Senior Museum Preparator is distinguished from Class 3520 Museum Preparator in that the latter is an entry level with no supervisory responsibility. Positions at this level require more knowledge skills abilities and expertise than those of class 3520 and possess greater expertise than expected at the entry level. 

Major Important and Essential Duties 

1. Confers with curatorial design and other staff in planning and constructing exhibit components; designs and builds installation elements such as showcases pedestals partitions and special effects; paints and wallpapers exhibition spaces; adjusts and installs lighting; hangs artworks and sets up sculptures; and serves as a lead during installation removal and salvage of exhibition fixtures. 

1. Prepares cost and material estimates for construction and installation projects; requisitions lumber supplies and specialized equipment. 

1. Packs ships receives and unpacks paintings and other valuable objects; supervises storage and inventory of paintings statuary and furniture; notifies the registrar of any discrepancies. 

1. Uses professional-grade hand and power tools for carpentry cabinetmaking and mount fabrication including constructing cases pedestals mounts and display furniture using conservation-safe materials and methods. 

1. Ensures all work aligns with museum conservation standards safety protocols and industry best practices including PPE use equipment safety and proper artwork handling procedures. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

Work occurs in active gallery workshop and storage environments. Duties require: 

• Standing bending and lifting 

• Climbing ladders or scaffolding 

• Performing fine motor tasks 

• Safely handling and moving heavy delicate or high-value artworks 

Early mornings evenings and weekends may be required for installation schedules. 

Qualifications :

Education 

Possession of an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Art Fine Arts Museum Studies or a related field. 

Experience 

Two (2) years of verifiable experience in: 

• Preparation fabrication installation and care of valuable artworks 

• Museum mount-making 

• Building exhibition furniture 

• Working in a museum gallery or traveling exhibition program 

Substitution 

Additional full-time work experience (2000 hours  1 year) may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis. 
One year of work experience equals 30 semester units or 45 quarter units. 

License/Certification 

Valid California Drivers License. 

Desirable Qualifications 

• Experience supervising or leading installation teams 

• Experience preparing exhibitions in a fine art museum 

• Knowledge of museum mount-making materials and methods 

• Familiarity with digital tools for shop drawings and basic design layouts 

Verification of Education & Experience 

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any stage. 
Information on verifying educational requirements including foreign degree equivalency is available at: 
education work experience or training may result in disqualification. 

Selection Procedure 

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ) (Weight: Qualifying): Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application at a later time. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicants experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) (Weight: 100%): Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited via a separate online link to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination. The purpose of the SQ Examination is to evaluate the experience knowledge skills and abilities that candidates possess in job-related areas which have been identified as critical for this position and include but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of wood properties fabrication materials adhesives fasteners and finishing techniques used in museum exhibition construction.
• Knowledge of carpentry and cabinetmaking tools materials and procedures including use and maintenance of hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of modern fabrication methods such as CAD CNC manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
• Knowledge of scheduling and sequencing of exhibition construction projects.
• Knowledge of safe operation of heavy and aerial equipment (scissor lifts boom lifts scaffolding) and related safety regulations.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to be placed on the confidential eligible list. 

Eligible List/Score Report:
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established so applicants can view the ranks final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information including names of applicants on the eligible list shall not be made public unless required by law. However an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection upon request once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g. as a result of appeals) as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The list is valid for six (6) months and may be extended by the Human Resources Director. Lists may change as a result of appeals. 

Terms of Announcement & Appeal Rights 

Applicants must follow the terms stated in this announcement unless superseded by law. 
Clerical corrections may be posted at: 
may appeal under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1 within five (5) business days of announcement issuance. 

Additional Information :

Additional Information About Working for the City 

Links available at:  Process 

• Conviction History 

• Employee Benefits Overview 

• Equal Employment Opportunity 

• Disaster Service Worker 

• ADA Accommodation 

• Veterans Preference 

• Seniority Credit 

• Right to Work 

• Copies of Application Documents 

• Diversity Statement 

How to Apply 

All applications must be submitted online at: 
access computers are available MondayFriday 9 a.m.4 p.m. at: 

• Department of Human Resources 1 South Van Ness Avenue 4th Floor 

• City Career Center City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Room 110 

A confirmation email from  will be sent upon successful submission. 

For questions contact: 
Andrea Bolt Senior HR Analyst 
  

Disaster Service Work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex race age religion color national origin ancestry physical disability mental disability medical condition (associated with cancer a history of cancer or genetic characteristics) HIV/AIDS status genetic information marital status sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression military and veteran status or other protected category under the law.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time