Assistant Preparator, Collection & Exhibitions Temporary
Share
Job Location:
La Jolla, CA - USA
Hourly Salary:
USD 20 - 20
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Assistant Preparator Collection & Exhibitions
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Employee Status: Full Time Non-exempt Temporary (End Date 04/24/2026)
Primary Work Location: Onsite La Jolla
Pay Range: $20.00 - $20.96/hour
Apply By: COB February 13th 2026
JOB SUMMARY: Assist Chief Preparator and Preparators with museum-quality art handling related to the implementation of the Museums active schedule of exhibitions and programs. Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
OUR WORK CULTURE: MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge skills and abilities.
ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the buildings overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the regions foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references education check and criminal background check.
EOE STATEMENT: MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race religion national origin sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression marital status age disability pregnancy reproductive health decisions medical condition covered veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Chief Preparator
Employee Status: Full Time Non-exempt Temporary (End Date 04/24/2026)
Primary Work Location: Onsite La Jolla
Pay Range: $20.00 - $20.96/hour
Apply By: COB February 13th 2026
JOB SUMMARY: Assist Chief Preparator and Preparators with museum-quality art handling related to the implementation of the Museums active schedule of exhibitions and programs. Support mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Installation and preparation of Museum exhibitions includes movement of artwork (big/small/heavy/light) and crates; cleaning and preparation of gallery spaces; packing unpacking and hanging artwork; climbing ladders and scaffolding; painting sanding and light demo of walls; and working with lighting and graphics.
- Assist with display elements and crates which may include working with solvents and hand-held and stationary power tools.
- Operate tools and equipment associated with woodworking electrical light construction and audio-visual and computer displays.
- Use problem-solving skills to perform concurrent multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Experience in painting sanding and light demolition of walls. Experience in light construction for the fabrication of display elements and crates and a safe working knowledge of woodshop equipment solvents and hand-held and stationary power tools. Good organizational skills and attention to detail and follow-up. Good communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of employees artists and vendors. Good team player and ability to work within a team environment. One-year recent relevant experience or any equivalent education and experience. Museum or gallery experience required. Knowledge of audio-visual a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to physically move artwork (big/small/heavy/light) and crates; pack unpack and crate artwork; install artwork; and climb ladders and scaffolding.
- The operation of tools power tools and equipment associated with electrical plumbing and woodshop; woodworking minor construction.
- Working in the presence of paint paint fumes and chemical fumes associated with common industrial supplies.
- The maintenance repair replacement and general upkeep of equipment and properties.
- The movement installation and retrieval of artworks.
- Lengthy periods of time in gallery or non-office spaces including alternate shifts and/or moving between locations.
- Working with electrical wiring and lighting which may involve supporting items overhead for sustained periods of time.
OUR WORK CULTURE: MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge skills and abilities.
ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the buildings overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the regions foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references education check and criminal background check.
EOE STATEMENT: MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race religion national origin sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression marital status age disability pregnancy reproductive health decisions medical condition covered veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Required Experience:
Manager
Key Skills
- Accounts Receivable
- Biochemistry
- Administration Support
- Administration And Secretarial
- Architecture
About Company
With two locations, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time.
