Asian Art Museum

Preparator II (As Needed)

SAN FRANCISCO, CAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Asian Art Museum

  • Job overview

    The Preparator II (As Needed) at Asian Art Museum is a skilled craftsperson role focused on designing, fabricating, and installing custom exhibition furniture and display cases to support exhibition production and enhance visitor experience.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves leading teams to build and install exhibits, fabricating crates for art transit, maintaining woodshop safety and equipment, collaborating on design with other departments, and handling delicate art objects with care.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position is union-represented with a starting wage of $32.3037 per hour and is an as-needed/on-call role; specific benefits are not detailed in the description.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a BA or equivalent experience, five years of art installation experience, three years running a woodshop, strong carpentry skills, knowledge of drafting software, and ability to handle heavy lifting and delicate art with care.

  • Work environment and culture

    The museum values creativity, teamwork, collaboration, inclusion, and diversity, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for employees.

  • Company information

    Asian Art Museum is a leading museum dedicated to Asian and Asian American art with a vast collection spanning 6,000 years, serving as a cultural and educational hub in San Francisco.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will join the Preparation team, working closely with design and conservation departments and leading junior carpenters and finishers during projects.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, involving physical work in the Preparators’ Shop and galleries with exposure to various materials and conditions.

  • Application process

    Applicants must apply online through the museum's career site; the process includes screening, interviews over approximately four weeks, and a background check.

  • Unique job features

    This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of art and craft, involving hands-on carpentry and exhibition installation in a museum setting with a focus on creativity and precision.

Company overview

The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco, is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. It houses an extensive collection of over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and ceramics from all major Asian cultures. The museum generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and special exhibitions. Founded in 1966, it has played a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Asian heritage.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your carpentry skills, experience in exhibition furniture fabrication, and expertise in installing custom display cases, as these are core to the Preparator II role at Asian Art Museum.

  • Emphasize your leadership experience in running a woodshop and directing teams, your proficiency with tools like table saws, pneumatic tools, and your knowledge of art handling and crate construction techniques.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the Asian Art Museum's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and increase your chances of being noticed.

  • Connect with current Preparators or staff in the Preparation department on LinkedIn; start conversations with ice breakers like commenting on a recent exhibition installation or asking about their favorite project at the museum to build rapport.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'exhibition production,' 'custom casework fabrication,' 'art handling,' 'woodshop management,' and specific tools like 'AutoCAD' or 'pneumatic tools' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple sites, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn connections to network with, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and refining your craft.

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