Join Our Team

Thank you for your interest in a career with the Crocker Art Museum. We encourage you to apply for any role you feel qualified for and interested in. When applying, please attach your cover letter and resume to your email. We typically receive a high volume of applications and strive to reply to all applicants within two weeks.

Additional questions can be directed to camajobs@crockerart.org.

DEPARTMENT: Curatorial
SUPERVISOR: Chief Preparator and Exhibition Designer
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time / Non-exempt
SALARY: $ $22.55 - $24.50/hour

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The Crocker Art Museum is dedicated to promoting an awareness of and enthusiasm for human experience through art. We measure our success by our ability to enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the communities we serve. The Exhibition Fabricator & Preparator plays a key role in realizing this mission by supporting the installation and presentation of exhibitions. Working as part of a collaborative team, this position contributes to the preparation, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions, ensuring that artworks are displayed safely, effectively, and in alignment with museum standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Build, assemble, modify, and repair exhibition furniture, platforms, pedestals, walls, crates, mounts, and other exhibition-related structures

• Fabricate hanging systems, object mounts, casework components, and structural supports for works of art and exhibition installations

• Assist with welding, metal fabrication, woodworking, finishing, and light construction projects in support of exhibitions and museum operations

• Safely operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, ladders, and scaffolding

• Paint and finish galleries, exhibition furniture, platforms, and fabricated elements

• Maintain fabrication shop organization, tool maintenance, material inventory, and safe working conditions

• Collaborate in a team environment to produce superior quality exhibitions

• Install and deinstall exhibitions and installations according to the plans of the Exhibition Designer, Registrar, or designated Curatorial staff

• Prepare and pack/unpack objects for travel and assist with incoming and outgoing shipments

• Prepare artwork and historical artifacts for shipping; receive and unpack shipments of art objects and other exhibition related materials

• Perform maintenance duties to keep exhibits, displays, workspaces, and storage areas clean, organized, and clearly labeled

• Ability to perform physical work associated with fabrication and preparation of exhibits

• Transport art in 26’ moving trucks; knowledge of proper strapping techniques required

• Ability to multi-task and assume a variety of projects simultaneously

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong woodworking and fabrication skills.

• Design and build object mounts, frames, exhibit furniture, and related structures.

• Experience building exhibition furniture, object mounts, platforms, crates, walls, and related structures.

• Ability to safely operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, shop machinery, ladders, and lifts.

• Familiarity with welding, metalworking, brazing, or related fabrication techniques.

• Ability to solve construction and installation challenges with safe and practical solutions.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, layouts, fabrication sketches, and installation plans.

• Ability to solve problems and find attractive and safe solutions to hanging and/or showcasing unusual works of art.

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with staff members, volunteers, and subcontractors.

• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to aggressive changeover schedules.

• Successful completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in art, commercial art, museum studies, art museum education, or a closely related field.

• Valid California driver’s license.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Three years of professional fabrication, installation, construction, or museum preparation experience

• Experience with museum, gallery, theatrical, scenic, or commercial fabrication environments

• Experience fabricating acrylic and plastic supports for artwork display and storage

• Familiarity with art handling and museum best practices

• Rigging experience for large or unusual objects

• Familiarity with lighting installation and adjustment

• Knowledge of art history

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This role is highly physical and requires sustained, active participation in exhibition installation environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 6–8 hours per shift) across large gallery spaces

• Frequently use hands and arms to reach, handle, position, and install artworks and materials

• Repeatedly lift, carry, and maneuver objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 75 pounds with assistance

• Work from ladders, scaffolding, and personnel lifts at varying heights for extended periods

• Perform overhead work and maintain balance while working on elevated equipment

• Bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or low-clearance spaces as required during installation

• Navigate active work zones that may include tools, equipment, and moving materials

This position requires mobility, stability, and the ability to safely operate in a fast-paced, physically demanding installation environment.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the Museum’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan and institutional DEAI initiatives. Commit to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, cooperation, and openness to other’s perspectives.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure that projects and supplies are within the annual fiscal budget.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Crocker Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.