The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our
values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule : On-Call, fully onsite
Reporting to the Head Preparator, the Museum Preparator I, Framing is a specialist, working under leadership of Senior Lead Preparator, Framing, to organize, coordinate, and process requests related to and including all matting and framing needs for art objects in the permanent collection and exhibitions.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Team Participation
- Encourage and contribute to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace, where innovation, discovery, and constant learning cultivate a deep sense of belonging and shared responsibility within the Collections Management Department and Preparator team.
- Share in fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and equity.
- Work in a healthy and flexible style, and model empathy and understanding.
- Participate in nurturing collaboration and partnership across teams with fluid communication and respect for diverse expertise essential to an art museum.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the museum’s strategic focus of making programming that engages visitors and inspires individuals to return and recommend the museum to their family and friends.
- Represent the museum at the local, national, and international levels.
- Participate in professional networks, workshops, and programs to stay current with relevant practices, methods, and technologies, as well as adding new skills to share with the department.
- Specialty Expertise, Framing
- Collaborate with the appropriate conservator, registrar, curator, and exhibition designer to address custom matting & framing solutions.
- Produce custom matting and framing.
- Art Handling
- Uphold constant standards in collection care and installation of artwork.
- Work collaboratively and closely with the preparator team, under the direction of preparator leadership; sharing project knowledge and offering experience to the tasks assigned.
- Facilitate the safe movement of artwork in concert with other Collections Management teams, utilizing proper handling and security techniques.
- Ensure that cleanliness of work areas, storage, and galleries is maintained with a focus on safety for people and artwork.
- Participate in the training and development of procedures and standards to improve the mounting, framing, movement, handling, packing and installation of art as it may relate to best framing practices.
- Participate in collections inventories.
- Work collaboratively with curators, artists, and artist assistants towards the success of their projects.
- Administration
- Participate in departmental, team, and project meetings or project de-briefings as directed by Preparator leadership. Communicate concerns and plans to project teams.
- Work as directed by the Senior Lead Preparator, Framing; at time working directly with curators, artists and artist assistants towards the success of their project.
- Assist appropriate managers regarding adherence with fire code, and the care and storage of hazardous waste, building materials, and machinery. Assists with blade sharpening.
- Assist with materials research, other necessary fact-finding tasks pertaining to specific projects, as assigned
- Ensure that work areas are well maintained and stocked; Alerting preparator leadership or project leads of needed supplies.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications & Skills
- Possession of a High School diploma or G.E.D certificate. Knowledge of modern and contemporary art. Art Museum experience or professional gallery experience strongly preferred.
- Previous experience with professional Framing services is strongly preferred.
- Possession of a fastidious attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency in the craft of museum level framing and archival framing practices.
- Comprehend and execute task-based direction from more senior preparator staff.
- Work in an effective and efficient manner regarding time, materials, and safety.
- Utilize shop equipment proficiently and safely including portable and stationary power tools.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively.
- Knowledge of safety precautions and procedures related to the handling of solvents, adhesives and other fabrication related solutions or ability to learn.
- Act as a steward of the department in proactive upkeep of shared and private spaces.
- Active engagement with sustainability practices as they relate to the museum’s waste handling and recycling practices.
- Familiarity with collections management systems.
Working Conditions
- The position’s workspace is divided between the museum’s Third Street location and its Collection Center in South San Francisco dependent on assigned projects.
- Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds independently or with a team.
- Close Warehouse and office setting.
- Long periods of standing or physical activity within a Construction/Jobsite environment, including wood dust, paint fumes, and other environmental hazards. Personal protective equipment is supplied.
$30.68 - $36.82 an hour
$30.68/hour (starting); $36.82/hour (position)
This is a union position subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Job posting open date: 2/24/26
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Benefits: SF City Option, SFMOMA Membership, and more
At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy.
If this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at [email protected] .
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
