Lead Preparator, Packing and Crating

Getty believes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are essential to our excellence and to the execution of our mission. The Getty community values differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve and includes individuals who bring a diversity of values and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA , veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two sites, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The Opportunity

The J Paul Getty Museum seeks an experienced arts professional to oversee the complex packing and crating functions for the Museum. Reporting to the Head of Preparations, and working collaboratively with curators, conservators, designers, registrars, and exhibition coordinators, the Lead Preparator supports the Getty's mission by fulfilling the Museum's requirements for the safe handling, movement, and storage of its collection and assist, as needed, in the installation of its temporary exhibitions and displays.

Under minimal supervision, the Lead Preparator supervises a dedicated and experienced team of technical specialists skilled in packing and crating based at the Museum's Getty Center site. They are responsible for overseeing and specifying crate fabrication using the guidelines and standards established by the Museum, for outgoing loans from the Museum's collection. The Lead Preparator supervises the packing and crating of incoming loans for permanent and special exhibition galleries, storage of works of art, and associated materials. They will also ensure that the appropriate materials, equipment, and methods to store, pack and transport works of art are used according to the Museum's established high standards.

The Museum's Exhibitions Division comprises four Departments: Exhibitions Coordination; Registration; Design and Preparations. The Division's mission is to realize ambitious, impactful exhibitions, including tours and special projects, and successful gallery installations, working collaboratively to ensure excellence and creativity in scholarship, design, display, and interpretation, supported through disciplined budget management and systematic planning.

Supervises the packing and crating team as well as guiding the work of other preparation staff as needed.
• Oversee the packing, crating, and receipt of all outgoing and incoming art shipments for loan exhibitions.
• Maintains several art storage rooms, packing and receiving areas, art dock, and the crating shop.
• Maintains crate inventories for permanent collection and loan objects, as well as inventory of supplies and materials.
• Ensures museum standards and policies for the appropriate and safe packing, crating, and storage of objects are maintained.
• Maintains compliance with Certified Cargo Screening program.
• Participates in the development and review of museum standards, and participates in the development of packing and crating strategies and support systems for improved object handling and storage of works of art.
• Develops budget estimates for packing and crating projects.
• Supervises and coordinates projects with outside vendors ensuring Getty standards are maintained.
• Ensures implementation of impact and anti-vibration systems into crates.
• Overseas activities, assigns work for a team, ensuring appropriate staff training and safety guidelines are met.
• Oversees the safe and controlled handling, installation and deinstallation of works of art while on courier assignment.
• Assists the Head of Preparations with organization and planning in area of expertise. Includes scheduling and coordination of packing and crating needs, often communicating directly with Curatorial, Conservation, and Registrars.
• Contributes to projects based on area of expertise and assists Head of Preparations with project related budgeting.
• Assists Head of Preparations in design reviews
• Other duties, as assigned.

• High School/GED
• 6 years related experience

• Applies extensive knowledge of technical concepts in area of expertise
• Serves as a technical resource in archival materials, cushion curve dynamic, viscous elastic materials
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings
• License to operate a variety of vehicles and forklifts
• Expert skills in the use of power tools, wood/metal shop machinery, and lifting apparatuses
• Proven skills in woodworking, cabinetry, metalworking, plastics, painting or decorative finishes, and general construction
• Expert knowledge of best practices for art object handling and movement, installation, packing and crating
• Interacts with peers, supervisors and managers, stakeholders, and external vendors, in relation to the internal work of Department
• Applies skills to complete a wide range of complex tasks in creative and effective ways
• Serves as a resource to others in complex issue resolution and contributes to the development of new concepts and techniques
• Adapts behavior and work methods, as needed, in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles
• Effectively handles multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change
• Establishes professional network within job to accomplish day-to-day tasks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.