Senior Preparator

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 a Senior Preparator for the Preparations department located at the Getty Center. Under minimal supervision, oversees the routine installation and maintenance of permanent galleries, special exhibition and temporary exhibition spaces, and art storage areas. Uses appropriate materials, equipment, and methods to display, store, pack and transport works of art. Plans and executes the fabrication, installation, disassembly and storage of works of art, associated materials and furniture for permanent and special exhibition galleries.

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.

Works on complex assignments.
• Ensures the appearance of the galleries, including cleaning and dusting showcases, frames and pedestals.
• Cleans art work and adjacent areas in all of the museums galleries.
• Performs complex carpentry and painting tasks.
• Leads a small team and collaborates across departments to ensure the safe and controlled installation and deinstallation of works of art.
• Collaborates on the fabrication and installation of works of art and supporting materials.
• Leads a small team and collaborates across departments to pack, crate, receive, deliver, and install works of art.
• May develop, install, maintain and operate gallery and showcase lighting, including computer-controlled skylight and shade systems.

• High School/GED
• 3-6 years related experience

• License to operate a variety of vehicles and forklifts
• Advanced skills in the use of power tools, wood/metal shop machinery, and lifting apparatuses
• Expert knowledge of best practices for art object handling and movement, installation, packing and crating
• Skilled in woodworking, cabinetry, metalworking, plastics, painting or decorative finishes, and general construction

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.