Collections Technical Specialist

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: Full Time, 35 hours/week, fully onsite

Under the supervision of the Collections Technical Manager, the Collections Technical Specialist is responsible for the preparation, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of media artworks, including video, audio, film, software- and computer-based art, electronic art, and other new forms of technology that artists may one day explore. The position collaborates extensively with Registration, Conservation, and other Collections Management Department teams on logistics related to care, handling and storage of artworks, as well as collaborating closely with other museum departments, artists, and partner institutions in the planning and implementation of SFMOMA programs that engage and inspire audiences.

As directed by the Collections Technical Manager, the Collections Technical Specialist is regularly assigned to act as a project Point of projects. This designation works in partnership with project team members to maintain an in-depth oversight of project timelines, needs, staffing, special interests, and relationships over the course of a project from initiation to finish.  The role of the Point also serves as a mentor to junior preparator staff and leads teams through plans and changes with a respectful professional demeanor and attitude towards project partners. The position may also be assigned independent projects.

The Collections Technical Specialist’s responsibilities also include representing SFMOMA to other institutions, setting professional examples and further developing the professional standards of art handling at SFMOMA. 

• 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 Technical 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 adding new skills to share with the department.  
• Maintain awareness of overall Collections Management department goals. 

• Art Display and Care 
• Plan and organize the technical requirements of artworks that involve electronic and digital media, projected image apparatus, sound and other related materials, prior to installation. 
• Coordinate with Curatorial, Registration, Conservation, Collections Management and Exhibitions and Program Management staff in the installation and de-installation of media-based artworks. 
• Coordinate with Design, Fabrication, and the Collections Management preparators to develop safe and installation appropriate mounting solutions for audio visual display and playback equipment, including projector and speaker mounts, pedestals, equipment cabinets and other display furniture. 
• Coordinate with Facilities and Building Engineers regarding the electrical requirements for specific installations or exhibitions. Follow current safety and best practice guidelines when installing electronic equipment. 
• Work closely with the Registration and Conservation staff to support the acquisition, documentation, installation, and the proper care and loan of media-based artworks in the SFMOMA collection.  
• For loans out, work with relevant Conservation and Registration staff to review equipment and operation prior to loan and installation. Consult on packing/shipping needs for media artworks being loaned. Upon return of a loan, work with Conservation staff to arrange repair and maintenance services as needed. 
• Monitor and maintain media equipment in museum galleries through the duration of an exhibition. Arrange for repair and/or replacement of equipment as needed. 
• Write and maintain instruction manuals, installation guidelines and procedures for the operation of technical components of artworks. Update the database of Exhibition Equipment, including status, location, service history, and exhibition history. 
• Assist with drafting budgets, communicating with stakeholders, generating floor plans, schematics and other materials related to special exhibitions and the permanent collection.  
• Assist with the research and selection of exhibition equipment, purchase or rent exhibition equipment, tools or other materials necessary to successfully install media-based artworks.  
• Train pertinent staff on the operation of artworks, technical, and mechanical equipment. 
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and classes, to research new media technologies, techniques and working methods. Establish and maintain industry sources for evolving technical developments.  
• Where appropriate, work directly with artists and artists assistants towards the success of their project while ensuring their requests are reviewed and approved by the appropriate curator, registrar or conservator.  
• Serve as traveling technician, when appropriate, to oversee installation and de-installation of media works on loan. 

• Administration 
• As directed by Collections Technical leadership, participate in departmental, team, and project meetings or project de-briefings. Communicate concerns and plans to project teams.   
• Assist appropriate managers regarding adherence with fire code, and the care and storage of hazardous waste, building materials, and machinery.  
• As assigned, assist with materials research and other necessary fact-finding tasks pertaining to specific projects. 
• Ensure that work areas are well maintained and stocked, alerting Collections Technical leadership or project points of needed supplies. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• High School diploma required, minimum of two (2) years of college work completed, BFA, or higher preferred; or equivalent work experience.
• Four (4) years related experience with media equipment and current technologies required 
• Related computer or multi-media industry experience highly desirable 
• Prior gallery or museum experience is highly desirable.  
• Proven ability to read and draw schematic plans and initiate techniques for realizing the operation of media equipment. 
• Experience handling works of art and media equipment, including mechanical apparatus, crating, packing and installation.  
• Knowledge of the operation and repair of video, film, audio, and multi-media equipment. 
• Knowledge of contemporary art, art history and terminology. 
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities to meet deadlines, with demonstrated concern for detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to conduct and share research. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with museum colleagues, artists and their assistants, visiting researchers, vendors and contractors, and the public.  
• Familiarity with collections management systems.   
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Asana or other project management software platforms. 

• Must be able to visually inspect work.
• Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds independently or with a team. 
• Frequent exposure to Warehouse and Construction/Jobsite environments including wood dust, paint fumes, and other environmental hazards.
• Personal protective equipment is supplied when mandated.

Job posting open date: 1/22/25

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: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

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 talent@sfmoma.org.