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Museum Installation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Museum of Illusions

General Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

About Museum of Illusions Museum of Illusions is a globally recognized immersive attractions brand bringing mind-bending optical illusions, interactive installations, and playful educational exhibits ...

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Museum Installation information

What is a museum installation job?

Museum installation jobs involve preparing and setting up exhibitions within museums or galleries. Professionals in this field are responsible for safely handling artworks or artifacts, constructing display cases, mounting pieces, and ensuring that each item is presented according to curatorial and conservation guidelines. Their work also includes coordinating with curators, registrars, and other staff to design layouts, manage lighting, and install signage. Museum installers play a critical role in the successful presentation and preservation of cultural and historical objects.

Is it hard to get a job in a museum?

Getting a job as a museum installation technician can be competitive, often requiring relevant skills in art handling, exhibit setup, and knowledge of preservation techniques. Experience with tools, physical stamina, and sometimes certifications in safety or conservation can improve chances of employment.

What are the easiest museum installation jobs to get?

Entry-level museum installation jobs such as assistant or preparator roles are generally the easiest to obtain, often requiring minimal experience and offering on-the-job training. These positions typically involve tasks like handling exhibits, packing and unpacking artifacts, and assisting with setup, making them accessible for those new to museum work or with basic technical skills.

What is the difference between Museum Installation vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum InstallationMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTechnical training, art handling certificationsDegree in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field
Work EnvironmentPhysical setup areas, galleries, exhibition spacesOffice, collection storage, galleries, research areas
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, exhibition companiesMuseums, cultural institutions, art organizations

While Museum Installation focuses on physically setting up and installing exhibits, Museum Curator involves managing collections, researching artworks, and planning exhibitions. Both roles are essential in the museum industry but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in museum installation, and how can they be addressed?

Museum installation professionals often encounter challenges such as working within tight deadlines, handling delicate or valuable artifacts, and adapting to last-minute changes in exhibit design. Effective communication with curators, conservators, and exhibition designers is essential to ensure that installations meet both aesthetic and preservation standards. Staying organized, being detail-oriented, and maintaining flexibility can help address these challenges and contribute to successful exhibit openings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum installation specialist?

To thrive as a Museum Installation Specialist, you need expertise in art handling, spatial planning, and a good understanding of exhibition design, often supported by experience in museums or galleries and relevant safety training. Familiarity with tools such as lifts, hand tools, and hanging systems, as well as knowledge of climate control and conservation standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe, precise, and visually impactful presentation of artworks and exhibits.
What are popular job titles related to Museum Installation jobs in California? For Museum Installation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Installation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Installation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Installation jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Installation job openings:
Museum Installation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Installation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

MUSEUM PORTER (Custodial & Facilities Support)

Cayton Children's Museum

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

MUSEUM PORTER (Custodial & Facilities Support)
Organization
CAYTON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Reporting to
Museum Experience & Administration team
Working closely with
All Members of the Cayton Team
Job Type
Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Schedule
7.5-29.5 hours per week / weeknights and weekend availability required, based on Wed-Sun operating hours
About the Cayton Children's Museum
We are on a mission to serve the many communities that make up the greater Los Angeles area through engaging exhibits and playful learning opportunities as well as relevant and responsive programming. The Cayton Children's Museum is a nonprofit organization that activates the power of PLAY to enrich the lives of children and their families, build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better world. We strive to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities to become engaged citizens of the world by facilitating collaborative, experiential learning and creative expression, both in our Museum space and through our community programs.
JOB SUMMARY
The Cayton Children's Museum is seeking dedicated and detail-oriented Museum Porters to oversee the cleanliness, sanitation, and upkeep of our museum space. This role is crucial in maintaining a safe, inviting, and engaging environment for children, families, and staff. Porters will be responsible for daily custodial duties, routine maintenance tasks, and responding to on-demand cleaning and light repair needs throughout the Museum. Due to the variable nature of events and programming, the Museum Porter must have flexibility with respect to schedule and assignments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Cleaning & Maintenance
  • Perform regular cleaning of all museum areas, including restrooms, floors, surfaces, exhibits, play spaces, offices, and common areas.

  • Remove trash and recycling from all bins, replacing liners as needed.

  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handrails, tables, chairs, exhibit components, and doors.

  • Spot-clean spills, stains, and debris throughout the museum to maintain a presentable space.

  • Maintain restroom cleanliness, restocking consumables (soap, toilet paper, paper towels) and addressing sanitation concerns immediately.

  • Dust and wipe down horizontal and vertical surfaces, including signage, counters, and display cases.

  • Monitor and maintain trash levels in high-traffic areas, emptying as necessary.

  • Support museum staff with exhibit sanitation and upkeep.

Weekly & Monthly Tasks
  • Perform high-dusting on installations, ledges, and hard-to-reach areas.

  • Deep clean and disinfect exhibit materials, furniture, and educational tools.

  • Perform detailed restroom cleaning, including scrubbing floors and wiping down dividers.

  • Clean glass surfaces, including windows, doors, and display cases.

  • Assist with setup and breakdowns for museum events, programs, and special requests.

  • Maintain and organize janitorial supplies, reporting inventory needs.

Quarterly & As-Needed Maintenance
  • Machine-scrub restroom floors and buff hard flooring.

  • Lift and clean underneath removable flooring where applicable.

  • Provide light facilities support, such as minor repairs or special cleaning projects.

  • Respond promptly to urgent cleaning needs or maintenance requests from museum staff.

Other Duties and Projects as Assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior custodial, janitorial, or porter experience required.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, child-focused environment.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards.

  • Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

  • Availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The person in this position must be able to:
  • Move about the facility while completing cleaning tasks, utilizing machinery, and carrying appropriate tools and products.

  • Capability to lift at least 25lbs

  • Stand extended periods of time; accommodation can be made where necessary.

  • Communicate via telephone, video conference, email, and in-person.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
The base range for this position is $18-$20 USD Per hour. The Museum Porter is a part-time position with a typical schedule varying from Wednesday to Sunday, with some evenings and holidays as needed; however, the schedule may vary.
The Cayton Children's Museum is an equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position complies with California wage and hour laws, including overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and minimum wage requirements.
Adherence to California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) standards to ensure a safe working environment.

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