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Museum Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Registrar, Exhibitions

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Retail Sales and Services Associate PT

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The museum is also the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library, which ... General knowledge of information technology and business software applications. * Effective and ...

Intern, Membership Accounts

Santa Monica, CA

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum explores and celebrates all aspects of the art form-from the technology of the recording process to the legendswho'vemade lasting marks ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Tech information

What is a museum tech?

Museum techs, or museum technicians, are professionals who assist in the care, preservation, and display of museum collections. Their responsibilities often include preparing artifacts for exhibitions, helping set up displays, maintaining records, and ensuring the proper handling and storage of objects. Museum techs work closely with curators, conservators, and other museum staff to support the daily operations of museums and galleries. They play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural and historical items for public education and enjoyment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Tech, you need a background in museum studies or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with artifact handling and preservation. Familiarity with collection management software, environmental monitoring tools, and proper storage systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel in managing collections and supporting exhibitions. These skills ensure the proper care, documentation, and presentation of museum artifacts, safeguarding cultural heritage and supporting educational missions.

What are some common challenges museum techs face when maintaining and installing exhibits?

Museum Techs often manage the challenge of handling delicate artifacts while ensuring exhibits are both secure and accessible to visitors. They work closely with curators and conservators to install displays that meet strict preservation requirements, which can involve specialized lighting, temperature, and humidity controls. Additionally, Museum Techs frequently need to troubleshoot technical issues with exhibit components, such as interactive displays or audio-visual equipment, sometimes on tight deadlines before public openings. Effective communication and adaptability are key skills for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Museum Tech vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum TechMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical certificationsBachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, history, or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on technical work in museums, galleries, or preservation labsResearch, collection management, exhibit planning, and public engagement
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, preservation organizationsMuseums, historical societies, academic institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding technical roles supporting museum operationsUnderstanding roles involved in curation and collection management

In summary, Museum Techs focus on technical support, maintenance, and preservation tasks within museums, often requiring technical certifications. Museum Curators are responsible for managing collections, researching artifacts, and developing exhibits, typically requiring advanced degrees. Both roles are essential in museum operations but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What job categories do people searching Museum Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Tech jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Temporary Audio/Visual Technician

Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.79/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description:

Audio/Visual Technician works under the supervision of the AV Technical Manager to provide

assistance for MOCA rental events, exhibitions, film and video presentations, performances,

lectures and presentations and various other programs at both MOCA locations (MOCA Grand

and MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary). Primary responsibilities include preparing, installing,

activating, operating, troubleshooting, and breaking down audio visual and other equipment in a

variety of contexts as well as the upkeep and maintenance of equipment in the museum’s

inventory, collection, and as installed in exhibitions. Because the scope of the Museum’s

programming incorporates conventional art forms as well as those which are more experimental

in nature, Audio/Visual Technician will have a variety of tasks and functions to perform, relating

to all aspects of technical installation and live events. Some evening and weekend work will be

required. This is an on-call position.


Essential Functions

  • Responsible for handling, installing, and troubleshooting complex artworks, assisting with projection, audio engineering (including live sound), video recording, and lighting.
  • Work with AV Technical Manager and Preparators to prepare and install all AV equipment for exhibitions and with other MOCA staff for performances, programming and events.
  • Maintain operations of exhibitions including activating exhibition media, monitoring all media elements, and performing routine maintenance with supervision of AV Technical Manager.
  • Assist in the planning and preparation of exhibitions, including the handling of artworks, light construction and routine maintenance.
  • Assist with care, maintenance and tracking of the museum’s A/V equipment.
  • Maintain workspaces, technical equipment, and artworks on display or in the collection according to standards set by AV Technical Manager, Exhibition Production and Registration.
  • In coordination with the AV Technical Manager, provide audio-visual services for live events, including setup and operation of media for museum’s programming, rentals and other functions.
  • Safely operate aerial lifts.
  • Help to foster a collegial and collaborative work environment, contributing to the development of department staff at all skill levels.
  • Work closely with other departments, particularly Curatorial, Education, Operations,
  • Facilities, and Security staff as needed to provide continued support to the greater museum.
  • And other duties as required
Requirements:

Degree and/or Certification in Film/Video, Theater, Audio Production, Media Arts,

Performing Arts or a closely related field strongly preferred. Experience may count

towards a degree.

  • Minimum experience of two years working with film, video, audio, new media, or related production work.
  • Must be able to work well as a team member in a professional manner with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel in accomplishing projects with high production standards.
  • Must be able to work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
  • Must display creativity in solving technical problems, and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
  • Must be willing to understand and learn new technologies specific to MOCA installs and events.
  • Basic electrical knowledge.
  • Working knowledge of tools and proper application.
  • Must demonstrate safe use of equipment including, but not limited to media equipment, electrical equipment, personnel lifts, and various portable and stationary power tools.
  • Must be willing to follow Injury Illness Prevention Program.

Rate: $23.79