Jobs & Internships
Current Positions Available
To apply for a posted position, please follow the instructions at the end of the relevant job description. Upon receiving your resume, we will review your credentials and contact you if they are commensurate with the requirements of the position for which you are applying.
Unless otherwise identified, all job opportunities are based in downtown Los Angeles at MOCA's staff offices located at MOCA Grand Avenue. MOCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Thank you for your interest in MOCA.
Preparator I
Overview
Preparator I is an intermediate level position and works onsite under the supervision of the Director of Exhibition Production, the Exhibition Production Managers, and/or Senior Preparators as assigned, to receive, mount, pack and disperse all exhibitions, including loans and works in the Permanent Collection. These functions involve working closely with the Registration Department, Curatorial Department, and visiting artists and curators. Primary responsibility is the safe and careful handling of all objects placed within the Museum's care, and overall collection stewardship and maintenance. Because the scope of the MOCA's exhibition program incorporates conventional art forms as well as those which are more experimental in nature, Preparator I will have a variety of tasks and functions to perform, relating to all aspects of construction, fabrication, installation and maintenance of exhibitions.
Rate: $30.11 per hour
Requirements
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Minimum of two years’ experience working in museums, galleries, or professional artist studios. Contemporary art museum experience preferred.
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Excellent manual dexterity and visual acuity skills.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Knowledge of the safe handling, care and installation of all art objects, installation hardware, and movement techniques.
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Safe use of tools and equipment including, but not limited to: ladders, pallet jacks, non-electrical hand tools and various portable and stationary power tools.
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Ability to multitask on a variety of concurrent projects.
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Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Desired Skills
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Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe CS, TMS, Sketchup and/or other relevant exhibition design software.
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Experience with various fabrication, carpentry and construction techniques, and gallery lighting.
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Experience using forklifts, aerial lifts and other motorized equipment.
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Knowledge of contemporary art.
Essential Functions
- Work well as a team member and interact with a wide variety of staff and non-museum personnel.
- Safely and carefully handle all objects placed within the museum’s care, using best practices.
- Receive, release, load, and unload shipments of art as assigned. Direct crews in safe loading and unloading of trucks and movement of art.
- Work with the Senior Preparator to maintain and replenish inventory of tools, supplies and materials.
- Work in a precise and careful manner under stringent deadlines.
- Display creativity in solving technical problems and flexibility in adapting to unusual circumstances.
- Attend all mandatory safety and equipment training sessions. Comply with safety standards on all equipment use.
- Operate fork/aerial lifts.
- Help to foster a collegial and synergistic work environment, contributing to the development of department staff at all skill levels.
- Act as a team leader to Temporary Preparators in accomplishing daily departmental goals.
- Maintain work spaces, gallery spaces, and artworks on display or in the collection according to standards set by Registrars, Exhibition Production Managers, and Senior Preparators.
- Participate in the planning and installation of exhibitions; includes attending meetings with other departments, creating physical and digital maquettes of artworks, and contributing to the design and fabrication of exhibition furniture for shows as assigned.
- Work closely with other departments, particularly Operations, Facilities, and Security staff as needed to provide continued assistance to the greater museum.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following:
- Stand for long periods.
- Bend, stoop, reach, lift, and climb to move materials and carefully handle artwork.
- Climb up and down stairs and ladders; comfortably work at heights.
- Reach both above and below shoulder height.
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds individually.
- Operate manually-controlled equipment and safely handle works of art.
- Ability to visually inspect work; specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Please to submit your resume and cover letter to hr@moca.org.
Gallery Attendant I
Overview
Gallery Attendants create a positive, warm, welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable experience in the museum’s galleries by engaging with visitors and protecting the artwork. Scheduled at either of MOCA’s downtown locations (MOCA Grand and MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary) Gallery Attendants staff the museum, queuing, and entry points during public hours, special events, and public programs; in addition, they handle ticketing admissions as well as membership sales and service. Gallery Attendants help ensure visitor and staff are in compliance with the museum’s code of conduct.
This is a part-time position requiring you to work onsite. Weekend work will be required.
Hourly Rate: $18.97 per hour
Requirements
- Friendly and outgoing disposition; strong communication skills to interact with diverse visitors; understanding of how body language can convey a welcoming yet professional presence.
- Experience dealing with the public in a customer service or hospitality capacity. Hospitality-oriented individuals with strong people skills are preferred.
- Familiarity with museums; strong interest in contemporary art.
- Ability to handle fast-paced events, as well as to remain focused and attentive during quieter times.
- Exercise and demonstrate good judgment consistently.
- In partnership with security personnel, willingness to act as a “first responder” in emergency situations such as earthquakes, power outages, or incidents requiring medical attention.
- Three days per week minimum availability. Flexible on-site schedule; must have weekend availability which is defined as Saturday and/or Sunday, and willingness to work evenings, holidays, and special events including, the annual gala, education events, press event, members events, opening night, opening weekends, and closing events at both downtown locations – MOCA Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles and The Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo – as assigned.
Essential Functions
- Proactively engage, greet, and orient visitors while protecting artworks on view.
- All Gallery Attendants will adhere to museum rules and policies including those outlined in the Visitor Code of Conduct.
- Run check-in for special events and public programs, including keeping the line organized and communicating updates with event/program attendees.
- Maintain posts in the museum lobby and galleries during public hours and events.
- Assist MOCA Security with fire/life safety protocols, including medical incidents or emergency situations.
- Participate in daily briefings and additional scheduled trainings, including curatorial walkthroughs of new exhibitions.
- Set up and strike wayfinding devices, ticketing signage, and visitor engagement collateral.
- Use Altru and XTruLink ticketing and scanning systems as trained to accurately capture required visitor information and process transactions for both free and paid admission.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of MOCA’s membership benefits and actively promote MOCA’s membership programs.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of museum information by reading and reviewing all staff communications and attending all staff meetings.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policies and procedures as outlined in training sessions, staff meetings, written handbooks and the VE Google Site.
- Assist patrons with accessibility aids; use the two questions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, to ensure proper access for prospective ticket-purchasers with service animals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Upon satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period:
- Complete training to provide logistical support during Contemporary Art Start hours.
- Run pre-tour check-in and manage the restroom line.
- Observe tours when appropriate offering extra art protection in the gallery.
- Participate in daily debriefing after student tours end.
Application:
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
Click here to apply and submit your resume and cover letter.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.