Senior Mountmaker

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at Getty: 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 diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Job Summary:

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 qualified Senior Mountmaker to join the Department of Antiquities Conservation located at the Getty Villa. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in museum mountmaking with experience in designing mounts for a diverse collection, including archaeological materials and large-scale objects, as well as exhibition installation. Preference will be given to applicants who are proficient in seismic mountmaking and have an interest in advancing knowledge and practices in this field. Working as a collegial and engaged team member with other mountmakers, conservators, and curators at the Getty Villa, and with Museum staff across two campuses, the Senior Mountmaker will design and fabricate mounts for exhibitions, during special conservation treatments, and supports for photography. They will undertake research into material use and technological innovation and strive to advance methods for the safe display of works of art for the display of the Museum’s collection, special exhibition program, and out-going loans.

Major Job Responsibilities:
Applies expert knowledge of current best practices i n seismic mountmaking techniques and theories, as well as in conservation ethics.

Designs and fabricates unique and complex mounts for a wide variety of objects and loans.

Collaborates on the design and production of both temporary and long-term mounts to aid in conservation treatments.

Researches materials and technologies to use in the fabrication of mounts and fixtures of works of art.

Collaborates across departments to develop detailed plans, coordinate work schedules, and monitor budgets for exhibitions.

Ensures mountmaking records are thoroughly documented.

Researches and develops technologies and engineering concepts to house and protect objects from seismic risk. This includes testing mount designs and materials for their ability to safely withstand seismic activity.

Contributes to the advancement of the field through lectures and publications.

Collaborates across institutions on initiatives that mutually benefit and contribute expertise to the profession.

Couriers works of art for loan exhibitions.

Works with outside institutions to design mounts for in-coming loans, including possible site visits to other collections.

May coordinate and supervise the work of other mountmakers and outside contractors.

Create presentations to professional audiences or the public.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, studio arts, conservation, design, engineering or industrial arts

7-10 years experience in design and fabrication of mounts and handling of art objects, 5 years of which in a museum

Requirement: All employees must be fully-vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. Exemptions from this requirement as a reasonable accommodation due to medical contraindication, disability or sincerely held religious belief or practice will be considered. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Advanced fabrication experience in a variety of materials and techniques (machining, welding, shop tool use).

Advanced knowledge of proper art-handling protocols.

Experience with seismic mitigation fundamentals and techniques.

Ability to visualize and apply solutions to complex structural and dynamic problems.

Skilled with CAD software that aids in design and analysis, such as Vectorworks or Rhinoceros.

Skilled in the use of Artec Eva, Spider and/or Leo 3D scanners and processing software, and the ability to operate 3D printers.

Advanced knowledge of rigging large scale sculptures in a safe and controlled manner, including the ability to design and implement lifting rigs, when necessary.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate and direct teams across disciplines, as well as build long-term relationships.

Advanced knowledge of exhibition installations.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.