Senior Mountmaker, Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation

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 Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation located at the Getty Center. Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in museum mountmaking and exhibition installation with experience in designing mounts for a diverse collection ranging in scale from small jewelry to monumental sculptures. 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, curators and art preparators at the Getty Center, the Senior Mountmaker will design and fabricate mounts for permanent collection installations and for temporary exhibitions, as well as 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. The Senior Mountmaker may design packing systems for traveling collection items and may install and deinstall objects in exhibitions and permanent galleries.

Applies expert knowledge of current best practices in seismic mountmaking techniques and theories, as well as in conservation methodology and 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.
• Researches materials and technologies to use in the design and 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 that mounts 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 incoming loans, including possible site visits to other collections.
• May coordinate and supervise the work of other mountmakers and outside contractors.
• Maintains written and photographic documentation of all work.
• May be asked to advise colleagues from other institutions.
• May be asked to make presentations to professional audiences or the general public.
• Retrieves from storage, handles, and transports works of art.

• 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

• Advanced knowledge of exhibition installations
• Advanced fabrication experience in a variety of materials and techniques (machining, welding, shop tool use)
• Advanced knowledge of proper art-handling protocols
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate materials for art display
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and direct teams across disciplines, as well as build long-term relationships
• Ability to handle multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change
• Experience with seismic mitigation fundamentals and techniques
• Ability to visualize and apply solutions to complex structural and dynamic problems
• Familiar with the use of CAD software for mount design and analysis
• Familiar with the use of 3D scanners, processing software, and the ability to operate 3D printers
• Ability to read and produce design drawings, construction documentation and specifications

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.