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 welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve and includes individuals who bring a diversity of values and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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 Mountmaker to join the Department of Antiquities Conservation located at the Getty Villa. Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Antiquities, and under minimal supervision, the ideal candidate will design and fabricate mounts for the display and storage of art objects. Undertakes material research and develops advanced knowledge of the safe display and housing of works of art. Collaborates with conservators by providing expertise and fabricating fixtures, supports during conservation treatments. Designs packing systems for traveling collection items and may install and deinstall objects in exhibitions and permanent galleries.

• Applies knowledge of current best practice in conservation ethics and mountmaking techniques, policies and procedures to moderately complex tasks.
• Fabricates mounts and fixtures for objects and loans for public display and storage.
• Collaborates on the installation and de-installation of exhibitions.
• Assists in the development of mount production scope and schedule for special exhibitions, and discusses technical aspects of mounts with lenders.
• Assists conservators in the design and production of both temporary and long-term mounts and fixtures to aid in conservation treatments.
• Collaborates on research and selects concepts, materials and technologies to use in the fabrication of mounts and fixtures.
• Retrieves from storage, handles and transports works of art.
• Maintains inventory and shop equipment and documentation related to loans and exhibitions for future reference.
• May collaborate with conservators to effectively integrate seismic resistant mounts.
• May be asked to make presentations to professional audiences or the general public.
• May be asked to advise colleagues from other institutions.
• Maintains written and photographic documentation of all work.
• May courier works of art for loan exhibitions.
• May travel to lender institutions to review objects for mount design.

• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, studio arts, conservation, design, engineering or industrial arts
• 5-7 years experience in design and fabrication of mounts and handling of art objects, preferably in a museum

• Fabrication experience in a variety of common materials and techniques (machining, welding, shop tool use)
• Knowledge of proper art handling protocols
• Comprehension of seismic mitigation principles and techniques
• Ability to visualize physical/mechanical solutions to moderately complex structural and dynamic problems
• Proficient with computer software aided design and analysis

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.  

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.