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Join our Team
Join our Team
Employment Opportunities
To apply for a position, please send your resume and a cover letter to HumanResources@Bowers.org; no phone calls please.
Position Title: Preparator
Department: Exhibit Design and Installation
Reports to: Vice President of Exhibit Design & Installation
FLSA Classification: Independent Contractor
Hourly Rate: $20 - $25 Per Hour Commensurate on Skills and Experience
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Exhibit Design & Installation and the Chief Preparator, this position works as a carpenter and installer. The Exhibit Department has a fully operational woodshop, and this position requires awareness and knowledge to safely operate woodworking and power tools, dust collection systems, and to assist with installing modular walls, casework and lighting. This individual must have an eye for detail and know how to complete professional finish work. Must be organized, seasoned to produce high volumes of work, move heavy objects, and work on ladders and scizzor lifts. Hours are seasonal and vary during exhibition installations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs moderately complex carpentry including leveling, joining, finishing and and painting
- Lifts, carries and moves heavy objects such as crates, artwork, exhibition furniture and props
- Assist in the installation, maintenance and operation of gallery and showcase lighting
- Understands and maintains awareness of any precarious situations around artifacts
- Operates appropriate hand power tools and performs carpentry work as instructed
- Other duties as assigned
- Conduct all responsibilities in a safe manner according to regulations (OSHA, IIPP, etc.)
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and be competent in all aspects of the job summary. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma; plus three to five years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Independent good judgment and decision-making are required in this position.
Other Skills, Abilities, and/or Training
- License to operate a variety of vehicles and forklifts
- Proven skills in the use of power tools, wood and metal shop machinery, and lifting apparatuses
- Proven skills in woodworking, cabinetry, metalworking, plastics, painting or decorative finishes, and general
construction
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Rarely required to remain seated in a normal position for long periods of time
- Regularly required to stand for long periods of time
- Regularly required to move about
- Regularly required to climb stairs and/or ladders
- Regularly required to maintain balance while walking, standing, crouching, or running
- Regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl
- Regularly required to reach up and out with hands and arms
- Regularly required to talk and hear; verbally express information or instructions
- Regularly required to use hands to grasp, pick up, move or hold objects
- Regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and carry a distance of 10 feet
- Regularly required to push and/or pull up to 25 pounds a distance of 10 feet
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. The individual is regularly exposed to indoor conditions and high noise levels; the individual is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and temperature extremes.
Disclaimer
The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employee assigned to this job.

Bowers Internship Program
Thank you for your interest in joining the Bowers Museum Internship Program! Our goal is to collaborate with talented students from our neighboring colleges and universities to provide an invaluable hands-on complement to their academic experience. The Bowers Museum offers an array of internship opportunities for students of all disciplines.
Please complete the Internship Application Form and submit along with your current resume and a brief cover letter to HumanResources@Bowers.org.
External Affairs Division, Public Programs Department, Collections Department, and Research Internships available; applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Internships are open to undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates. Internships are year round, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis, depending upon availability. Interns are asked to commit to a certain number of hours and a specific schedule for a duration of at least 3 months. Internships are unpaid. Due to the unique nature of each department, the qualifications, responsibilities, and duration of each internship will vary. Additional information can be found on the internship application.
Notice: All applicants must be 18 years of age and show proof of covid vaccination, no exceptions.
Position Title: CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP
Department: Collections & Programs
Reports to: Director of Exhibitions and Curatorial Assistant
FLSA Classification: Volunteer, Unpaid
To Apply: Send Resume, Cover Letter and completed Internship Application to HumanResources@Bowers.org
Proof of Covid Vaccination Required
Application Deadlines:
- Spring (mid-January – late April): October 31st
- Summer (early June – late August): March 31st
- Fall (mid-September – mid-December): June 30th
SUMMARY
The Bowers Museum Internship Program’s goal is to collaborate with talented students from colleges and universities to provide them an invaluable hands-on complement to their academic experience while learning to function successfully in a professional museum environment.
Candidates will support the Curatorial team through research, writing, and other object- and exhibition-driven projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Research permanent collection objects and new acquisitions.
- Write object labels and other forms of museum copy.
- Produce content for Bowers’ social media platforms and Bowers Blog.
- Maintain and create museum object lists.
- Audit featured and ongoing exhibitions for potential issues.
- Assist in other exhibition-related projects.
- Enter data and assist with cleanup of the museum’s collections management system (TMS).
- Archive past exhibitions.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Conduct all responsibilities in a safe manner according to regulations (OSHA, IIPP, etc.).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently or recently (within the last year) enrolled in college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Must commit to a minimum of 6 hours a week for a duration of at least 12 weeks.
- Strong computer skills, Microsoft 365.
- Ability to work without constant supervision.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to preserve confidentiality of information.
- Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, as well as effectively collaborate with other departments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Regularly required to remain seated in a normal position for long periods of time.
- Regularly required to stand for long periods of time.
- Regularly required to move about.
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
- Occasionally required to reach up/out with hands and arms.
- Regularly required to talk and hear, verbally express information or instructions.
- Regularly required to use hands to grasp objects, type, pick up objects, move objects, or hold objects.
- Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds and carry a distance of 10 feet.
- Occasionally required to push and/or pull up to 25 pounds a distance of 10 feet.
Disclaimer
The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employee assigned to this job.
Volunteer at the Bowers

For general volunteer opportunities, please submit your volunteer application with a cover letter of introduction that includes any qualifications and/or experience you may have relating to your area of interest. Email your application and cover letter to HumanResources@Bowers.org.
Opportunities range from assisting with art project preparations and execution for our monthly festivals to conducting onsite surveys and helping with mailing assembly. Volunteer applications are accepted year round and positions are appointed as needed.
Notice: All applicants must be 18 years of age and show proof of covid vaccination, no exceptions.
Affiliate Councils
Museum Councils are special interest groups that support the museum and its programs through fundraising, volunteering and/or providing educational programs. The Bowers Affiliate Councils (BAC) meets as a group once a quarter to share activities and discuss strategies for supporting upcoming museum educational programming and exhibitions.
The current roster for the BAC includes the following groups with more than half participating actively throughout the year:
Docent Guild
Their 100+ active members provide tours of museum exhibitions to visitors, school and adult groups. The guild performs community outreach and holds regular meetings and programs at the museum.
Bead Society of Orange County
Provides the community with educational resources regarding the artistic, historical and intercultural significance of beads through regular meetings, lectures, workshops, and annual events at the museum.
Collectors Council
Provides experiences in art collection and connoisseurship. Members enjoy tours of private collections and galleries as well as travel opportunities and special parties.
Bells
Serve as ambassadors of good will by volunteering at the information and membership desks at social and fundraising functions, as well as supporting the membership department in office.
Persian Arts Council
The Persian Arts Council promotes and expands knowledge of Persian arts and culture and its contributions towards world civilization. It sponsors activities, family festivals, and lectures for the community to experience the rich aspects of Persian history.
Italian Arts Council
Present the annual Italian Family Festival celebration in the museum courtyard, as well as a monthly Italian cultural film series and educational programs for adults and children.
Chinese Cultural Art Council
Promotes Chinese cultural arts in the community through lectures and activities in conjunction with the museum.