Exhibit Fabrication Supervisor

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

51d•$60,000 - $68,000

About The Position

The Florida Museum of Natural History is seeking an Exhibit Fabrication Supervisor. The Exhibit Fabrication Supervisor provides leadership and management for the museum's exhibit fabrication, installation, and maintenance operations. The role oversees the design, construction, and upkeep of permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits, ensuring all projects meet the museum's standards for safety, conservation, and quality. It supervises fabrication and maintenance staff, contractors, and volunteers, coordinating schedules, budgets, and logistics to deliver high-quality exhibition experiences on time and within scope. The position manages the exhibit workshop, fabrication facilities, and related storage areas, ensuring tools, equipment, and materials are properly maintained and used safely. It develops and enforces safety protocols, oversees inventory and purchasing, and serves as Hazmat Coordinator for exhibit materials. Working closely with curators, collections, conservation, and scientific staff, the role ensures that exhibit materials and methods align with conservation best practices and sustainable museum standards. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership, strategic planning, and cross-departmental coordination to support the museum's exhibition goals and visitor experience.

Requirements

A High School diploma or equivalent and six years of relevant experience; Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience; or Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
Valid FL driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in museum studies, Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, Fine Arts, or a related field, and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in museum exhibit fabrication, design, and installation.
Demonstrated experience managing museum operations, including development and implementation of policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Proven ability to supervise and coordinate the work of staff, contractors, and volunteers across multiple exhibit and facility projects.
Advanced skills in carpentry, fabrication, and construction techniques; experience with welding, finishing, and cabinetry preferred.
Strong understanding of exhibit technology systems, including audiovisual equipment, computer-based interactive, theatrical lighting, and display control systems.
Experience coordinating the logistics of traveling exhibit installations and strikes, including scheduling, packing, transport, and reinstallation.
Familiarity with conservation practices and environmental requirements for displaying artifacts and specimens.
Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance hands-on work and team leadership.
Commitment to safety, sustainability, and collaboration in a museum or cultural institution environment.

Responsibilities

Leads, supervises, and participates in the design, fabrication, and installation of new permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits.
Oversees fabrication and installation teams, including staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Coordinates schedules, budgets, logistics, and safety for all fabrication and installation activities.
Collaborates with exhibit designers, curators, and collections staff to ensure design intent, technical quality, and conservation standards are achieved.
Reviews drawings, specifications, and materials to ensure compliance with museum standards and project goals.
Oversees and performs maintenance and repairs for existing exhibits to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality visitor experiences.
Conducts and documents regular inspections of exhibit structures, artifact displays, lighting, audiovisual systems, and interactive components.
Coordinates repair schedules, assigns work, and supervises maintenance staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Troubleshoots and resolves technical and structural issues, maintaining exhibits in alignment with museum conservation and operational standards.
Supervises and manages the exhibit workshop, carpentry shop, and associated storage and warehouse areas.
Ensures tools, equipment, and materials are organized, maintained, and used safely.
Develops and enforces safety protocols and training for fabrication and installation staff.
Oversees inventory and purchasing of supplies and materials.
Serves as Hazmat Coordinator for paints, solvents, and chemicals.
Supervises the Facilities Manager and coordinates on shared facility projects and maintenance needs.
Collaborates with collections, conservation, and scientific staff to ensure exhibit fabrication and installation methods meet museum conservation and safety standards.
Researches and applies best practices for materials, adhesives, paints, and finishes that protect collections and ensure long-term exhibit stability.
Reviews and approves materials and fabrication methods to meet climate, environmental, and artifact care requirements.