Exhibition Lighting Designer - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Part-Time)

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibition Lighting Designer develops and executes exhibition lighting across The New York Public Library’s research centers. The role shapes how collection materials, graphics, and media are viewed in gallery spaces while balancing curatorial and design intent with conservation requirements for light-sensitive materials. The designer works with the Design Interpretation team and colleagues across exhibitions, conservation, collections, and installation, from initial lighting concepts through installation, focus, and final adjustments. This part-time position works on an as-needed basis in office, museum/gallery, and public library settings, with travel within New York City. The schedule is between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with evenings and weekends as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, theatrical or performance design, or architectural lighting design, or equivalent professional experience in museum or exhibition lighting.
Three to five years of professional lighting design experience in museum, gallery, or exhibition settings, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Demonstrated experience lighting collection objects and archival materials within conservation light-level requirements.
Portfolio demonstrating lighting of objects, works on paper, or collection displays.
Working knowledge of conservation lighting standards and practice, including lux and footcandle limits for light-sensitive materials, UV and IR mitigation, and cumulative exposure tracking.
Ability to measure, interpret, and document light and UV readings using standard metering equipment.
Working knowledge of LED sources, color temperature, color rendering, beam optics, track and monopoint systems, and dimming and control protocols including DMX.
Ability to read and work from architectural drawings, exhibition design packages, and casework shop drawings.
Ability to work at height from ladders and lifts and handle and position lighting fixtures and equipment.
Familiarity with collection handling protocols and comfort working near objects on display.
Ability to work independently, manage time across intermittent assignments, and respond to scheduling changes driven by exhibition calendars.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with curators, designers, conservators, and installation staff.
Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
Ability to take direction and work in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability working in Word, Excel, and Google Drive.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute lighting designs for exhibitions, installations, and display rotations across the research centers, from initial concept through focus and final adjustment, in alignment with exhibition design intent.
Specify and verify light levels in accordance with conservation requirements for works on paper, photographs, textiles, and other light-sensitive materials, consulting with conservation and collection care staff; monitor UV and cumulative exposure limits and document readings.
Produce lighting documentation, including plots, fixture and circuit schedules, focus notes, filter and accessory specifications, and as-built records, to support installation, maintenance, and reinstallation.
Perform and direct on-site focus sessions, coordinating with the Installation Manager and installation team on fixture placement, lift and ladder work, and gallery access scheduling.
Work within existing track, fixture, and control infrastructure; recommend fixture purchases, rentals, or upgrades to the Installation Manager when needed, provide maintenance guidance, and troubleshoot lighting issues during exhibition runs.
Participate in design reviews and gallery walkthroughs with the Design Interpretation team and vendors, integrating lighting with casework, graphics, projection, and media elements and supporting consistent lighting quality across the three research centers.
Follow Library and departmental safety procedures, including those for ladder and lift use, collection handling, and work in occupied public spaces; maintain an organized and clean work environment.
Track time against assigned projects, submit timesheets according to the department schedule, and raise scope or hours concerns with the Installation Manager in advance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.