Exhibits Technician

Virginia Living Museum • Newport News, VA

3d • $16 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibits Technician supports the Museum’s mission to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation through the production and maintenance of high quality, engaging exhibits. The main responsibilities of this position include fabricating and building exhibits, as well as working with traveling exhibit companies on installation and removal of changing exhibits. This position’s priorities align with the VLM strategic plan's three core initiatives: immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments for sustainability. This position reports to the Exhibits Manager.

Requirements

• Ability to work the occasional evening, weekend or holiday
• Availability to participate as a member of the museum’s snow removal team
• Must be able to perceive detailed information through oral and written communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift and/or exert 50 pounds routinely, 80 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed
• Must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions. Must be comfortable at heights and using tall ladders.
• Will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wind, snow, and humidity

Nice To Haves

• A degree or certificate in a relevant field such as: Fine Arts, Industrial Design, or Museum Studies, preferred
• 1 - 3 years of experience in three-dimensional exhibit preparation, preferably in a museum setting
• Demonstrated creativity through artistic design and build
• Sound knowledge of design, tools, and principals involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of construction and building practices
• Skills in painting, general repairs, and carpentry
• Experience in woodshops, fabrication, building and prototyping experience
• Detail oriented, highly organized, effective time management
• Problem solver, ability to formulate creative ideas/concepts for exhibits and signage
• Must be able to clearly and professionally present thoughts and ideas through written and oral communication, often using sketches and drawings

Responsibilities

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
• Maximize the guest experience by supporting all non-live permanent and temporary exhibits, including installation, lighting, artifacts, interpretive signage, and other methods to convey information in an engaging manner
• Perform maintenance and repair of all non-live temporary and permanent exhibits (including wall preparation, painting, finish carpentry, lighting needs, etc.)
• Ensure all displays and exhibits are clean and in working order each day
• Install, maintain and remove temporary rental exhibits
• Assist in fabrication and installation of educational exhibits to include signage, graphics, banners
• Manage the specialized lighting for all museum exhibits, galleries and spaces
• Care and maintenance for non-collection objects used for displays and exhibits
• Oversee a team of department volunteers to maximize and strengthen the Museum’s mission and commitment to the community
• Keep abreast of new technology and trends to ensure VLM exhibits remain engaging and relevant.
• Collaborate across Museum departments to improve exhibits based upon guest feedback
• Strategically utilize and manage department staff & volunteers and their applicable skills to strengthen the Museum’s mission and commitment to the community
• Follow museum safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days)
• fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• dental coverage
• health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree