Museum Technician

NORTON MUSEUM OF ART INC • West Palm Beach, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Museum Technician reports to the Director of Exhibition Design & Installation. This crucial position is a core member of a four-person Installation team, collaborating closely with Curators, Registrars, and supportive staff. The role centers on the physical realization and maintenance of all exhibitions and collection galleries, requiring a proficient and balanced skill set. The successful candidate has proven hands-on experience in fine art handling practices, installation, and rigging across diverse media. The Museum Technician is responsible for the safe movement, packing, and crating of the permanent collection objects and temporary exhibition loans with adherence to professional museum standards and best practices in all aspects of collections care and display. Equally important is an advanced competency in precision fabrication and millwork, including the interpretation of technical drawings and the construction of custom, museum-grade exhibition furniture such as platforms, pedestals, and display cases, among others.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience in an art museum, gallery, or similar institutional setting.
• This experience must demonstrate a combined proficiency in two core areas: 1.) Expert Art Handling & Installation and 2.) Precision Fabrication & Millwork
• Must be available and willing to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends, to align with critical installation schedules and the exhibition calendar
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 65 lbs. unassisted and frequently lift and/or move up to 400 lbs. with assistance of mechanical equipment.
• Physically capable of climbing ladders, using shop equipment and lifts.

Nice To Haves

• BA or BFA in art-related fields, or a closely related discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with the Installation Team, Curators, museum staff, vendors and visiting artists to successfully execute the exhibition of artwork within the museum.
• Executes the safe installation, de-installation, and movement of all works of art for exhibitions and the Museum's collection galleries. This requires expert, hands-on knowledge in handling diverse fine art mediums, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, and new media, among others, while strictly adhering to best museum practices.
• Assists in the packing and crating, unpacking, and receiving of artwork in accordance with professional museum standards. This includes the loading and unloading of trucks to ensure safe transit.
• Expertly troubleshoots and implements real-time solutions to complex logistical and display challenges, often requiring on-the-spot design or fabrication modifications to meet exhibition needs.
• Performs regular maintenance of galleries including cleaning of display cases and upkeep of the general appearance.
• Supports Museum and Lighting Technician with lighting the galleries.
• Proven experience in the construction of diverse exhibition furniture, including modular gallery walls, custom pedestals, risers, plinths, and vitrine casework.
• Works closely with the Installation Team to support the design of permanent collection rotations and special exhibitions including the development of mockups for display concepts and working out fabrication details.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fabrication process for museum displays which includes measuring, cutting, and assembling using professional woodworking machinery (e.g., table saws, panel saws, jointers, routers, etc.) and handcraft.
• Experience in working with standard and specialized materials such as hardwoods, various grades of plywood and MDF, laminates, acrylics, and metals.
• Proficiency in high-quality finish work, including painting, filling, sanding, and applying specialized coatings or veneers to meet both aesthetic design goals and strict archival standards.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret architectural drawings, technical plans, and shop drawings for exhibition components.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment, including the routine maintenance and calibration of tools and equipment.
• Patching and painting gallery walls to prepare for exhibitions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Worksite plans & Additional Life Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D, employer paid
• Short-term Disability Insurance, employer paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan and 2% employer match
• Considerable paid time off, plus 4 additional discretionary days, and 9 recognized holidays
• Flex Work options; hybrid & flexible schedule after an employee’s 90-day probationary period.
• 20% discount for staff in the Museum store
• 10% discount at The Restaurant
• Membership to the ROAM Museum network

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level