Senior Exhibit Technician

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Williamsburg, VA

9d•$58,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is seeking a Senior Exhibit Technician to join their team. This role involves master craftsman work in exhibit fabrication, including building new exhibits and improving existing ones with museum-quality joinery across various materials. The technician will produce shop drawings, build durable structures, and ensure cultural and sensory accessibility. Key responsibilities include leading the installation of exhibitions, conducting gallery maintenance and repairs, providing job-site supervision, and managing purchasing and planning for materials and inventory. This position requires a strong understanding of technical expertise in fabrication, construction, installation, and maintenance, as well as project execution and leadership skills.

Requirements

Demonstrated mastery of exhibit fabrication techniques, construction methods, installation practices, and maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Ability to evaluate technical challenges and solve complex fabrication and installation challenges using creative, practical solutions.
Mastery of woodworking, cabinetry, finish carpentry, metal fabrication, painting, scenic finishing, and exhibit construction techniques.
Skilled in the operation and maintenance of shop machinery, hand tools, CNC equipment, and fabrication technologies.
Skilled in fabrication using a variety of materials including wood, metal, acrylic, laminates, plastics, and composites.
Ability to interpret architectural drawings, exhibit design documents, fabrication drawings, and installation plans.
Ability to draft and interpret working drawings and schematics relevant to signage and exhibit construction.
Skilled in exhibit lighting installation and adjustment.
Knowledge of project scheduling, construction sequencing, and exhibit installation logistics.
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and complete multiple exhibit projects on schedule while maintaining quality, safety, and budget expectations.
Demonstrated skill in providing technical leadership, staff supervision, team coordination, and promotion of a collaborative work environment.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety practices, and safe operation of power tools, lifts, ladders, and shop equipment.
Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships with internal departments, contractors, designers, and vendors.
Ability to independently manage work assignments, proactively identify issues and solutions, and appropriately enlist the expertise and assistance of others to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to museum standards.

Nice To Haves

A combination of relevant education and experience in progressively responsible roles preferred.
A commitment to continuous learning, especially related to equity, accessibility, and sustainability in public exhibits.
Knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and universal design principles as applied to exhibitions.
Become certified as an Aerial/Scissor lift operator. Training will be provided if candidate is not currently certified.

Responsibilities

Fabricate new exhibits and build fixes and improvements to existing ones, achieving museum-quality joinery across wood, metal, glass, Plexiglas, laminates, paints, lacquers, and adhesives.
Produce shop drawings and cabinetry, and build safe, durable, aesthetically finished structures according to exhibit plans and specifications.
Create and maintain exhibit components with attention to cultural and sensory accessibility, delivering consistent quality across multiple concurrent projects.
Lead the installation of special and permanent exhibitions at both museums, and contribute construction expertise before fabrication projects go to bid.
Conduct regular inspections and troubleshoot and repair interactive components, lighting, carpentry, and electronics to keep galleries fully functional.
Develop and carry out preventative maintenance schedules and recommend improvements for durability.
Install, disassemble, and pack permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits, including artifact handling and structural construction.
Provide leadership on the job site for staff and contractors and supervise exhibit technician(s).
Ensure staff and contractors follow plans, specifications, and building codes, and maintain state-of-the-art museum practices.
Purchase and stock materials and inventory for exhibits and signage, working with the procurement officer and the supervisor to keep the shop's needs budgeted, and contacting small businesses as required.
Support long-range planning for future fabrication needs, assist with vendor proposal and bid processes for outsourced projects, and keep accurate records and project status reports.