Museum Exhibit Preparator (wage, Non-exempt)

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is seeking skilled artisans that excel in an exceedingly deadline-driven workplace to join the Exhibitions Design and Production Department.

These are non-exempt positions without benefits, scheduled to work approximately 27 hours per week on average and up to 1,450 hours annually (May 1 – April 30).

Museum Exhibit Preparators have considerable knowledge of museum exhibit fabrication and installation, working knowledge of furniture design and construction, a wide range of carpentry and cabinet making skills and some knowledge of art conservation principles. Successful candidates are highly skilled in the operation of carpentry shop tools and other fabrication equipment. Assigned tasks are often under tight deadlines. Preparators frequently adapt to last minute changes.

Responsibilities
  • Performs a wide variety of construction-related tasks for installation of museum exhibits and building fixtures.

  • Performs frame carpentry, finish carpentry, cabinet making, plastic laminate work, and painting as needed.

  • Uses specialized materials such as Plexiglas and metals, as required by exhibit design.

  • Builds custom furniture for public use, such as benches, tables, information desks, and sales counters.

  • Reproduces and installs architectural details such as moldings and raised panels.

  • Sets up galleries according to plans (moveable walls, casework, platforms, furniture, etc.)

  • Loads and unloads trucks for traveling exhibitions.

  • Assists in material and supply inventory by providing supervisor with lists of material needs and unloading supply trucks.

  • Helps maintain shop records of case dimensions and materials.

Requirements
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings, weekends and on occasion holidays.

  • Ability to work on projects as a team and independently.

  • Professional demeanor and self-motivated.

  • Ability to respect and understand how to work in a clean museum setting.

  • Ability to articulate ideas and communicate clearly.

  • Possess an acute eye for detail.

  • Excellent organizational skills.

  • Ability to learn quickly, ask the right questions and learn from mistakes.

  • Ability to take direction and work little oversight.

  • Ability to read, understand blueprints/fabrication drawings, catch mistakes and offer alternate suggestions.

  • Knowledgeable about woodworking fabrication practices.

  • Knowledgeable about general concepts of wall construction from initial layout to framing, hanging drywall and finish coating.

  • Knowledgeable of safety standards for equipment and chemicals commonly used in fabrication and paint shops.

  • Ability to use hands to handle tools and equipment, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

  • Ability use tools and machines with respect and be safety minded.

  • Ability to stand and walk up to 8 hours per day.

  • Ability to lift or move up to 100 pounds.

  • Ability to move full sheets of plywood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced Exhibit Preparator experience in an art museum or gallery setting.

  • Experience in building carpentry and millwork.

Special Requirements:

  • Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.
How to Apply

Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on February 18, 2020.

Please contact the HR office at (804) 340-1485 if you need assistance. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an EEO/AA, Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.

Click here to apply for this position:

http://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/178815

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Posted on February 11