Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter)

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

12 Paid Holidays

Vacation & Other Leave

Retirement Plans

Wellness Program

Job summary

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond seeks a detail oriented Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter) to support the Exhibition Department. You will fabricate display elements, read drawings, and collaborate with designers to realize gallery plans and temporary exhibitions.

The role requires cabinetmaking skills, safe tool operation, and the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining museum standards. VMFA offers a full benefits package and a 365‑day open schedule.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and skills in cabinetmaking and woodworking techniques, methods, and materials, and joinery techniques.
• Skill in the operation of carpentry shop tools and other fabrication equipment with safety practices.
• Working knowledge of museum exhibit fabrication and installation; knowledge of furniture design and painting.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate display casework, pedestals, and architectural elements for exhibitions and gallery displays.
• Read, review, and assess architectural drawings used in fabrication.
• Consult with designers on mechanical aspects of design ideas.
• Build and set up galleries according to plans (modular walls, casework, platforms, furniture).
• Follow safety protocols and wear PPE; OSHA compliance when using tools and equipment.
• Operate motorized lifts; lift training and certification provided during onboarding.

Skills

Cabinetmaking

Woodworking techniques

Tool operation

Reading drawings

Safety protocols

Deadline-driven

Education

Industrial arts training

Cabinet making experience

Tools

CNC routers

Jigsaws

Handsaws

Panel saws

Planers

Shapers

Joiners

Painting equipment

Job description

Learn more and apply to this position at Virginia Jobs

Post closes on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:55 PM EST.

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA’s growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art.

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.

VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.

About the Exhibition Design & Production Department:

The VMFA’s Exhibition Design and Production department enhances audience experiences at numerous points of engagement, in museum galleries, throughout campus, and in the wider world. The team includes professionals in exhibition design and production, graphic design, and audiovisual and lighting design, working collaboratively to generate and execute original concepts on behalf of VMFA exhibitions and programming.

General Information:

We are currently seeking applications for detail oriented and energetic individuals to join our Department of Exhibition Design & Production as a Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter). This position supports the Exhibition Department in the presentation of the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions to its audiences both local and statewide.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Fabricate display casework, pedestals, and architectural elements involved in the installation of the Museum’s temporary exhibitions and permanent gallery displays, adhering to the high standards of quality and appearance that the Museum requires.

Read, review, and assess the architectural drawings used in such work.

Consult with the designers regarding mechanical application of design ideas.

Uses specialized materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, and Plexiglas, as required by exhibit design. Builds and sets up galleries according to plans (modular walls, casework, platforms, furniture, etc.).

Follows all safety protocols including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed to maintain the highest level of safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance when using tools, machines, and equipment,

Operates motorized lifts (lift training and certification will be administered by the VMFA during onboarding).

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge and skills in cabinetmaking and woodworking techniques, methods, and materials, and joinery techniques. Skill in the operation of carpentry shop tools and other fabrication equipment, as well as the safety precautions and practices associated with them, such as CNC machine routers, jigsaws, handsaws, crosscut saw, panel saws, planers, construction, and joiners. A working knowledge of museum exhibit fabrication and installation, and of furniture design, construction, and painting. Some knowledge of art conservation principles. Demonstrated ability to perform a wide range of carpentry and cabinet making work; to work with tight deadlines and adapt to last minute changes; to work with a variety of materials and to different tolerances, and to know which are appropriate in different situations.

Additional Considerations:

Industrial arts training and cabinet making experience. Experience in building museum displays preferred.

Knowledge and skills in cabinetmaking and woodworking techniques, methods, and materials, and joinery techniques. Skills in using various hand tools and power tools, including the ability to expertly and safely use and maintain various types of equipment such as CNC machine routers, jigsaws, handsaws, crosscut saw, panel saws, planers, shapers, and joiners, as well as painting equipment.

The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules. The following benefits are available to classified employees:

• Vacation and Other Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits
• Sickness and Disability Program
• Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
• Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Retirement Plans
• State Employee Resources

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible state employees can be found online at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Please provide three professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portal’s "other" field. VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience a world-class art museum with hometown hospitality. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture.

We’re open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.