Museum Exhibit Technician (part-time)

New Hanover County; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Cape Fear Museum seeks a part-time Museum Exhibit Technician to maintain and enhance exhibits and lighting. You will assist in fabrication of elements and support in installing in-house and traveling exhibits, ensuring safe, accurate record-keeping and collaboration with the Exhibits Team.

The role requires ability to lift, operate power tools, and follow safety procedures. Casual part-time schedule with weekend hours and some weekday support.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a related field and experience in professional production workshop such as museum exhibition, theater, movie or event.
• Preferred: museum experience is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair existing exhibitions and exhibit lighting; address issues safely and promptly.
• Assist in fabrication of new exhibition elements using carpentry skills.
• Handle setup, deinstallation, and travel/temporary exhibits.
• Assist with special events, family programs and related functions.
• Log repairs and maintenance per manufacturer guidance and warranty.
• Coordinate facilities maintenance with County Facilities Management.

Skills

Electrical basics

Mechanical systems

Audio-visual systems

Carpentry

Reading designs

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

OSHA knowledge

Forklift operation

Welding (MIG)

Education

Associates degree in related field

Tools

Table saw

Soldering iron

Pneumatic tools

Router

Power tools

Job description

The Cape Fear Museum is seeking a part‑time Museum Exhibit Technician to perform maintenance and upkeep, install and assist in fabrication of both permanent and temporary exhibitions and conduct preventative and routine maintenance of existing exhibitions and exhibit lighting including electronic and mechanical interactives. In coordination with the Exhibits Team, this role will assist in the installation of in‑house developed and traveling exhibitions including the receiving, setting up and packing of components. This position is central to the creation of a welcoming learning environment where the quality of place is safeguarded. The ability to work in a collaborative and creative team environment, and the ability to keep and maintain accurate records are a must.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE

• Conduct preventative and routine maintenance of existing exhibitions and exhibit lighting including electronic and mechanical interactives.
• Repair immediate exhibit issues in a safe and responsive manner.
• Maintain onsite tools, equipment and parts to repair exhibits in a timely manner.
• When required, acquire parts, equipment or external expertise to assist in effecting repairs.
• Assist in the fabrication of new exhibition elements using a variety of carpentry skills (including the creation of immersive displays, interactive experiences, and other exhibit components).
• Participates in finish and detail work on exhibit environments.
• Be comfortable working with a wide variety of Power tools and workshop equipment: table saw, soldering iron, pneumatic tools, router, etc.
• Assist in the setup and deinstallation of temporary/traveling exhibits and displays.
• As required, assist with set-up and strike for special events, family programs and other related functions.
• As requested, assist with exhibit‑related work at off‑site locations.
• Drive large box trucks, cargo vans and forklifts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and workspaces.
• Log and communicate exhibit repairs and maintenance needs according to manufacturer’s warranty requirements.
• Coordination of facilities maintenance with the New Hanover County Facilities Management team among other tasks.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical systems as pertaining to exhibits
• Knowledge of audio‑visual systems including media players, TV monitors, projectors, button activators, etc.
• Skilled in basic carpentry techniques: hand tools, power tools, and painting
• Ability to read design drawings including detailed scale elevations and plans?
• Interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with colleagues, contractors, and the public.
• Problem solving, creative solutions, and determination?
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations?
• Ability to drive forklifts and personnel lifts but training can be provided
• Brazing, MIG welding and metal work, a plus but not required.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve.

Work Hours

• The work schedule is: Fridays and Saturdays (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) are mandatory each week, and 3 additional hours during the week based on departmental needs
• This is a casual part time position, working up to 19 hours a week. (Casual part time positions are not eligible for benefits).

Employment Type

Casual part time, non exempt

Salary Information

The target hiring range for this position is $17.4639 hour. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

Required Education and Experience

• Associates degree in related field, and experience in a professional production workshop such as museum exhibition, theater, movie or event; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Preferred: Experience in a museum setting is desirable but not required

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The maintenance, fabrication and installation process require the ability to frequently lift 50 pounds, climb ladders, operate power tools, kneel to assemble components, and communicate to installation teams.

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

Applicant Information

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint‑based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.