Senior Exhibit Technician

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in Williamsburg, VA seeks a Senior Exhibit Technician to fabricate and install exhibits, lead on-site teams, and oversee maintenance of gallery components and exhibit infrastructure.

The role requires mastery of woodworking, metal fabrication, and cabinetry, with strong project leadership and safety knowledge. A focus on accessibility and durable design is essential for both permanent and traveling displays.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit fabrication, building new exhibits and improving existing ones with museum-quality joinery across multiple materials.
• Produce shop drawings, cabinetry, and durable structures according to exhibit plans.
• Maintain exhibit components with attention to cultural accessibility and consistent quality across projects.
• Lead installation of special and permanent exhibitions and contribute construction expertise before bids.

Skills

Exhibit fabrication mastery

Woodworking

Cabinetry and finish carpentry

Metal fabrication

Drafting and interpreting drawings

Project leadership

Safety and OSHA knowledge

Tools

CNC equipment

Job description

Senior Exhibit Technician

• Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

• Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

• Trades and Operations

• Full-Time (Salaried)

• Closing at: Aug 14 2026 - 23:55 EDT

• Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

State Role Title: Media Specialist III

Hiring Range: $58,000.00 - $64,000.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Location: Williamsburg, VA

Agency Website: jyfmuseums.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

What you'll do

Exhibit fabrication (master craftsman work)

• 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.

Gallery maintenance & repair

• 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.

Leadership & job-site supervision

• 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.

Purchasing & planning

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• 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.
• Project Execution and Leadership
• 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.
• 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.

Special Instructions

Contact Information

Name: Coy Mozingo

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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.