Specialist, Exhibitions Fabrication

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

15 days PTO + holidays

401k with company match

Free access to LinkedIn Learning

Job summary

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures seeks a Specialist, Exhibitions Fabrication to maintain the shop, oversee fabrication of casework and mounts, and support exhibition production within a union environment.

You will collaborate with the Exhibition Design team, develop technical drawings from concept to construction, and assist with schedules, material estimates, and lead times across rotating exhibitions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years in a design/shop-related field (Exhibition Fabrication, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, Interior Design, Furniture Design, Tradeshow, Prop Making, or Cabinet Making).
• Experience with Vector Works, Rhino, or CAD programs.
• Extensive knowledge of common construction methods, techniques, materials, and applications.
• Proficient with shop equipment and practices: hand tools, power tools, tablesaws, routers, laminating, etc.
• Understanding of objects conservation requirements and mounts details to ensure construction methods align with institutional standards.
• Understanding of construction techniques, familiarity with wood and composite wood substrates, acrylics, metal finishes, etc.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in different phases concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fabrication of exhibition casework, object mounts, installation materials, and miscellaneous projects.
• Work with the Exhibition Design team to ensure fabrication methods align with creative intent.
• Develop technical drawings to illustrate concept through completion.
• Assist with project schedule and cost, including material estimation, lead time, and finishing timelines.
• Fabricate using multiple materials and techniques.
• Maintain the Exhibition's shop space, tools, and materials inventory, while promoting safe working practices.
• Liaise between external fabricators and the museum during exhibition rotations.
• Ensure external fabricators’ methods consider rotations and future exhibitions.
• Assist with mock-ups of case and scenic layout.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Construction methods knowledge

Project multitasking

Safety practices

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Vector Works

Rhino

Job description

Department: Exhibitions

Reports to: Senior Manager, Exhibitions Fabrication

Job Type: Full Time–Regular

Job Classification: Hourly (Non-exempt)

Workplace Location: Los Angeles – Academy Museum

Compensation: $27.88 - $28.85 per hour

Summary/Objective

The Specialist, Exhibitions Fabrication will focus on maintaining the Exhibitions’ shop space, assisting with the oversight of the construction, installation, and maintenance of museum display casework and scenic elements, overseeing the fabrication and installation of artifact mounts within exhibition galleries, as well as assisting in many aspects of preparation for exhibition production.

This position is represented by a union.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Coordinate and carry out the fabrication of exhibition casework, object mounts, installation materials, and miscellaneous projects.
• Work closely with the Exhibition Design team to ensure fabrication methods are aligned with creative intent.
• Work on all phases of design (concept, design development, and construction drawings) and develop technical drawings to illustrate concept through completion.
• Assist with the creation of project schedule and cost, including material estimation, lead time, and finishing timelines.
• Fabricate using multiple different materials and techniques.
• Maintain the Exhibition's shop space, tools, and materials inventory, while promoting safe working practices.
• Liaise between external fabricators and the museum during exhibition rotations.
• Ensure external fabricators’ methods take into consideration rotations and flexibility needed for future exhibitions.
• Assist with mock-ups of case and scenic layout.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate of completion.
• 3+ years in a design/shop-related field, including Exhibition Fabrication, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, Interior Design, Furniture Design, Tradeshow, Prop Making, or Cabinet Making.
• Experience with Vector Works, Rhino, or other similar CAD programs.
• Extensive knowledge of common construction methods, techniques, materials, and applications.
• Proficient with common shop equipment and practices: hand tools, power tools, table saws, panel saws, routers, laminating, etc.
• Understanding of objects conservation requirements and mounts details to ensure construction methods align with institutional standards.
• Understanding of construction techniques, familiarity with wood and composite wood substrates, acrylics, plastic laminates, adhesives, wood finishes, paints, basic metals and finishes, basic metal fabrication, and CNC machinery.
• Ability to work on multiple projects that are in different phases concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with art handling work at a museum, fine art handling company, gallery, or artist studio is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely climb and work on ladders.
• Ability to move throughout the work area as needed to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to move and transport up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with paints, cleansers, and other similar products.
• Ability to work in environments where dust may be present.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of work conditions, including an active construction site.
• Ability to drive a forklift and use material-handling equipment (training and certification provided by the museum).

Required Vaccination: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exception: Medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture.

Our Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 15 days of PTO, plus company-paid holidays.
• Additional time off, including summer hours, winter hours, and a cultural floating holiday.
• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• 401k retirement plan with a company match.
• Clean Air Commuter Program
• Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych Guidance Resources.
• Wellness benefits through Cigna Healthcare.
• Free access to 16,000+ online courses through LinkedIn Learning.
• Free Academy membership screenings.
• Free tickets and screenings at the Academy Museum.
• Employee discounts through LifeMart and Working Advantage.