The VMFA is looking for a qualified candidate to support the Exhibitions team by contributing to the production of gallery casework, furniture, and architectural elements, on behalf of collection gallery installations and special exhibitions. 

The responsibilities of this position include:

• Performs a wide variety of construction-related tasks including frame carpentry, finish carpentry, cabinet making, and painting as needed.
• Performs finish-quality painting of exhibition design elements, cases, and gallery walls.
• Uses specialized materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, and Plexiglas, as required by exhibition 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).
• Achieves museum-quality finishes.

This is a part time, non-exempt position with no benefits, working 20–28 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with wood fabrication and related tools & equipment. 
• Experience with painting and other finishing techniques. Attention to detail and ability to achieve museum-quality finishes.
• Physical requirements: ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds, assisted; ability to move full sheets of plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), assisted; ability to work at heights up to 25 feet in a motorized lift.

Additional Considerations

• Advanced woodworking and finishing experience. Experience in an arts setting.