The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is seeking a dynamic and energetic Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter) to join the Department of Exhibition Design & Production. This position plays a critical role in presenting the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions to audiences both local and statewide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fabrication: Create 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.
• Design Collaboration: Read, review, and assess architectural drawings and consult with designers regarding the mechanical application of design ideas.

Benefits:

All VMFA staff enjoy museum benefits including free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Café, and the VMFA Shop.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Expertise in Cabinetmaking and Woodworking: Proficiency in cabinetmaking and woodworking techniques, including methods, materials, and joinery techniques.
• Tool Operation: Skilled in the use of carpentry shop tools and other fabrication equipment, with a strong emphasis on safety precautions and practices. Equipment includes CNC machine routers, jigsaws, handsaws, crosscut saws, panel saws, planers, and joiners.
• Museum Exhibit Fabrication: A working knowledge of museum exhibit fabrication and installation, as well as furniture design, construction, and painting. Some knowledge of art conservation principles is desirable.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to perform a wide range of carpentry and cabinetmaking tasks; work under tight deadlines; adapt to last-minute changes; work with a variety of materials and different tolerances, and understand the appropriate applications in different situations.

  Additional Considerations:

• Industrial Arts Training: Industrial arts training and cabinetmaking experience are preferred.
• Museum Display Experience: Experience in building museum displays is highly desirable.