Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter)

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA’s growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.  

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. 

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission. 

VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.  

We are currently seeking applications for detail oriented and energetic individuals to join our Department of Exhibition Design & Production as a Museum Exhibit Preparator (Carpenter). This position supports the Exhibition Department in the presentation of the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions to its audiences both local and statewide. 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Fabricate 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. 

• Read, review, and assess the architectural drawings used in such work. 

• Consult with the designers regarding mechanical application of design ideas. 

• Uses specialized materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, and Plexiglas, as required by exhibit 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).  

Knowledge and skills in cabinetmaking and woodworking techniques, methods, and materials, and joinery techniques. Skill in the operation of carpentry shop tools and other fabrication equipment, as well as the safety precautions and practices associated with them, such as CNC machine routers, jigsaws, handsaws, crosscut saw, panel saws, planers, construction, and joiners. A working knowledge of museum exhibit fabrication and installation, and of furniture design, construction, and painting. Some knowledge of art conservation principles. Demonstrated ability to perform a wide range of carpentry and cabinet making work; to work with tight deadlines and adapt to last minute changes; to work with a variety of materials and to different tolerances, and to know which are appropriate in different situations.  

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. 

All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on the designated closing date listed at the top of this posting on Jobs.Virginia.gov. 

Please provide three professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portal’s "other" field. 
 
VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 

Contact Information 

Name: HR Services 

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone. 

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment related questions. 

Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.    

Conditions of Employment:   

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. 
 
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.