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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Exhibit Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Museums & GalleriesArts & CultureSkilled TradesEvent Production

🎯 Role Definition

An Exhibit Technician is a skilled, hands-on professional who serves as the backbone of any exhibition space, including museums, science centers, art galleries, and corporate showrooms. This multifaceted role blends artistry with technical expertise, requiring a craftsperson's touch to fabricate, install, maintain, and de-install exhibits. You are the problem-solver who translates conceptual designs into tangible, engaging experiences for visitors. From fine woodworking and metal fabrication to integrating complex audiovisual systems and handling priceless artifacts, the Exhibit Technician ensures that every display is safe, functional, and visually compelling, working collaboratively with designers, curators, and project managers to bring creative visions to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Art Handler
  • Carpenter / Woodworker
  • Scenic Artist / Fabricator
  • AV Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Exhibit Technician / Shop Foreman
  • Senior Exhibit Fabricator
  • Exhibits Manager / Head of Exhibitions
  • Exhibition Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Collections Manager / Registrar
  • Conservation Technician
  • Trade Show & Events Production Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute the precise installation and de-installation of diverse exhibits, including permanent, temporary, and traveling displays, ensuring strict adherence to design specifications and conservation standards.
  • Perform skilled fabrication of exhibit components using a wide range of materials such as wood, metals, plastics, and laminates, employing advanced techniques in carpentry, welding, and finishing.
  • Safely and professionally handle, move, and mount a variety of objects, from delicate, high-value artifacts and fine art to large-scale interactive components.
  • Construct custom mounts, supports, and casework for artifacts and specimens, ensuring their structural integrity and long-term preservation while on display.
  • Install, test, and troubleshoot a wide array of audiovisual (AV) and interactive technologies, including projectors, monitors, sound systems, and custom electronic components.
  • Implement and adjust complex lighting schemes according to design plans, ensuring proper focus, intensity, and color temperature to enhance the visitor experience and protect sensitive objects.
  • Read, interpret, and execute work from detailed technical drawings, blueprints, CAD renderings, and other design documentation to ensure accurate construction and installation.
  • Conduct routine inspections and perform preventative maintenance on all exhibit elements to ensure ongoing functionality, visitor safety, and aesthetic quality.
  • Expertly construct and pack custom crates and travel frames for the safe and secure transportation of delicate and high-value artifacts and exhibit components.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workshop and storage environment, ensuring all tools and equipment are in excellent working condition and supplies are properly inventoried.
  • Operate specialized equipment safely and efficiently, including scissor lifts, forklifts, panel saws, and a full range of power and hand tools.
  • Apply finishes to exhibit components, including painting, staining, laminating, and graphic application, to achieve a high-quality, professional appearance.
  • Perform on-the-fly problem-solving during installation and maintenance, creatively adapting to unforeseen challenges and site-specific conditions.
  • Prepare gallery spaces for new exhibitions, which includes wall patching, painting, construction of temporary walls, and electrical preparations.
  • Collaborate directly with exhibit designers and curators during the installation process to make real-time adjustments and ensure the final product aligns with the creative vision.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the receiving, unpacking, and condition reporting of incoming traveling exhibitions and crated objects.
  • Contribute to project planning by providing input on material selection, fabrication techniques, and installation timelines.
  • Document installation procedures, maintenance schedules, and technical specifications for future reference and team training.
  • Manage the inventory of raw materials, hardware, and specialized supplies, and assist with sourcing and purchasing as needed.
  • Provide support for special events and facility needs that require technical expertise in lighting, sound, or temporary structures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Fabrication Skills: Mastery of woodworking and/or metalworking, including the use of table saws, welding equipment, routers, and finishing tools.
  • Audiovisual (AV) Integration: Proficiency in installing and troubleshooting projectors, media players, interactive touchscreens, and audio systems.
  • Artifact & Art Handling: Knowledge of best practices for safely handling, packing, and mounting valuable and fragile objects.
  • Exhibit Lighting: Experience with theatrical or gallery lighting systems, including aiming, focusing, and gelling fixtures (e.g., Leko, PAR, track lighting).
  • Blueprint & CAD Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read and execute plans from technical drawings, schematics, and 2D/3D models.
  • Rigging & Mounting: Skill in safely rigging, hanging, and securing heavy or complex objects and exhibit structures.
  • Low-Voltage Electrical: Basic understanding of wiring, soldering, and integrating electronic components for interactive exhibits.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to troubleshoot technical issues and devise creative solutions under pressure.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for craftsmanship, finish quality, and precise installation.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including designers, curators, and project managers.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
  • Communication: Clear and concise communication skills for coordinating tasks and providing project updates.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by vocational training or significant, verifiable hands-on experience in a related trade.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Fine Arts (BFA), Museum Studies, Industrial Design, or Theater Production.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fine Arts / Sculpture
  • Industrial Design
  • Museum Studies
  • Theater Production / Scenography
  • Carpentry / Woodworking

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of professional experience in exhibit fabrication and installation.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience working within a museum, art gallery, science center, or professional scenic/exhibit fabrication shop is highly preferred. A portfolio of past projects is often requested.

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