Museum Exhibit Technician- Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, DC

Position Title: Museum Exhibit Technician
Supervisor: Manager of Exhibitions
Department: Museum
Grade: 55, exempt non-union
Hours: 35 hours work week, Monday to Friday
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Summary
Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard research institute, museum, library, and historic garden in Washington, D.C. The institute supports research and learning internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies. The museum is renowned for its world-class Byzantine and Pre-Columbian collections, as well as for its select works of European art. Online catalogues of our coin, seal, and textile collections are currently in preparation.
The museum engages local and Harvard communities, as well as scholars and visitors from all over the world, through exhibitions, gallery talks, and class visits. Dumbarton Oaks is a vibrant home of the humanities with an overarching mission of communicating the value of culture and advanced research to the broadest possible public. The museum is an important part within this whole.
The Dumbarton Oaks Museum is seeking a full-time Museum Exhibit Technician to join the team responsible for maintaining our exhibit galleries for the best visitor experience. The Museum Exhibit Technician will prepare artifacts and art works for display and assist with design and installation of temporary and permanent displays. The role will perform a wide variety of tasks (interior design, construction, and installation of exhibitions; art preparation and handling; troubleshooting and repairs; maintenance of electronic and lighting systems).
Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform art handling of Dumbarton Oaks museum objects and objects on loan;
• Fabricate object mounts; prepare art for exhibitions; mat and frame works on paper, photographs and specimens;
• Construct and design scale or full-size models of objects and gallery spaces;
• Fabricate and install exhibit architecture and elements, such as cases, bases and interior built elements; mount and install exhibit graphics and wall panels;
• Produce specialized exhibit elements as designed and paint and/or finish galleries, furniture, exhibit components and/or spaces as required;
• Work closely with curatorial team to support the design and installation of changing temporary exhibits and conduct maintenance and repairs of existing collection-based exhibits;
• Assist in transporting, uncrating and handling works of art by using established and approved fine art and artifact handling techniques; fabricate and pack shipping containers;
• Assist in lighting design for all exhibits (in cases; track light in galleries);
• Assist in installation and implementation of electronic devices (iPads; Computer/TV screens and digital projectors);
• Perform related duties as assigned.

RequirementsRequired Qualifications
Candidates must have 3-5 years of production experience in exhibit fabrication, art handling and object preparation in a museum, educational or cultural institution.
Additional Qualifications
Advanced carpentry skills are essential. Excellent communication skills, knowledge and expertise in relevant computer software (SketchUp, InDesign, PhotoShop) are preferred. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in museology, art, or a related field is preferred.
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to stand, walk, carry, stoop, kneel, bend, and reach overhead.