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Exhibition Technician Job at Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond

Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA, United States


Overview
Position Description Updated March 24, 2026

Title: Exhibition Technician

Division: Collections, Exhibitions & Research

Reports to: Manager of Exhibition Production

Position Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt

Salary Range/Pay Rate: $18 - $22/hour

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers meaningful experiences for all by bringing Virginia's story—past, present, and future—to life. If you are curious, creative, and passionate about preserving and sharing Virginia history, your next chapter starts now.

Position Summary
The VMHC seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Exhibition Technician, with an authentic interest in the mission and work of the VMHC. The Exhibition Technician is principally responsible for managing the complex logistics of VMHC's dynamic traveling exhibition program. They also serve as one of the museum's art handlers and work closely with the VMHC's exhibition team to maintain, install, and de-install long-term, changing, and special exhibitions.

Responsibilities

Oversees the day-to-day management of the museum's traveling exhibition program including:

Serving as the museum's primary point of contact for potential and existing exhibition venues

Managing bookings and updating the exhibition schedule

Scheduling the inbound and outbound shipping of traveling exhibitions with third-party carriers

Preparing contracts and ensuring that contractual obligations are met

Issuing and tracking invoices associated with exhibition rental fees

Recording expenses and providing invoices and receipts to supervisors

Developing, recording, and interpreting evaluation forms and condition reports

Updating and editing the Traveling Exhibition pages on the VMHC website

Maintaining a database of potential exhibition venues

Coordinating with VMHC marketing staff to promote the traveling exhibition program and developing marketing materials for host venues

Coordinating and participating in the transportation and installation of VMHC traveling exhibitions at venues as needed

Provides daily maintenance of all exhibitions on display at the VMHC, including:

Cleaning casework and exhibit fixtures

Ensuring proper lighting

Assisting with the upkeep of audiovisual equipment and digital interactives

Assists in the preparation of VMHC galleries for new exhibitions, including:

Patching and painting walls

Installing wall-mounted graphics

Moving display cases

Installing audiovisual equipment

Supervising contractors while working in gallery spaces

Assists the exhibit designer in the production of exhibition furniture, components, and mounts

Participates as part of the cross-departmental team that installs and deinstalls museum artifacts

Maintains accurate inventories of exhibition furniture, audiovisual equipment, and museum lighting

Maintains an inventory of cleaning products and orders new supplies as needed

Participates in weekly status report meetings with the Manager of Exhibition Production

Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong organizational and time management abilities, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail

Excellent oral/written communication skills and a commitment to good customer service

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), OneDrive, and Google Drive

Ability to work both collaboratively within a team environment and independently, effectively managing tasks, priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision

Ability to work at heights on mechanical lifts and ladders

Capability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Understanding of basic carpentry and the ability to safely operate basic shop tools such as drills, sanders, bandsaws, and table saws

Driver's license in good standing and capable of safely driving a 12-foot box truck

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred

Two years of related work experience as an event coordinator or working in a gallery, archive, library, or museum setting as an exhibition technician, preparator, or installer

Notes & Special Requirements

Medical, leave, wellness and retirement benefits offered in accordance with company policy.

Application
If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to the VMHC posting: https://virginiahistory.isolvedhire.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Job_Opportunities.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

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