Carpenter, Journeyman - Exhibit Fabricator

Museum of the Rockies seeks an experienced Carpenter (Exhibit Fabricator) to be a critical team-member of the Exhibits Department. The Exhibit Fabricator helps develop and implement permanent and temporary museum exhibits.

He/she/they will supervise the installation and deinstallation of changing/travel exhibitions brought to MOR. He/she/they design, construct, and install exhibits at the museum. They also conduct maintenance on existing exhibitions including lighting, painting, and other essential exhibit upkeep.

The Exhibit Fabricator will oversee a unionized wood, metal, and paint shop, and ensure proper safety and functionality of the shop. They will work closely as a team member on fabricating, installing, and deinstalling formal and informal exhibits at the museum and periodic traveling shows. This position will ensure that all exhibition projects meet/or exceed museum standards.

Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is Montana's most visited museum. In 2023, the museum received over 219,000 general visitors and served an additional 80,000 visitors through school, youth, and public programs. In recent years, MOR has been able to serve the visiting public and significantly expand its virtual programs.

MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent 501(3) organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils. The interdisciplinary museum has one of the finest collections of paleontology in the world and a significant cultural collection from the Northern Rocky region. Located on a 34-acre museum site, it includes a 120,000-square-foot-facility, the state-of-the-art Taylor Planetarium, the 240 seat Hager Auditorium, Martin Children's Discovery Center, and Living History Farm, along with an off-site 553-acre paleontology preserve.

Duties and Responsibilities Work within MOR's framework to meet its exhibition needs. Meet MOR's exhibit goals and objectives with varied autonomy. Design, construct/fabricate and install, high-quality new permanent exhibits and exhibit furniture that meet Museum Standards, under the supervision of the Director of Exhibits Install and deinstall (including unloading & loading) changing/traveling exhibits that are brought to MOR.

Design, construct/fabricate and install traveling exhibits and exhibit furniture that meet Museum Standards, under the supervision of the Director of Exhibits. Evaluate, redesign, refurbish, improve and conduct maintenance on existing exhibits to include painting, wall boarding, flooring, signage, exhibit/case furniture, etc. Assist in the development, installation, and maintenance of exterior exhibits and graphic panels/signage.

Create specimen mounts and signage as needed. Construct carts and/or crates for safe transport of exhibitions and other museum needs. Oversee and change out exhibit lighting as needed.

Responsible for regular cleaning of workshop(s) and its equipment. Work with the Exhibits Director and Exhibits Teams to resolve project concerns and any issues that may arise during the exhibit development, design, build, and installation phases. Will work with a team, which typically includes supervising temporary employees, volunteers, interns, and outside contractor/vendors as required.

May attend museum/exhibit workshops, classes and other related professional development with permission of the Exhibition Director. Assist other departments as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 3 years of experience in a professional production workshop and/or formal carpentry experience.
  
  Relevant knowledge in basic shop practices: woodworking, machining, metalworking, and finishing. Experience in exhibit fabrication, finish carpentry/cabinet making. Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical systems pertaining to exhibits.
  
  Experience in mount making & soldering skills. Knowledge of exhibit lighting standards and requirements. Experience in basic computer skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience with exhibit fabrication. Experience with welding (MIG and TIG). Knowledge of 2D CAD programs for creating floorplan/exhibit layouts.
  
  General knowledge of ADA/Accessibility requirements for exhibit design/construction and universal design. AA or other 2-year College Degree Equivalent or higher. Experience as a Museum Exhibit Fabricator.
  
  Experience working with volunteers. Museum artifact handling. Experience with historic building preservation and maintenance.
  
  The Successful Candidate Will Have general knowledge of ADA/Accessibility requirements for exhibit design/construction and universal design. Have the ability to produce finished components from build documents and sketches. Have the ability to work safely and an understanding of shop safety protocols.
  
  Have the ability to problem solve. Have effective communication skills, with an eye towards internal customer service and working within a team-dynamic. Have a positive, creative can-do attitude.
  
  Have the ability to work independently but also in team settings. This may requiring supervision of temporary employees, students and volunteers. Have strong ability to maintain deadlines and schedules.
  
  Have broad fabrication skills and an in-depth understanding of woodwork, metalwork, and finish work. Have strong people skills, and be capable of working in a dynamic and diverse work environment. Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
  
  Accurately follow written oral instructions and procedures. Represent Museum of the Rockies in a professional and courteous manner. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Flexibility to work weekends and evenings and to respond to emergencies whenever they occur.
  
  May involve some travel for traveling shows and related museum work. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  
  Physical Demands Move objects up to 50 lbs This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position has supervisory duties? No