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Museum Fabrication Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Mount Shop Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include ...

Field Museum

Mount Shop Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include ...

Campbell County, WY

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY

$70K/yr

Leads the museum in the development, design, fabrication, and installation of on-site and traveling exhibits. Manages a long-term exhibition schedule for temporary and permanent galleries in the ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC

$70K - $90K/yr

... fabrication and preparation of storage solutions as needed Support safe handling and movement of ... in Museum Studies or related fields of study including collections, art, history, or museum ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... fabrication and preparation of storage solutions as needed Support safe handling and movement of ... in Museum Studies or related fields of study including collections, art, history, or museum ...

City of Mesa

Museum Exhibitions Coordinator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in museum or cultural exhibit design, fabrication, preparation, installation, or a related area (architectural modeling, industrial exhibit fabrication, or ...

Ideum

Fabrication Floor Manager

Corrales, NM · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Ensure adherence to ADA, client, and museum-grade quality standards. * Coordinate with shipping and ... Support training in both traditional and digital fabrication techniques. * Encourage a culture of ...

Ideum

Fabrication Floor Manager

Corrales, NM

$65K - $75K/yr

Ensure adherence to ADA, client, and museum-grade quality standards. * Coordinate with shipping and ... Support training in both traditional and digital fabrication techniques. * Encourage a culture of ...

Ideum

Fabrication Floor Manager

Corrales, NM · On-site

Ensure adherence to ADA, client, and museum-grade quality standards. * Coordinate with shipping and ... Support training in both traditional and digital fabrication techniques. * Encourage a culture of ...

Hamilton College

Wellin Museum Art Installer

Clinton, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Fabrication of collection displays and custom museum mounts, matting, and framing works from the collection as needed. Assists the Collections Curator and Registrar with object inventories. Handles ...

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Museum Fabrication information

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$38K

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$118K

How much do museum fabrication jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum fabrication in the United States is $77,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum fabrication?

A Museum Fabrication job involves designing, constructing, and installing exhibits and displays for museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Professionals in this field work with materials like wood, metal, acrylic, and textiles to create immersive and educational experiences. They often collaborate with curators, designers, and conservators to ensure exhibits meet aesthetic and conservation standards. The role requires skills in carpentry, sculpting, painting, and sometimes digital fabrication techniques.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in museum fabrication?

Professionals in Museum Fabrication are usually involved in building exhibit structures, custom display cases, interactive installations, and mounting artifacts according to design specifications. A typical day may include reading technical drawings, using fabrication machinery, and collaborating with exhibit designers, curators, and other fabrication team members. You may also participate in on-site installation and troubleshooting to ensure exhibits are safe and accessible to the public. This role is hands-on and often requires adapting to unique project challenges, making each day both dynamic and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the museum fabrication position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Museum Fabrication, you need expertise in construction, woodworking, metalworking, design, and relevant technical skills, often backed by a degree or certificate in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, power tools, CNC machinery, and museum-standard materials is commonly required. Creative problem-solving, strong communication, and attention to detail are important soft skills for collaborating with exhibit designers and curators. These competencies ensure high-quality, accurate, and safe fabrication of museum exhibits that meet design, interpretive, and conservation standards.

How do I get to work in a museum fabrication?

To work in museum fabrication, gain relevant skills in sculpture, carpentry, or painting, and develop experience with tools like CNC machines or 3D modeling software. A background in art, design, or engineering, along with a portfolio of past projects, can improve your chances; some positions may require safety certifications or apprenticeships.

What are the easiest museum fabrication jobs to get?

Entry-level museum fabrication jobs such as assistant or apprentice roles are generally the easiest to obtain, often requiring basic skills in carpentry, painting, or sculpture. These positions may not require extensive experience and can serve as a starting point for a career in museum exhibit construction or design.

What does a museum fabrication do?

A museum fabricator is responsible for creating, installing, and maintaining display cases, exhibits, and interpretive displays within a museum. They often work with materials like wood, metal, and acrylic, using tools such as saws and drills, and may need knowledge of safety protocols and museum standards. Their work ensures exhibits are visually appealing, durable, and meet preservation requirements.
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What cities are hiring for Museum Fabrication jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Fabrication job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Fabrication jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Fabrication jobs are:

What states have the most Museum Fabrication jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Fabrication jobs include:

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Museum Fabrication jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Fabrication job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,853 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Mount Shop Supervisor

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position: Mount Shop Supervisor
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Exhibitions
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
Under minimal supervision, the Mount Shop Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mount Shop while serving as the primary working mount maker. Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to the fabrication, modification, testing, and installation of museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects. Additional responsibilities include supervising Mount Shop staff, coordinating workflow, maintaining a safe and organized shop environment, preparing time estimates, tracking labor and materials, and ensuring the secure handling and storage of objects within the Mount Shop vault.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Designs and develops object mounts based on exhibit case layouts, object requirements, and approved mount standards; utilizes established mount design references, templates, and approved mount types maintained within departmental resource files and documentation systems.
  • Fabricates, modifies, tests, and finishes museum-quality mounts for exhibit objects.
  • Installs and de-installs objects and mounts in exhibit cases and galleries.
  • Assists with mount prototypes and refinements to improve fabrication efficiency and object support.
  • Organizes workflow and production priorities within the Mount Shop.
  • Object photo documentation and measurements, database uploads into EMu, and/or collecting and preparing materials for Oddy testing and data entry into FileMaker.
  • Supervises Preparators I, II, and III and assigns work based on project priorities and needs.
  • Provides hands-on training and instruction to staff in mount fabrication techniques and shop practices.
  • Sets up work for fabrication crews and serves as crew leader when needed.
  • Generates labor duration estimates for mount fabrication, installation, and de-installation activities.
  • Tracks labor hours and material usage for assigned projects.
  • Coordinates Mount Shop schedules with project managers, production staff, and exhibit supervisors.
  • Coordinates conservation requirements related to mount fabrication and object handling.
  • Researches and purchases materials and supplies used in mount fabrication.
  • Develops installation and de-installation documentation and procedures for mounts when required.
  • Participates in interviewing and onboarding new Mount Shop staff.
  • Provides input in employee performance evaluations and disciplinary processes as appropriate.
  • Coordinates work performed by outside mountmaking contractors and assists with bid packages when necessary.
  • Represents the Mount Shop on the departmental Safety Committee.
  • Maintains accountability for objects entering and leaving the secure Mount Shop storage vault.
  • Travels as required to support the exhibition installations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, , Bachelor of Arts A, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Five to ten years of experience fabricating museum-quality mounts for exhibitions.
  • Demonstrated experience supervising employees or leading project crews in a museum fabrication environment.
  • Thorough knowledge of museum mountmaking materials, fabrication techniques, and shop equipment.
  • Strong fabrication skills using metal, acrylic, wood, and other museum-grade materials.
  • Understanding of object preservation principles and proper support methods for a wide variety of collections.
  • Ability to interpret exhibit drawings, case layouts, and installation documentation.
  • Ability to safely handle fragile and valuable museum objects.
  • Ability to train and mentor preparators in mount fabrication techniques.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet production deadlines.
  • Experience using collection databases such as KEMu and FileMaker.
  • Proficiency in Photography, measuring, and documentation skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication, staff supervision and team leadership skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with conservators, exhibit production staff, and other museum departments.

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision Production Director.
Supervision Exercised:
Provides general direction and task supervision to Preparators I-III.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours per week. Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm with occasional before, after or weekend hours required. Typically, scheduled in advance.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation:
Not Applicable.
Other working conditions: Must be able to lift 50 lbs and if needed, complete the Respirator Fit Test.
Pay Range: 63,500/Annually
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org .

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