Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication )

Design Department Duties This position is located in the Design Department (PXD) and reports to the Head of the Exhibits Shop. The Design Department is responsible for the visual presentation of works of art in the National Gallery's buildings and grounds, including temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, and special projects. The incumbent's work is visible to the public and directly contributes to the success of exhibitions and the proper display and protection of the Gallery's collections and loans. Duties for this position include: Fabricates, assembles, adapts, installs, modifies, maintains, and deinstalls exhibition elements for temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, and special projects. Builds and installs exhibition casework, modular wall systems, interpretive elements, panels, platforms, graphics supports, acrylic components, and related exhibition elements. Works directly with designers and production staff to develop buildable solutions, refine details, and prepare fabrication-ready documentation. Uses practical structural judgment to develop safe, stable armatures, supports, and installation systems for exhibition casework, graphics, and special installations, including work in difficult building conditions and around permanent architectural features. Works directly around artworks with close attention to conservation requirements, object safety, and gallery conditions. Installs, adjusts, and removes exhibition elements in situations requiring tight tolerances, careful sequencing, and safe work around art. Uses computer software programs, digital models, fabrication files, and computer-aided equipment to produce accurate parts and components for exhibition work in collaboration with or under direction from other Exhibit Specialists and Design staff. Ability to apply knowledge directly to CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing, and related digital-fabrication methods as part of normal shop practice, while continuing to develop the knowledge needed to determine when traditional, modular, digital, or hybrid methods are most appropriate for the work. Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Develops and tests exhibition-specific ideas through mock-ups, samples, prototypes, and iterative shop trials before full production.