Exhibit Specialist chez The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

We are currently accepting applications for an Exhibit Specialist. This full-time Union position is responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of exhibition and special events components throughout The Henry Ford. In this role, you will create props, reproductions and museum displays. Additionally, you assist with the rigging and movement of large collection artifacts and the movement of collection items to and from exhibit.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Installs exhibit components including casework, artifact mounts, reproductions, exhibit props, labels, signs, and banners.
• Installs and de-installs collection objects using up-to-date knowledge of art handling best practices.
• Maintains and repairs exhibit components as necessary. This includes all museum and village exhibits and interactives.
• Installs and mounts labels, signage and banners for exhibitions, and marketing or promotional materials.
• Performs installation of traveling exhibits, including but not limited to truck loading and unloading, movement of crates and exhibit components, art handling and hanging, and following diagrams.
• Reads and understandings exhibit drawing both from traveling exhibition partners and the internal Experience Design team.
• Supports with the packing artifacts for loans to other institutions as needed.
• Follows departmental policies and procedures for obtaining, tracking, and recording work.
• Assists Exhibit Preparators with rigging involved in the movement and display of large collection artifacts to and from display.
• Creates props and reproduction items for exhibits and special programs.
• Works with Conservators and Collection Management staff to maintain exhibit case interiors including, silica gel, filters, lights, mounts and assists Historical Resources staff with general cleaning.
• Maintains work area and equipment in safe and clean condition.
• Orders materials and supplies for assigned projects.
• Proactively seeks work and contributes to the effective management of all problems, issues and opportunities.
• Acts as a team player and provides expertise within team and with other teams.
• Perform other activities as necessary.

Your Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• 1 or more years of experience working in a museum artifact handling capacity
• Experience with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams)
• Ability to drive a forklift and Genie Boom lift

Special Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints
• Proficient with the safe operation of hand and power tools
• Demonstrated ability to perform lifting tasks of up to 100 lbs
• Art/craft skills including elementary carpentry, sculpting, drawing, sewing and molding/casting are advantageous
• Problem-solving and the modification of exhibit design element
• The ability to drive a forklift and Genie Boom lift
• Ability to carefully handle collection items according to established guidelines

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

• Sitting: 5%; Standing: 95%
• Frequent walking, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handing, grasping, working at heights over 6 feet, and lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, crawling, repetitive motions and lifting up to 100 lbs.
• Must have excellent eye/hand/foot coordination
• Shop environment; frequent exposure to a variety of materials and chemicals including saw dust, solvents, plastic dust and mold.
• Regular work outdoors in all weather.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.