Production Technician; On-call

The Whitney Museum of American Art seeks a skilled and proactive Production Technician, Foreperson to join the in-house fabrication team. This position plays a central role in the successful execution of exhibitions by overseeing the production, maintenance, and installation of exhibition design elements, as well as ensuring an efficient, safe, and well‑equipped shop environment. The Foreperson reads technical plans, prepares digital files for internal fabrication, fabricates art supports with a team under their supervision, manages shop inventory, and supports broader institutional needs.

Working closely with internal departments and with the Exhibition Production Manager as the main contact, the Foreperson helps maintain timelines, communicates clearly across teams, and leads by example to ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard of quality.

• Read and interpret technical drawings and construction plans.
• Prepare and refine digital fabrication files for production in the shop.
• Fabricate scenography and exhibition elements using wood, MDF, plywood, and related materials.
• Collaborate with museum departments to execute custom solutions for display, storage, and installation.
• Advise on materials and fabrication methods with an emphasis on sustainability and healthier choices.
• Install all art support structures in galleries (pedestals, platforms, bonnets, shelves, etc.).
• Operate a scissor lift and assist with elevated installation tasks.
• Install light fixtures in casework, rig curtains with Unistrut, and assist with AV component mounting.
• Perform construction tasks including cabinetry, door hanging, patching, and painting walls.
• Use design and 3‑D modeling software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, or Vectorworks to produce CNC‑ready files.
• Coordinate with the Exhibition Production Manager to maintain project timelines and workflow.
• Support scheduling and coordination of installation and staffing calendars.
• Supervise day‑to‑day operations of the in‑house fabrication shop.
• Assign tasks and oversee temporary technicians working on exhibition builds.
• Model punctuality, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to motivate the team.
• During installation periods, work occasional weekends or stay late as needed; overtime is paid.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well‑organized shop environment.
• Monitor shop supply levels; place material and hardware orders as needed, with managerial approval.
• Track tools and equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and storage.
• Adhere to museum safety protocols and ensure compliance among shop staff.
• Fabricate custom travel frames and mounts for collection works as needed.
• Occasionally support institutional needs such as assembling office furniture, building workstations, or making repairs in retail or non‑gallery spaces.
• Work on specific projects outside the museum location, such as the collection storage facility.

• Advanced knowledge of carpentry methods and materials; strong fabrication skills required.
• Proficiency with Rhino and/or AutoCAD; ability to prepare CNC‑ready files preferred.
• Familiarity with museum practices, collections care, and exhibition environments.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills; experience overseeing small teams a plus.
• Ability to read and communicate construction and technical drawings effectively.
• Experience with scissor lifts.
• Knowledge of rigging basics.
• Comfortable working under pressure and adjusting to evolving project needs.
• Professional, dependable, and able to communicate across departments.
• Commitment to safety, punctuality, and maintaining a positive work culture.
• No formal degree required. Equivalent experience in scenic fabrication, carpentry, furniture design, or related fields accepted.

• Hourly rate of $44.50.
• Commuter benefits – parking and mass transit.
• This role will be covered under Local 810.

EEO Statement: The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity),…