Lead Fabricator 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement. 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Lead Fabricator for our Exhibitions  department.  The Lead Fabricator works closely with the Exhibition Production Manager at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Leads the construction of exhibit components and accessory materials while leading fabrication team, training fabrication team on tools and materials, and providing problem-solving. 

• Works on the more complex tasks in the installation, de-installation, fabrication, and maintenance of museum exhibits including rigging and mounting of exhibition components.  

• Participates in the installation and de-installation of exhibits by collaborating and advising crewmembers and other Museum staff. 

• Research materials, interact with vendors and foster relationships with them, and provide technical/material consultation to fabrication, A/V, design, and conservation teams.

• Oversee the crating, packing, moving, and storage of all exhibit-related material. 

• Take a leadership role in the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of exhibits – under the direction of other Museum personnel when necessary. 

This position has the following requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, or equivalent work experience 

•  5+ years of related work experience 

• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Must have excellent problem-solving skills. 

• Must be able to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team environment.

• Must have advanced level skills in 3-4 of the areas listed below, and familiarity with the others: 

  •  Woodworking/ construction/ carpentry 

  •  Specialized fabrication skills in laser cutting, mold-making, and casting, or mount-making 

  • Ability to read and create drawing sets for fabrication/ installation/ construction/ documentation 

  • Metalworking o Painting and finishing 

  • Mechanical skills such as motors and gears 

  • Object handling 

  • Production of files in CAD or CAM to output on the CNC machine and Laser Cutter 

• Additional skills that can be helpful: Electronics skills 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly range for this position is $35.03- $37.66 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a full time regular, non-exempt position. 

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums  and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.