Production Technician, Foreperson

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, (Art Supports) 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 with the Exhibition Production Manager as their main contact, the Foreperson helps maintain timelines, communicates clearly across teams, and leads by example; ensuring projects are delivered on time and to a high standard of quality. 

Responsibilities: 
 

Fabrication Oversight & Gallery Installation  

• Read and interpret technical drawings and construction plans. 
• Reads and prepares digital files for fabrication in our shop 
• Fabricate scenography and exhibition elements using wood, MDF, plywood, and related materials 
• Collaborate with other departments in the museum to execute custom solutions for display and storage  
• Advise on materials and more efficient fabrication methods, with an emphasis on sustainability and healthier material choices. 
• Does not handle Art, but helps install all Art supports in the galleries, like pedestals, platforms, bonnets, and shelves among others.  
• Operate scissor lift and assist with elevated installation tasks 
• Install light fixtures in casework (wiring not required), rig curtains with Unistrut, and assist with AV component mounting.  
• Perform construction tasks including cabinetry, door hanging, patching, and painting walls.  
• Proficiency in design and 3d modeling software such as Rhino or AutoCAD or Vectorworks is preferred 

Shop Leadership & Team Coordination 

• Coordinate with the Exhibition Production Manager to maintain project timelines and workflow 
• Supports the Exhibition Production Manager with 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 
• Support and motivate the team by modeling punctuality, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit 
• During installation period might stay late or work occasional weekends when needed to ensure exhibition deadlines are met. Overtime paid on these occasions 

Shop Management 

• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized shop environment 
• Monitor shop supply levels; place materials 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 supports institutional needs such as assembling office furniture, building workstations, or making repairs in the museum’s retail or non-gallery spaces 
• Work on specific projects outside of the Museum location, such as the Collection storage facility. 

Requirements: 

• 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 

Compensation & Benefits:  

• Hourly rate of $44.80 
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections  
• Generous PTO benefits  
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit  
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally  
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike  
• This role will be covered under Local 810

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.     

About the Whitney:    

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.    
   

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), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.