State Preservation Board
Exhibit Technician
Primary Location: 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8a - 5pm ; Must be willing and able to work evening, nights, and weekends as needed.
Hiring Rate: $4,600.00 - $4,800.00 / monthly
Salary Group: B-17
Job Class (Code): 7464 – Exhibit Technician
Posting Date: July 14, 2026 -Until Filled
To apply: Submit a fully completed application form online at https://TXSPB.formstack.com/forms/tx_state_app_new
Organization Overview:
The Bullock Texas State History Museum immerses visitors in Texas history and culture through a variety of exhibitions, films, and events serving over 500,000 visitors a year on-site and on-line. A dynamic educational institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Bullock Museum is a division of the Texas State Preservation Board (TSPB). For additional information about TSPB and the Bullock Museum please see: www.tspb.texas.gov and www.thestoryoftexas.com.
Benefits:
Medical, dental, vision and other insurances, a defined benefit pension and 401K retirement plans, flexible spending and dependent care accounts options, paid parental leave, free parking and free Museum membership along with a North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association membership, discounts in the Museum store and café, and access to the Museum’s American Alliance of Museums membership. To find out more information about State of Texas Employee benefits visit the Employees Retirement System website.
Position Summary:
As a member of the Interpretation Department, the Exhibit Technician reports to the Exhibit Production Supervisor and works with an experienced and dedicated interdisciplinary team under the auspices of the Head of Exhibition Production. With moderate supervision, Exhibit Techs work both independently and cooperatively to achieve aesthetic and educational goals for the Museum’s diverse audiences. Meeting assigned deadlines in a fast-paced environment, the Exhibit Tech is responsible for artifact mount making, varied exhibit fabrication, installation, de-installation, and general daily maintenance of Museum exhibits and their related structures, furniture, A/V, and fixtures. Exhibit Techs are also responsible for the proper museum-quality care, preservation, and security of artifacts during all mount-making, transporting to and from the dock or galleries, and their installation and de-installation. This position requires a great deal of physical activity in performance of duties including excellent eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity, repetitive movements of reaching, climbing, kneeling, stretching, stooping, squatting and bending.
Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be physically capable of climbing ladders, using a lift, and manually lifting a minimum of 50 lbs. Exhibit Techs may be assigned projects according to specialty, including but not limited to lighting, carpentry, woodworking, media/audio-visual maintenance, artifact mount-making, or other functions per department needs. Use of sound judgment and a professional, respectful, and service-oriented focus when interacting with employees, visitors, and the public is required. References will be required to verify experience. Must be able to pass a thorough criminal background check. *Work hours are based on the Agency's 365 day-per-year schedule and include rotating weekend coverage, evenings and holidays, including on short notice.
For purposes of this agency's job descriptions, "essential job duties" are defined as assigned tasks that are critical or fundamental to the position and not marginal. If an individual is qualified to perform the essential job duties, the individual must be able to perform the essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Essential Job Duties:
Ø Exhibit Maintenance:
· Works independently and collaboratively to maintain and repair all existing and incoming exhibit components and structures, including exhibit cases, walls, case furniture, audio visual (A/V) media units, exhibit gallery theaters, gallery lighting, and other related elements for over 44,000 square feet of long-term and short-term exhibitions.
· Conducts daily visual inspections of exhibits to identify needed repairs and general maintenance requirements. Reviews and implements repair plan with supervisor.
Ø Exhibit Fabrication:
· Reads and understands fabrication drawings and specifications.
· Assists with construction of various Museum exhibit structures using basic cabinetmaking skills.
· Performs a wide range of specialized manual craftwork and physical labor including but not limited to carpentry, cabinetmaking, painting, and other skilled creative craftwork, safely using power and hand tools.
· Works conceptually, physically and skillfully within designated timelines to create high quality products.
· Artifact Handling, Mount making, and Installation assistance as needed.
· All artifact handling, transporting, etc. to be done to the highest museum standards to ensure the physical and archival safety of objects.
· Cut single and multi-windowed mats.
· Cut and assemble wood and aluminum frames.
· Safely transport items in gallery and assist with off site moving as needed.
· Install objects and mounts inside exhibit casework per design drawings.
· Layout and hang groups of framed items.
· Maintain awareness of stock of mount making and archival supplies, notifying Lead Fabricator and/or Exhibit Production Supervisor of stock needs.
Ø Exhibit Installation and De-installation:
· Installs and de-installs all components of Museum exhibits safely using proper tools, equipment, materials, and techniques, according to set milestones and scheduled exhibition openings.
· Prepares, handles, and installs lighting fixtures and accessories.
Ø Exhibit Shop Responsibilities:
· Keeps work spaces organized and secures all equipment and tools.
· Proficient in Windows-based computer used to perform various administrative tasks including e-mail, materials and supplies research, inventory control, and reports upon request.
· Maintains safety of artifacts, fellow staff members, and visitors during all tasks.
· Communicates all significant developments and potential issues in advance of targeted milestones to the Exhibit Production Supervisor and Lead Fabricator.
· Maintains awareness of annual Emergency Preparedness planning and implementation for the Museum.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Demonstrates sound judgment and maintains a professional, respectful and service‐oriented focus when interacting with others.
· Complies with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards. Plans and performs work with safety and security front of mind. Continuously assesses safety conditions to ensure individual and workplace safety and the safety of building occupants, visitors and staff. May assist in building evacuation.
· Maintains a professional, respectful, and service-oriented focus when interacting with team members, other museum employees, visitors and the public.
· Regular attendance is an essential job duty for all SPB positions.
· Performs all duties in a manner that promotes public confidence in the SPB and its staff.
· Knowledge of museum industry practices, standards, and methods.
· Knowledge of proper methods for storing, handling, and processing a variety of museum artifacts.
· Knowledge of the care and preservation of exhibit materials.
· Knowledge of exhibit production materials and fabrication methods.
· Knowledge of audiovisual (AV) technologies used in museum exhibits.
· Knowledge of collections management principles and registration methods.
· Knowledge of conservation requirements and best practices for museum collections.
· Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel.
· Knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems and applications.
· Strong verbal and written communication skills using clear, plain English.
· Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
· Organizational and time management skills to meet established timelines.
· Problem-solving and resourcefulness in resolving competing demands and complaints.
· Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
· Proficiency in using personal computers and standard office equipment.
· Ability to support the Museum's mission and objectives through high-quality work and measurable outcomes.
· Ability to repetitively bend, stoop, reach, climb, stretch, and lift up to 50 pounds.
· Ability to use a computer keyboard, telephone keypad, and other office equipment to perform repetitive tasks.
Minimum Qualifications:
The successful candidate for this position must be detail-oriented and possess the following qualifications:
· a college degree in studio art, industrial design, history, or degrees related to those fields or equivalent experience that includes two years of successfully completed museum, trade show, or retail exhibit/display projects showcasing level of candidate’s skill.
· at least eighteen (18) months of demonstrated hands-on experience in a museum setting as a fabricator, mount-maker, carpenter, art-handler or technician. Must demonstrate familiarity with museum quality standards, art-handling techniques and knowledgeable experience with power and hand tools.
· Proven track record working both as part of a collaborative team and independently to meet project deadlines and budgets.
· Able to respond to competing demands and challenges by demonstrating innovation, resourcefulness and timely resolution of issues or tasks; follows directions and demonstrates applied learning in all situations.
· Must have the ability to physically lift and/or transport up to 50 pounds without assistance.
· Must be willing to work regular evening, night and/or weekends as needed.
· Valid Driver License.
Preferred Qualifications:
· The ideal candidate will have areas of specialization in metal-working, acrylic fabrication, or cabinetmaking, and one or more additional years of applicable experience in a museum setting.
· Proven experience with successful computer/audio/visual operations and programming a plus. Experience with faux painting, drawing or sketching of design concepts, carpentry certification, exhibition lighting, and shop safety standards are highly desirable.
To Apply:
Submit a fully completed application form online at https://TXSPB.formstack.com/forms/tx_state_app_new (works with cell phones, tablets, and computers) or submit a State of Texas application through https://www.workintexas.com/.
For additional information or to see a list of all SPB job postings, visit our agency webpage https://tspb.texas.gov/spb/employ/employ.html. For questions, email SPB HR at [email protected] or call
(512) 463-5495.
Veterans: Military Occupational Specialty Codes (MOS): Army: No military equivalent; Navy: MC Mass Communications; Coast Guard: No military equivalent. Marine: No military equivalent. Air Force: No military equivalent.
Veterans with other related MOS or additional duties pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets or for additional Military Crosswalk information go to hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions.
EEO Statement: The State Preservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or Veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at (512) 463-3633.
Selection Information: At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service and may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
The State Preservation Board uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $4,600.00 - $4,800.00 per month
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
