Lead Fabricator

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The NHMLAC is seeking a Full-time regular Lead Fabricator for our Exhibition department. The Lead Fabricator is responsible for under the direction of Exhibition Production Manager, leads all fabrication efforts in the exhibitions department including planning and execution of fabricated exhibition components, training of shop tools and participating in exhibition projects related to installation, and maintenance of museum exhibits.

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.
• Participate in the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of exhibits when needed – in collaboration with the Exhibitions Maintenance Supervisor.

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:
• Woodwork/construction/carpentry
• Specialized fabrications skills in laser cutting, mold-making, and casting, or mount-making
• Ability to read and create drawing sets for fabrication/ installation/ construction/ documentation
• Metalworking
• 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

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The Non-Exempt rate for this position is $36.12-$38.85 plus excellent benefits. This is a Regular full-time, 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.