Exhibit Preparator

Job Title: Exhibit Preparator (40-hrs/week)

Location: National Music Centre, Calgary

Reporting to: Senior Manager of Collections & Exhibitions

Commitment to Fair Hiring Practices

National Music Centre (NMC) believes in the power and importance of fair hiring practices in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and encourage people of all visible minorities, and those of any religion, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to apply.

About this Position

The National Music Centre (NMC) collection is held in trust for the public; it consists of primarily cultural (human-made) objects and intellectual property related to music in Canada to be used for the exclusive purposes of preservation, restoration, controlled use, presentation to the public, and research. NMC’s 22 exhibits include display infrastructure and interactives to present the collection and help bring it to life. The Exhibit Preparator will be an integral member of NMC’s Collections and Exhibitions department.

The Exhibit Preparator will have a lead role in the creation, installation, deinstallation, monitoring, and maintenance of exhibit display infrastructure and interactives. They will be responsible for display infrastructure that includes stage decking and glass, display cases and vitrines, plinths, and lighting equipment, and for interactives which include playable instruments and audio-visual equipment. The role requires hands-on technical skills, experience with construction materials, tools, and equipment, an eye for design, familiarity with exhibition standards, problem solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing, installing, and deinstalling exhibit infrastructure and interactive elements

Preparing may include design, construction/assembly, and finishing exhibit elements made of wood, plaster, metal, glass etc.

• Installing and deinstalling may include offsite and travelling exhibits
• Monitoring and maintaining exhibit infrastructure and interactive elements

Monitoring may include physical checks, testing, and reviewing analytics

Maintaining may include using manuals and drawings to help diagnose issues, tuning, and making repairs or sourcing and implementing replacements

• Keeping detailed records and inventories
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace and storage areas
• Assisting with other duties related to exhibit preparation and maintenance as needed

Qualifications

• Formal training in the field of carpentry or fabrication, or equivalent experience
• Practical experience with audio-visual or multimedia components an asset
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Available for occasional travel for work

Preferred Skill Set

• Proficient in carpentry or fabrication practices
• Comfortable working with a wide variety of power tools and workshop equipment
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings and manuals accurately
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Adaptable, flexible and function effectively in a team environment
• Take initiative with a positive attitude
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral

Key Relationships

• Senior Manager of Collections and Exhibitions
• Senior Director of Collections and Exhibitions
• Collections and Exhibitions staff, contractors, and volunteers
• IT staff

This position is 40 hours/week. Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume to info.collections@nmc.ca on or before November 21, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.