Exhibitions Workshop & Display Technician in Duxford

Working Hours: 36 hours per week. 8:00am–4:15pm (Mon–Thu), 8:00am–4:00pm (Fri). On‑site, 5 days per week.

Contract Type: Permanent

What It’s Like to Work Here

Imperial War Museums brings people together to explore stories of conflict, creativity and resilience. At Duxford, you’ll work in a unique historic environment where technical skill, care for collections and teamwork combine to deliver world‑class exhibitions. This is a practical, hands‑on setting where your work is visible to visitors every day and directly contributes to their experience.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to keeping IWM Duxford’s galleries and displays safe, high quality and engaging. You’ll help maintain our long‑term displays while also supporting the build and delivery of new exhibitions, ensuring objects are well presented and cared for. You’ll also play a key role in keeping the exhibitions workshop running smoothly day to day, supporting safe working practices and enabling exhibition activity across Duxford and, at times, other IWM sites.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintaining and repairing long‑term gallery displays, carrying out daily checks and acting on issues identified
• Building and installing exhibition structures, cases, plinths and furniture from technical drawings and briefs
• Supporting the build, installation and dismantling of temporary exhibitions
• Producing museum‑quality mounts and assisting with the safe dressing and installation of objects
• Overseeing the day‑to‑day operation of the exhibitions workshop at Duxford, including stock, tools and housekeeping
• Managing workshop administration, including maintenance records, work requests and purchase orders
• Supporting health & safety compliance, machinery checks and safe working practices
• Working with contractors and supervising volunteers in the workshop when required
• Collaborating with colleagues across exhibitions, collections and facilities teams

What We’re Looking For

• Practical workshop experience, ideally in a museum, gallery, exhibition, theatre or similar environment
• Strong carpentry and making skills, including woodworking and general set or display construction
• Experience using a range of workshop machinery and hand tools safely and confidently
• Good attention to detail and pride in producing high‑quality finishes
• The ability to work independently, manage your own workload and take responsibility for tasks
• Confidence working with others across different teams, including contractors or volunteers
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital record‑keeping
• An interest in collections care, object handling or museum environments (desirable)

How You’ll Work

You’ll work closely with colleagues in Exhibitions Production, Workshop & Display, Collections and Facilities, primarily based at Duxford. While much of the role is hands‑on and site‑based, collaboration, clear communication and planning are key to ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

• You’re confidently carrying out gallery maintenance and workshop tasks with minimal supervision
• Displays across the site are well maintained, safe and presented to a high standard
• You’re contributing effectively to exhibition builds and installations
• Workshop systems, records and health & safety procedures are being followed consistently
• You’ve built strong working relationships across the Production and Exhibitions teams
• You’re taking ownership of small projects and seeing them through from planning to delivery