Title: Exhibits Fabrication Internship

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $15/Hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: Broad Street Station

Agency Website: https://smv.org/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia is looking for an Exhibits Fabrication Intern ready to jump in and make things happen. In this hands-on role, you won’t just observe—you’ll build, repair, and help install interactive exhibits, including dynamic touring exhibitions, alongside a skilled Exhibits team.

You’ll also be part of the guest experience, engaging visitors, answering questions, and bringing exhibits to life by explaining how they work.

Plus, you’ll take on a mentored project where you can create, improve, or reimagine an exhibit—leaving your mark on something thousands of guests will experience.

If you love building, tinkering, and creating meaningful experiences, this is your chance to make it real.

All Summer Interns receive an insider view of museum careers while building leadership skills and hands-on experience. The internship includes meetings with senior leaders, direct project work, professional development opportunities, participation in science and museum “Career Exploration Breakfast” presentations, and valuable networking experiences.


Internship Commitment

This is a paid internship position at $15 per hour. Interns are expected to complete a minimum of 300 hours between mid-May and mid-August. Students receiving academic credit should note that required hours and schedules are determined by their academic program. All interns must be able to participate in required training sessions associated with the position. Internship is scheduled to start on May 26, 2026.

First generation college students are encouraged to apply! Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/ No state benefits are provided.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at the time of application or the start of the internship. All submissions must include a résumé and a cover letter describing your interest in the specific internship and directly addressing the qualifications listed below.

The ideal candidate has an interest in or coursework related to fabrication, engineering, industrial design, theater production, carpentry, construction, fine arts, physics, or a related field. Basic familiarity with hand tools or hands-on making is a plus, though training will be provided. The selected candidate must be comfortable working in public-facing spaces, following safety procedures, and collaborating in a hands-on, team-based environment, while demonstrating dependability and attention to detail. Candidates must also be able to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and work in workshop and exhibit settings, with reasonable accommodations available.

Additional Considerations

Previous museum experience a plus.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.

The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

Contact Information

Name: Jared Strawderman

Phone: 804.864.1514

Email: jstrawderman@smv.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.