About the Role
Overview
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
The Design Interpretation team is responsible for the look, feel, and visitor experience of exhibitions and program materials across our research centers, and other locations as needed. The team develops and maintains a coherent visual identity across all exhibition environments and program materials, overseeing graphic design, 3D design, interactive design, fabrication, framing, installation, and ongoing gallery maintenance.
The Lighting Designer develops and executes exhibition lighting across the Library's research centers. This position shapes how collection material, graphics, and media are seen in the gallery, balancing curatorial and design intent against the conservation requirements of light-sensitive collection materials.
Responsibilities
- Develops and executes lighting designs for exhibitions, installations, and display rotations across the research centers, from initial concept through focus and final adjustment, in alignment with the exhibition design intent
- Specifies and verifies light levels in accordance with conservation requirements for works on paper, photographs, textiles, and other light-sensitive materials, in consultation with conservation and collection care staff; monitors UV and cumulative exposure limits and documents readings for the project record
- Produces lighting documentation including plots, fixture and circuit schedules, focus notes, filter and accessory specifications, and as-built records to support installation, ongoing maintenance, and reinstallation
- Performs and directs focus sessions on site, working with the Installation Manager and installation team on fixture placement, lift and ladder work, and gallery access scheduling
- Works within the existing track, fixture, and control infrastructure at each center; recommends fixture purchases, rentals, or upgrades to the Installation Manager where existing inventory cannot meet design intent; provides maintenance guidance and troubleshoots lighting issues that arise during exhibition runs
- Participates in design reviews and gallery walkthroughs with the Design Interpretation team and vendors to integrate lighting with casework, graphics, projection, and media elements, supporting consistency of lighting quality across the three research centers
- Observes all Library and departmental safety procedures, including those governing ladder and lift use, collection handling, and work in occupied public spaces; maintains an organized and clean working environment
- Tracks time against assigned projects and submits timesheets according to the department schedule; flags scope or hours concerns to the Installation Manager in advance
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, theatrical or performance design, or architectural lighting design, or equivalent professional experience in museum or exhibition lighting
Required Experience
- 3–5 years of professional lighting design experience in museum, gallery, or exhibition settings; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
- Demonstrated experience lighting collection objects and archival materials within conservation light-level requirements
- Portfolio demonstrating lighting of objects, works on paper, or collection displays
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of conservation lighting standards and practice, including lux and footcandle limits for light-sensitive materials, UV and IR mitigation, and cumulative exposure tracking
- Ability to measure, interpret, and document light and UV readings using standard metering equipment
- Working knowledge of LED sources, color temperature, color rendering, beam optics, track and monopoint systems, and dimming and control protocols including DMX
- Ability to read and work from architectural drawings, exhibition design packages, and casework shop drawings
- Ability to work at height from ladders and lifts and to handle and position lighting fixtures and equipment
- Familiarity with collection handling protocols and comfort working in proximity to objects on display
- Ability to work independently, manage time across intermittent assignments, and respond to scheduling that shifts with exhibition calendars
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside curators, designers, conservators, and installation staff
- Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to take direction and work in a team environment
- Demonstrated ability working in Word, Excel, and Google Drive
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Museum/Gallery setting
- Public library setting
Physical Duties
- Physical effort is required, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying
- Lifting up to 50 lbs. required
- Must be comfortable working at heights
- Requires travel within NYC
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
- Between 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; on an as-needed basis
- Evenings and weekends as required
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).