Exhibit Maintenance Technician

St. Louis Science Center; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saint Louis Science Center is seeking an Exhibit Maintenance Technician to help keep exhibits safe, reliable, and visitor-ready. The role focuses on carpentry, fabrication, and mechanical maintenance, collaborating with designers and fabricators to troubleshoot issues and plan solutions.

Responsibilities include daily inspections, preventive maintenance, refurbishment of aging exhibits, and assisting with new installations. Weekend work within a 40-hour week is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in carpentry or fabrication preferred.
• 2–5 years in exhibit maintenance, carpentry, shop work, or facilities repair.
• Proficient with woodworking tools and basic mechanical repair.
• Ability to read blueprints and assembly instructions.
• Strong safety awareness and independent work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily exhibit inspections and preventive maintenance for safety and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and repair exhibit components—wood, metal, plastic, and mechanical systems.
• Fabricate and refurbish exhibit components using carpentry, machining, and finishing.
• Maintain workshop spaces, organize tools, and follow safety practices.
• Collaborate with designers, fabricators, and electronics staff to solve problems.
• Provide material support and prototyping for new exhibits; assist with installations.

Skills

Carpentry

Fabrication

Shop work

Woodworking

Mechanical repair

Blueprint reading

Safety practices

Troubleshooting

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Machining tools

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

At the Saint Louis Science Center, our mission is “To inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.” We achieve this by creating informal, interactive experiences that make science fun, accessible, and meaningful. Our staff, volunteers, and partners work together to deliver engaging exhibitions and environments for our community and visitors.

The Exhibits Department, part of the Science and Education Division, develops, maintains, and supports all physical and interactive exhibition experiences for our visitors.

Under the supervision of the Exhibit Production Manager, the Exhibit Maintenance Technician ensures exhibits remain safe, reliable, and visitor-ready. This position focuses on carpentry, fabrication, and mechanical maintenance, with responsibilities that include routine exhibit inspections, preventive care, refurbishment of aging exhibits, and the installation of new experiences. The technician collaborates closely with exhibit fabricators, designers, and other technical staff to troubleshoot problems, plan solutions, and keep exhibit areas in excellent condition.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform daily exhibit inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure reliable operation and visitor safety.
• Troubleshoot and repair exhibit components, including wood, metal, plastic, and mechanical systems.
• Fabricate, refurbish, and modify exhibit components using carpentry, machining, and finishing techniques.
• Maintain and organize workshop spaces, tools, and materials; ensure proper safety practices are followed.
• Collaborate with exhibit designers, fabricators, electronics technicians, and other departments to solve problems and improve exhibit performance.
• Provide material support, prototyping assistance, and construction expertise for new exhibit projects.
• Support installation and de-installation of traveling/ special exhibitions, including construction, setup, and technical adjustments.
• This position’s schedule requires weekends as part of the 40-hour work week.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship in carpentry, fabrication, or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in exhibit maintenance, general carpentry, shop work, or facilities/production repair.
• Proficiency with woodworking, hand, and power tools, and basic mechanical repair.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and assembly instructions.
• Knowledge of shop safety practices and ability to maintain a safe workspace.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and special events as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a museum, science center, theater production, or similar hands-on environment.
• Familiarity with plastics, metals, finishing, and multi-material construction.
• Knowledge of basic electrical or AV systems.
• Creativity, adaptability, and an interest in supporting STEM learning experiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work occurs in workshops, museum galleries, outdoor areas, and event spaces.
• Ability to lift 50-70 pounds, and work in varied conditions (heights, confined spaces, indoors/outdoors).
• Ability to climb ladders, work from lifts, and operate in elevated spaces.
• Physical activity includes standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and tool use for extended periods.
• Exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and public visitor traffic.
• Position requires adaptability to changing tasks and priorities in a dynamic museum environment.