Exhibit Technician

Science Museum Oklahoma Inc; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exhibit Technician at Science Museum Oklahoma Inc will handle the mechanical maintenance of a variety of museum exhibits in public galleries, inspecting for damage, ensuring safe function of interactive features, and repairing minor defects to maintain durability.

You will work with carpentry, electronics, and A/V systems, read schematics, source parts, maintain records, and support exhibit setup and takedown for events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical degree or vocational training preferred.
• 1+ years of mechanical work experience with electronics, carpentry, and metalworking.
• Ability to meet physical demands and work overtime including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Efficient start-up and shut down of exhibits, including power management.
• Provide maintenance and repair support for exhibits; source parts and expertise as needed.
• Keep detailed maintenance records per warranties and manufacturer guidelines.
• Read mechanical drawings, schematics, and manuals for repairs.
• Construct and install exhibit structures using tools.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow safety protocols.
• Manage inventory of materials, tools, and consumables; replenish as needed.
• Assist in setup and dismantling of temporary or diverse exhibits and events.

Skills

Carpentry

Hand tools

Power tools

Electronics wiring

Lighting

Paints

Adhesives

Safety practices

AV systems

Education

HS Diploma

Technical Degree

Tools

Table saws

Skill saws

Pneumatic tools

Routers

Job description

The Exhibit Technician position is responsible for the mechanical maintenance of variety of Museum exhibits. This position works in the public area of the museum inspecting, maintaining, and repairing exhibits daily, including checking for visible damage, guaranteeing proper function of interactive exhibits, and the repair of minor defects to ensure maximum safety and durability. This position has a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

• Efficient start up and shut down of exhibits, including turning on and off breakers.
• Provide maintenance and repair support for exhibits, promptly addressing issues and evaluating the need for design or material adjustments. Source necessary parts, equipment, or expertise when required.
• Keep detailed records of exhibit maintenance in compliance with manufacturer warranties.
• Utilize mechanical drawings, schematics, and product manuals for efficient repair and maintenance of exhibit components.
• Construct and install museum exhibit structures and elements using various materials and tools, including power tools like table saws, skill saws, pneumatic tools, and routers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, abide by safety protocols in public areas and workspaces.
• Manage inventory of building materials, tools, equipment, and exhibit consumables, and replenish supplies as needed.
• Assist in setting up and dismantling temporary or diverse exhibits and participate in finish and detail work on exhibit environments.
• Will act as point of contact for daily exhibit issues and will be general staff contact for exhibit maintenance.
• Support setup and takedown for special events and rental functions as necessary, including off-site exhibit-related work.
• Adheres to safety protocols set forth by the Museum and OSHA regulations.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient in basic carpentry, hand tools, power tools, basic electronics wiring , lighting, paints, adhesives, and associated safety practices.
• Previous experience in museum/gallery or tradeshow exhibit fabrication is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of audio-video equipment, with the ability to learn new skills related to operating and maintaining specialized A/V systems.
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment, analyzing situations, and delivering effective solutions promptly.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret design schematics, fabrication drawings, and standard business documents.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with colleagues.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, along with accurate record-keeping abilities.

CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preference may be given for a Technical Degree and Vocational Training or a combination of relevant education or experience.
• One or more years of mechanical work experience with electronics, carpentry and metal working.
• Must be able to meet the physical demand of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends and overtime to ensure projects are completed on time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in mechanical shop environment, to include loud noises, smells, and exposure to a variety of different materials.
• Be able to reach, crawl around, and climb through children’s exhibits.
• Regular activities include standing, walking, and sitting, with extended periods of walking and moderate physical exertion.
• Use hands for manipulating tools and materials, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequent lifting and moving of items weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

This position works in an active and busy museum setting. This position works in a warehouse setting. The primary function of the ET is walking throughout the museum galleries checking and maintaining exhibits.

This position has been designated as a safety sensitive position. Safety sensitive positions include job duties that could affect the health and safety of the employee or others.

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Museum. Employees that drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

Employee must be able to meet physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Relationships

This position has no direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities. This position must maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors and the general public.