Exhibit Technician

Science Museum Oklahoma; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exhibit Technician at Science Museum Oklahoma maintains and repairs a variety of museum exhibits in public areas, ensuring safety and durability. You will interpret drawings, source parts, and perform routine preventive maintenance to keep interactive features functioning smoothly.

On a Tuesday–Saturday schedule, you will inspect for damage, manage inventory, and assist with setup and takedown for events and exhibits, while adhering to OSHA and museum safety protocols in a fast-paced gallery

Qualifications

• Proficient in basic carpentry, hand tools, power tools, basic electronics wiring, lighting, paints, adhesives, and safety practices.
• Previous museum/gallery or tradeshow exhibit fabrication experience is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of audio-video equipment with ability to learn related skills for operating and maintaining A/V systems.
• Ability to read and interpret design schematics and fabrication drawings.
• Skilled in establishing productive working relationships with colleagues and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Efficient start up and shut down of exhibits, including managing breakers and power systems.
• Provide maintenance and repair support, addressing issues and sourcing parts or expertise as needed.
• Keep detailed maintenance records in line with manufacturer warranties.
• Use mechanical drawings, schematics, and manuals for repairs and maintenance.
• Construct and install exhibit structures using various materials and power tools.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment following safety protocols.
• Manage inventory of materials, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist in setting up and dismantling exhibits and assist with event setups.
• Serve as point of contact for daily exhibit issues and maintenance requests.
• Support off-site exhibit setup and takedown for special events and rentals.
• Adhere to OSHA regulations and museum safety policies.

Skills

Carpentry

Hand tools

Power tools

Electronics wiring

Audio/Video basics

Reading schematics

Safety practices

Record keeping

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Technical degree preferred

Tools

Table saw

Skill saw

Pneumatic tools

Routers

Job description

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.

• 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.

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.

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.