Exhibits Maintenance Technician

bettybrinnchildrensmuseum; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free downtown parking

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI seeks an Exhibits Maintenance Technician to maintain and repair exhibits, fixtures, and facilities, ensuring a safe and visitor-ready environment. You will work with the Exhibits Team and external vendors on larger repairs and support event setup and breakdown.

The role requires hands-on maintenance skills, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, weekend/evening availability, and a collaborative, safety-conscious approach to guest spaces.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and special events as needed.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in general maintenance, facilities support, building upkeep, or related hands-on repair work.
• Working knowledge of basic carpentry, painting, drywall repair, patching, minor plumbing, and general facility upkeep.
• Experience operating and maintaining shop equipment and hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on exhibits, fixtures, and facilities.
• Assist with painting, patching walls, and general upkeep of spaces.
• Coordinate with external vendors for larger repairs.
• Support event setup and breakdown for events.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify maintenance concerns.
• Document and resolve maintenance issues to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Troubleshoot and repair cleaning and other equipment.
• Assist with light fabrication, installation, and deinstallation of traveling exhibits and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Maintenance

Hand tools

Carpentry

Painting

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Guest service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Power tools

Drills

Ladders

Job description

The Exhibits Maintenance Technician supports the Exhibits Team by serving as the primary point person for facility maintenance, exhibit upkeep, repairs, and operational support throughout the Museum. This role helps ensure all public and staff spaces remain safe, functional, clean, and visitor‑ready.

This position reports directly to the Exhibit Fabricator & Facilities Fabricator Manager.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on Museum exhibits, fixtures, and facilities to ensure a safe and functional environment.
• Assist with painting, patching walls, and general upkeep of Museum spaces.
• Work with the exhibits team to identify maintenance issues and coordinate with external vendors for larger repair needs.
• Support event setup and breakdown, including moving furniture, assembling temporary structures, and ensuring all spaces are in good condition.
• Conduct routine inspections of the facility and exhibits to proactively identify potential maintenance concerns.
• Actively identify, document, and resolve exhibit and facility maintenance concerns to ensure both short and long‑term safety, cleanliness, and functionality throughout the Museum floor.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on cleaning and other Museum equipment to ensure proper functionality and operational readiness.
• Assist the Exhibits Team with light fabrication, installation, and deinstallation of traveling exhibits, special projects, and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the Museum for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑traffic, interactive environment with children, families, school groups, and the general public.
• Ability to remain attentive to guest safety, identify potential hazards, and respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, and unsafe conditions.
• All employees — with or without a disability or accommodation — are expected to meet the performance standards and essential requirements of their position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and special events as needed.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in general maintenance, facilities support, building upkeep, or related hands‑on repair work.
• Working knowledge of general maintenance practices, including basic carpentry, painting, drywall repair, patching, minor plumbing, and general facility upkeep.
• Experience in safely operating and maintaining shop equipment and hand and power tools, including drills, saws, sanders, ladders, paint equipment, and other maintenance‑related tools and machinery.

Skills & Abilities:

• Positive, can‑do attitude with a willingness to support guests, staff, and overall Museum operations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and positively with a wide variety of people.
• Commitment to punctuality, reliability, accountability, and teamwork.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed during emergencies, maintenance issues, and high‑traffic periods.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time‑management skills with the ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive problem solver who takes initiative and approaches challenges with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Comfortable working in interactive, fast‑paced, guest‑facing environments that regularly serve children and families.
• Passion for the Museum’s mission and commitment to supporting play‑based learning experiences.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Commitment to maintaining safe, clean, and hazard‑free spaces for guests, staff, and exhibits.
• Ability to proactively identify maintenance or safety concerns and respond appropriately to minimize risk and support smooth daily operation

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $20-25 per hour
• Free downtown parking
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule