Exhibits Technician

Thinkery; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

Dental and vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Museum membership

Job summary

Thinkery in Austin, TX is seeking an Exhibits Technician to maintain and repair exhibits, lead safety inspections, and support the fabrication workshop. This full-time role requires hands-on fabrication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with care for show quality standards.

The position schedules Monday through Friday, with opportunities to contribute to special programs and events. A strong focus on safety, teamwork, and problem solving is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Maintenance experience required.
• Fabrication/construction experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily exhibits inspections for safety, function, and cleanliness.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of exhibits and galleries.
• Assist in refurbishment and fabrication of exhibits as needed.
• Support workshop and facility maintenance activities.

Skills

Fabrication

Woodworking

Metalworking

Welding

Electronics

Plumbing

Electrical

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Tools

Workshop tools

Job description

Description

Position Title: Exhibits Technician
Department: Exhibits
Classification: Hourly, $21.15/hour
Status: Full Time

Role Schedule: Monday through Friday

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Exhibit Technician is responsible for ensuring the exhibits and facilities are representative of the show quality standards adopted by Thinkery by providing preventative maintenance and timely repair of exhibits and activities. The Exhibit Technician collaborates with the exhibits team to refurbish and build exhibits and activities. This employee supports the maintenance efforts of the fabrication workshop, tools, and supplies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads daily exhibits inspections to assess safety, functionality, and cleanliness. Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance and repair of exhibits and galleries. Adheres to and refines exhibit maintenance checklists and systems.
• Responsible for maintaining workshop and warehouse for cleanliness, organization, and safety. Adhere to and refine schedule for preventative maintenance of Thinkery workshop, warehouse, equipment, and vehicles.
• Purchases necessary equipment, materials, and props in compliance with Thinkery policies. Assist in creating annual budget and ongoing supervision of exhibits and workshop related expenses.
• Takes primary responsibility in fulfilling staff requests to make accommodations for galleries, facility spaces, and exhibits for special events or programs.
• Coordinates transportation of materials and equipment for special programs and donations as needed.
• Assists with daily checks of facilities to assess and conduct repairs and maintenance as needed.
• Assists with technical design, engineering, fabrication and refurbishment of galleries, exhibitions, and individual exhibits as guided by the Vice President of Exhibits & Facilities and/or the Exhibits Manager.
• Attends all necessary meetings both departmentally and organizationally when applicable.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule and availability reflect that the organization is a 7-day-a-week operation. Periodic duties outside of regular work week schedule during seasonal high-volume times.
• Actively practice Thinkery’s health and safety protocols. Thinkery requires new staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of their on-boarding with exemptions available for medical need.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet expected commitments.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives, backgrounds and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery’s work.
• Creates Connection: Building engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests promoting a welcoming environment for all.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Reports to: Senior Exhibits Manager

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Fabrication, construction, and maintenance experience.
• Fabrication skills including cabinetry/woodworking, metal working/welding, plumbing, electronics/ electrical, plastics fabrication.
• Extreme attention to detail and aesthetics.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and remain calm during challenging situations.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.

EXPERIENCE

• Maintenance experience required.
• Fabrication and construction experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and fabrication shop facilities.
• Experience working with outside contractors, vendors, and fabrication firms.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position is very active. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Move throughout the museum.
• Manipulate and move materials and /or exhibit components weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Bend/stoop, kneel, reach, and lay down on hard surfaces.
• Carry, climb, and execute work on ladders.
• Move and utilize a single person lift and forklift.
• Detect and respond to safety hazards
• Occasionally work in outdoor environments.

BENEFITS

Thinkery offers competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time staff including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid Family and Covid Sick Leave
• Pet and child friendly offices
• Membership to the museum and discounted rates to Little Thinker’s Preschool and Camps

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required. This job description may be updated as needed.

The Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.