Museum Exhibit Operations Technician I

ADP, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7- to 35-hour workweek

Paid vacation days and sick days

Retirement Savings Plan and Adler 403b

Adler 100% vested match

Free museum entrance

Job summary

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Full-Time Temporary Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join our team on Chicago's Museum Campus. This role opens and closes exhibits, performs routine cleaning, and ensures guest-facing areas are ready for visitors.

Responsibilities include daily rounds, gallery maintenance, trash management, and supporting exhibit projects like new installations. This is a union position with AFSCME Council 31, offering a 35-hour work week and varied shifts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
• General fabrication and construction skills, including familiarity with carpentry shop tools and standard hand tools.
• Experience with basic digital and electrical wiring and repairs, carpentry, and painting.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull loads of 50+ pounds.
• Comfort working at elevated heights and in tight spaces.
• Basic computer skills, including web searching and use of office software; learning new technologies.
• Experience using radio communication systems.
• Strong time-management and reliable attendance.
• Willingness to receive constructive feedback and coaching.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with clear oral and written communication.
• Ability to make decisions impacting safety or guest experience; escalate when needed.
• Sound judgment in determining when issues require escalation or immediate response.

Responsibilities

• Opening and closing exhibits and galleries, including powering on/off interactive components, equipment, computers, and lighting.
• Ensuring all areas are clean, guest-ready, and maintained in safe, proper working order.
• Supporting Exhibits staff during sponsored evening events as assigned.
• Conducting daily inspections of exhibits, galleries, displays, community design lab spaces, and signage to assess cleanliness, condition, and wear.
• Identifying cleaning or maintenance needs and performing minor upkeep tasks as needed.
• Responding to radio calls by addressing issues directly when possible or escalating to Exhibit Technicians or other staff as appropriate.
• Performing routine cleaning tasks, including scrubbing surfaces, removing dirt and debris, and vacuuming.
• Monitoring exhibit components for wear and tear, performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Emptying trash receptacles and transferring waste to dumpsters.
• Vacuuming exhibit and workspace areas and assisting with material handling, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Assisting with larger scheduled maintenance and team projects on a monthly, biannual, or annual basis.
• Presenting a positive, customer-facing experience by maintaining a neat and professional appearance, treating guests with respect, and assisting visitors in making their experience exceptional.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Safety mindset

Guest service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's Degree or 3+ years professional experience

Tools

Carpentry shop tools

Hand tools

Basic digital wiring

Electrical repairs

Painting

Ladders & safety equipment

Job description

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Full-Time Temporary Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join our team on Chicago's Museum Campus. This role opens and closes exhibits, performs routine cleaning, and ensures guest-facing areas are ready for visitors.

Responsibilities include daily rounds, gallery maintenance, trash management, and supporting exhibit projects like new installations. This is a union position with AFSCME Council 31, offering a 35-hour work week and varied shifts.