Exhibit Operations Specialist I

Adler Planetarium•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join their dynamic team. This role will oversee the opening and closing of exhibit galleries, perform routine maintenance, and ensure the optimal condition of exhibit spaces. Daily tasks include cleaning, conducting rounds, troubleshooting and repair, and maintaining the appearance of exhibits, galleries, and public spaces. The role also supports the Exhibits team with projects such as new exhibit builds, installations, digital wiring, graphic placement, and the upkeep of both mechanical and digital components. This is a union position with the Adler Planetarium Workers United, AFSCME Council 31.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum of two years of work experience
General fabrication and construction skills; familiarity with carpenter's shop, hand tools, power tools tools, CNC machines, and standard shop equipment
Wall framing, sheathing, drywall patching, and painting skills
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull loads of up to 50+lbs
Comfort working at elevated heights and in awkward spaces
Basic computer skills and experience with web searching and office software; strong aptitude for learning new technology
Ability to learn and retain new skills and a strong desire to improve existing skills
Efficient time-management skills and ability to complete tasks accurately and on time
Commitment to consistent, high-quality, detail-oriented work
Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic
Team-oriented with the ability to work independently when appropriate
Ability to make decisions impacting staff and guest experience
Ability to take action to shut down exhibits or components in case of safety or operational issues concerns
Ability to determine when an issue should be escalated or resolved quickly
Ability to work in physically demanding environments

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree or 3+ years of professional work experience
OSHA General Industry Safety, Ladder/Lift Training
Carpenter's shop experience
Experience in museum operations, audio-visual production, theatrical production/stagehand work, entertainment, or exhibitions
Proficiency with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, IT, and interactive technology (appreciated but not required)
Experience with Google GSuite, Slack, MS Office Suite

Responsibilities

Open and close museum exhibits and galleries, including turning on/off interactive components, equipment, computers, and lighting, and ensuring all components are clean and in safe working condition.
Serve as Exhibits support staff for Adler-sponsored evening events as assigned.
Inspect exhibits, galleries, displays, design lab spaces, and signage daily for wear and tear; determine repair/refurbish needs and perform minor repairs and maintenance as necessary.
Respond to radio calls and take corrective action as needed or escalate issues to other staff.
Perform routine cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, and removing dirt, monitoring exhibits for wear and tear, supporting digital exhibitry wiring, installation, and conducting preventive maintenance on exhibit components (e.g., replacing wires, cables, lights, lenses, batteries, switches, keyboards, circuit boards, motors).
Handle material tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, loading/unloading trucks.
Execute larger maintenance projects as assigned, such as recabling, rewiring exhibits, inspecting and replacing mechanical components (belts, bearings, pulleys, motors), cleaning and lubricating interactive components, repainting galleries, and replacing graphics and signage.
Assist with larger Exhibits team projects, including new exhibit production, major paint jobs, and graphic installations; support the maintenance of digital exhibit components.
Provide a positive customer-facing experience by presenting a neat, professional appearance, Treating guests with respect and assisting them to enhance their visit.