Exhibit Operations Specialist I

Adler Planetarium•Chicago, IL

7d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Part-time Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join our dynamic team on Chicago's Museum Campus. This position will be responsible for opening and closing exhibits, performing routine cleaning and maintenance, and ensuring that all guest-facing areas are always guest-ready. Daily duties include conducting routine rounds, cleaning and maintaining exhibits and galleries, managing trash disposal, and ensuring the upkeep of exhibits, galleries, displays, and design lab spaces. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with exhibit team projects such as new exhibit installations, patching, painting, graphic installation, and maintaining exhibit components as needed. This individual will also be responsible for: Opening and closing museum 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, such as replacing lights, batteries, switches, keyboards, and physical interactive elements Emptying trash receptacles and transferring waste to dumpsters Vacuuming exhibit and workspace areas and assisting with material handling, including loading and unloading trucks related to exhibits and exhibit workspaces Assisting with larger scheduled maintenance and team projects on a monthly, biannual, or annual basis, including cleaning and dusting exhibit components, repainting galleries, replacing or installing graphics and signage, and supporting new exhibit production efforts 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 when engaged

Requirements

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 or awkward spaces.
Basic computer skills, including web searching and use of office software; strong aptitude for learning new technologies
Experience using radio communication systems
Ability to learn, retain, and apply new skills, with a strong desire to improve existing knowledge
Effective time-management skills with the ability to complete assignments accurately and on schedule
Commitment to performing routine duties with consistency, high quality, and attention to detail
Reliable attendance and dependable job performance
Understanding that team success depends on daily participation and accountability.
Willingness to receive constructive feedback and coaching
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as appropriate
Clear oral and written communication skills
Ability to make decisions that impact staff and guest experience, including taking action to shut down exhibit spaces or components when safety or operational concerns arise
Sound judgment in determining when issues require escalation or immediate response

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or three or more years of relevant professional work experience
OSHA General Industry Safety certification and/or ladder and lift training
Experience in museum operations, exhibitions, audio-visual production, theatrical production, stagehand work, or entertainment environments
Proficiency with IT systems and interactive technologies (preferred but not required)
Experience using Google Workspace (GSuite), Slack, and Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

Opening and closing museum 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, such as replacing lights, batteries, switches, keyboards, and physical interactive elements
Emptying trash receptacles and transferring waste to dumpsters
Vacuuming exhibit and workspace areas and assisting with material handling, including loading and unloading trucks related to exhibits and exhibit workspaces
Assisting with larger scheduled maintenance and team projects on a monthly, biannual, or annual basis, including cleaning and dusting exhibit components, repainting galleries, replacing or installing graphics and signage, and supporting new exhibit production efforts
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 when engaged

Benefits

7 to 25-hour workweek
Eligible to accrue up to 6 vacation days per year
3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
Eligible to earn time and a half for working on any of the 7 Adler observed holidays
Flexible work arrangements
Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
Paid Parental Leave
Commuter flexible spending account
403B plan with Adler match
Adler's match is 100% vested immediately
Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire
Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
Free subscription to the Calm Premium app
Employee Loan Program
Discounted Onsite Parking Program
Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions