Exhibit Technician

Science Museum Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Exhibit Technician is responsible for the mechanical maintenance of a variety of museum exhibits. Working in public areas, the technician inspects, maintains, and repairs exhibits daily, checking for visible damage, ensuring interactive exhibits function properly, and repairing minor defects to support safety and durability. The position follows a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule and handles exhibit startup and shutdown, including operating breakers. The technician provides maintenance and repair support, addresses exhibit issues promptly, evaluates whether design or material adjustments are needed, and sources parts, equipment, or expertise as required. Responsibilities include keeping maintenance records in accordance with manufacturer warranties; using mechanical drawings, schematics, and product manuals; and constructing and installing exhibit structures and elements using varied materials and tools. The technician also manages supplies and inventory, helps set up and dismantle exhibits, performs finish and detail work, and supports special events and rental functions, including off-site exhibit-related work. The role is the daily point of contact for exhibit issues and general staff inquiries about exhibit maintenance. The position works in active museum galleries and a warehouse, as well as a mechanical shop environment. It is designated safety-sensitive and requires adherence to Museum and OSHA safety protocols. Business driving may be required in a personal or Museum-provided vehicle; employees who drive must pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license annually. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One or more years of mechanical work experience involving electronics, carpentry, and metalworking.
Proficiency with basic carpentry, hand tools, power tools, basic electronics wiring, lighting, paints, adhesives, and associated safety practices.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work occasional weekends and overtime to ensure projects are completed on time.
Ability to work in a mechanical shop environment with loud noises, smells, and exposure to a variety of materials.
Ability to reach, crawl around, and climb through children’s exhibits.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit; undertake extended periods of walking and moderate physical exertion; manipulate tools and materials; and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to frequently lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license annually if driving for business purposes.
Ability to analyze situations and deliver effective solutions promptly in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret design schematics, fabrication drawings, and standard business documents.
Effective oral and written communication skills and accurate record-keeping abilities.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in museum/gallery or tradeshow exhibit fabrication.
Technical degree, vocational training, or a combination of relevant education or experience.
Basic understanding of audio-video equipment and ability to learn skills related to operating and maintaining specialized A/V systems.

Responsibilities

Inspect, maintain, and repair museum exhibits daily, including identifying visible damage and ensuring interactive exhibits function properly.
Repair minor exhibit defects to support safety and durability.
Start up and shut down exhibits, including turning breakers on and off.
Respond promptly to exhibit maintenance issues and assess whether design or material adjustments are needed.
Source parts, equipment, or expertise as required.
Maintain detailed exhibit maintenance records in compliance with manufacturer warranties.
Use mechanical drawings, schematics, and product manuals to repair and maintain exhibit components.
Construct and install museum exhibit structures and elements using a variety of materials and tools, including power tools.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and follow safety protocols in public areas and workspaces.
Manage inventory of building materials, tools, equipment, and exhibit consumables, and replenish supplies as needed.
Assist with setup and dismantling of temporary or other exhibits and perform finish and detail work on exhibit environments.
Serve as the daily point of contact for exhibit issues and the general staff contact for exhibit maintenance.
Support setup and takedown for special events and rental functions as needed, including off-site exhibit-related work.
Follow Museum safety protocols and OSHA regulations.
Maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors, and the general public.