Exhibit Technician

Science Museum Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

9h•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibit Technician is responsible for the mechanical maintenance of Museum exhibits. Working in public museum areas, the technician inspects, maintains, and repairs exhibits daily, checks for visible damage, ensures interactive exhibits function properly, and repairs minor defects to support safety and durability. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday. The position supports exhibit startup and shutdown, including operating breakers; responds to maintenance issues; evaluates potential design or material adjustments; sources parts, equipment, or expertise; and maintains records in accordance with manufacturer warranties. The technician uses mechanical drawings, schematics, and product manuals, and constructs and installs exhibit elements using various materials and tools. Duties also include inventory management, maintaining safe and organized workspaces, assisting with temporary exhibit setup and dismantling, finish and detail work, and supporting special events and rental functions, including off-site exhibit-related work. This is a safety-sensitive role in an active museum and warehouse setting. The primary function involves walking through museum galleries to inspect and maintain exhibits. The technician has no supervisory responsibilities and maintains positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors, and the public. Business driving may be required; employees who drive must pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license annually.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One or more years of mechanical work experience involving electronics, carpentry, and metalworking.
Proficiency in basic carpentry, hand tools, power tools, basic electronics wiring, lighting, paints, adhesives, and related safety practices.
Basic understanding of audio-video equipment and ability to learn to operate and maintain specialized A/V systems.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, analyze situations, and deliver effective solutions promptly.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret design schematics, fabrication drawings, and standard business documents.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues.
Effective oral and written communication skills and accurate record-keeping abilities.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work occasional weekends and overtime to complete projects on time.
Ability to meet physical requirements including reaching, crawling, and climbing through children’s exhibits; extended walking; use of hands and arms to manipulate tools and materials; and frequent lifting and moving of items up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and moving of items up to 100 pounds.
If driving for business purposes, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license annually.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in museum or gallery work or tradeshow exhibit fabrication.
Technical degree, vocational training, or a combination of relevant education or experience.

Responsibilities

Start up and shut down exhibits efficiently, including turning breakers on and off.
Inspect, maintain, and repair exhibits daily, checking for visible damage and proper operation of interactive exhibits.
Repair minor exhibit defects to help ensure safety and durability.
Provide maintenance and repair support, promptly address issues, and evaluate the need for design or material adjustments.
Source parts, equipment, or expertise as needed.
Keep 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 exhibit structures and elements using various 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 point of contact for daily exhibit issues and as a general staff contact for exhibit maintenance.
Support setup and takedown for special events and rental functions as necessary, including off-site exhibit-related work.
Adhere to Museum safety protocols and OSHA regulations.
Maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors, and the general public.