EXHIBIT TECHNICIAN

San Diego Natural History Museum • San Diego, CA

103d • $22 - $24

About The Position

The Exhibit Technician at the San Diego Natural History Museum contributes to a stellar visitor experience by ensuring the daily functionality of current exhibits while assisting with the fabrication and installation of new exhibit elements. A hands-on problem solver, maker, and creative thinker, the Exhibit Technician is the primary boots on the ground point person within the Exhibits Department who handles most of the maintenance and repair needs for exhibitions and exhibit-related resources. The Exhibit Technician also plays a critical support role in new exhibit production, fabrication, and installation. This position reports to the Director of Exhibits and collaborates with others across the Museum.

Requirements

• Expertise in exhibit upkeep tasks such as patching, painting, lighting replacements, and reattaching hardware.
• Expertise with power tool operation, safety, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of fabrication and artistry materials and methods to advise on solutions for exhibit fabrication and upkeep tasks.
• Experience with the installation and deinstallation of museum or gallery exhibitions.
• Be capable of long periods of physical work occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. and working from ladders and a scissor lift.
• Forklift certification, or a willingness to become certified.
• Able to prioritize, manage-up, and adhere to deadlines and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite.
• Understanding of and commitment to workplace safety procedures.
• Ability to read floor plans and fabrication shop drawings desired.

Nice To Haves

• Contribute to a collaborative and positive team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular walkthroughs of exhibit spaces to ensure exhibits are in working order.
• Develop and maintain systems to proactively identify and assess exhibit upkeep needs.
• Research and recommend repair solutions and preventative maintenance for exhibit elements.
• Co-manage the internal ticketing system with the Exhibit Operations Manager.
• Track and perform the majority of exhibit maintenance requests.
• Regularly inspect and replace exhibition gallery lighting.
• Work with the Exhibit Operations Manager to procure materials needed for exhibit upkeep.
• Build exhibit elements as assigned, including furniture, interactives, or thematic and artistic elements.
• Play a key support role for exhibit installation by patching, painting, building partition walls, moving specimens and cases, installing graphics, and other related tasks.
• Take ownership of projects related to installation as assigned.
• Support Production Manager in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workshop.
• Occasionally support other Museum departments with fabrication tasks.
• Participate in team meetings to develop concepts for upcoming exhibitions and elements.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Vacation
• 15 paid holidays
• Free admission into all of Balboa Park's museums
• More benefits as specified.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level