Exhibits Technician

Thinkery • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Exhibit Technician is responsible for ensuring the exhibits and facilities are representative of the show quality standards adopted by Thinkery by providing preventative maintenance and timely repair of exhibits and activities. The Exhibit Technician collaborates with the exhibits team to refurbish and build exhibits and activities. This employee supports the maintenance efforts of the fabrication workshop, tools, and supplies.

Requirements

• Fabrication, construction, and maintenance experience.
• Fabrication skills including cabinetry/woodworking, metal working/welding, plumbing, electronics/ electrical, plastics fabrication.
• Extreme attention to detail and aesthetics.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and remain calm during challenging situations.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.
• Maintenance experience required.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and fabrication shop facilities.
• Experience working with outside contractors, vendors, and fabrication firms.
• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Move throughout the museum.
• Manipulate and move materials and /or exhibit components weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Bend/stoop, kneel, reach, and lay down on hard surfaces.
• Carry, climb, and execute work on ladders.
• Move and utilize a single person lift and forklift.
• Detect and respond to safety hazards
• Occasionally work in outdoor environments.
• Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of their on-boarding with exemptions available for medical need.

Nice To Haves

• Fabrication and construction experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads daily exhibits inspections to assess safety, functionality, and cleanliness.
• Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance and repair of exhibits and galleries.
• Adheres to and refines exhibit maintenance checklists and systems.
• Responsible for maintaining workshop and warehouse for cleanliness, organization, and safety.
• Adhere to and refine schedule for preventative maintenance of Thinkery workshop, warehouse, equipment, and vehicles.
• Purchases necessary equipment, materials, and props in compliance with Thinkery policies.
• Assist in creating annual budget and ongoing supervision of exhibits and workshop related expenses.
• Takes primary responsibility in fulfilling staff requests to make accommodations for galleries, facility spaces, and exhibits for special events or programs.
• Coordinates transportation of materials and equipment for special programs and donations as needed.
• Assists with daily checks of facilities to assess and conduct repairs and maintenance as needed.
• Assists with technical design, engineering, fabrication and refurbishment of galleries, exhibitions, and individual exhibits as guided by the Vice President of Exhibits & Facilities and/or the Exhibits Manager.
• Attends all necessary meetings both departmentally and organizationally when applicable.

Benefits

• Competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time staff including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage.
• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid Family and Covid Sick Leave
• Pet and child friendly offices
• Membership to the museum and discounted rates to Little Thinker’s Preschool and Camps

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed