Graphics Technician

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Graphics Technician, classified as a Museum Technician II, works under supervision as an Exhibits Preparator/Graphics Technician for the Illinois State Museum. The role develops graphic design packages for temporary and permanent exhibits and related educational programming and marketing. It also creates and fabricates interpretive panels, object labels, wayfinding and operational signage, and informational displays. The technician develops exhibit style guides and produces educational materials such as pamphlets, brochures, and flyers, as well as logos and graphics for Museum exhibits and programs. The position prepares signage mock-ups or renderings for curatorial and interpretive review and operates large-format printers, laminators, and a vinyl cutter to produce exhibit graphics and signage. As a member of the Exhibits Team, the technician helps prepare, install, update, maintain, and dismantle exhibitions at the Museum and other ISM-affiliated sites, and supports exhibit maintenance and repair. The role also organizes, maintains, and archives graphic files and records for retrieval and reproduction, maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment, and assists other exhibit preparators as needed. Duties may include cutting and assembling mats, framing artwork, adjusting gallery lighting, and constructing exhibit components. Staff are expected to work collaboratively across locations and disciplines, follow applicable laws and professional museum ethics, and produce work consistent with the standards and best practices of an accredited museum. This is a full-time, salaried, union position based at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Work is fully in office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role requires travel for work, sometimes with overnight stays, and the ability to operate and maintain equipment and transport items weighing up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, communications, commercial and advertising arts, digital arts, or a related field.
At least five years of relevant work experience in graphic design, communications, commercial or advertising arts, digital arts, or a closely related field.
Advanced proficiency in 2D composition and layout, typography, iconography, infographics, and/or digital print mechanicals.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Valid, appropriate driver’s license.
Ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment.
Ability to carry and transport up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Four years of experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Three years of experience with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint, and other desktop design and publishing programs on Windows.
Four years of experience with tools, equipment, and materials used to produce permanent and temporary graphics, including large-format digital printers, vinyl cutters, laminators, mounting and installation techniques, and associated safety practices.
Two years of experience preparing digital mechanical files for print and communicating effectively with design contractors and printing vendors.

Responsibilities

Develop graphic design packages for temporary and permanent exhibits and related educational programming and marketing.
Develop exhibit style guides and create educational materials, logos, and graphics for Museum programs, events, workshops, and exhibits.
Create and fabricate interpretive panels, object labels, wayfinding and operational signage, and informational displays.
Provide signage layout and design mock-ups or renderings for curatorial and interpretive review.
Operate large-format and oversize full-color printers, laminators, and vinyl-cutting equipment to produce exhibit graphics and signage.
Participate in preparing, installing, updating, maintaining, and dismantling exhibitions and exhibition components at the Museum and ISM-affiliated sites.
Support exhibit maintenance and repair needs.
Organize, maintain, and archive graphic files and records for clear retrieval and reproduction.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Assist other exhibit preparators as needed, including mat cutting and assembly, artwork framing, gallery-lighting adjustments, and exhibit-component construction.
Work toward goals in the ISM strategic plan and Museum exhibit plan.
Perform other duties within the scope of the position as required or assigned.