Graphics Technician

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

1d•$5,328 - $7,480•Onsite

About The Position

The Graphics Technician serves as an Exhibits Preparator/Graphics Technician at the Illinois State Museum. Under supervision, the position develops graphic design packages for temporary and permanent exhibits and related educational programming and marketing. Work includes creating exhibit style guides and educational materials, logos, graphics, signage mock-ups, interpretive panels, object labels, wayfinding and operational signage, and informational displays. The technician operates production equipment such as large-format printers, laminators, and vinyl cutters, and prints and mounts exhibit graphics. As a member of the Exhibits Team, the technician participates in preparing, installing, updating, maintaining, and dismantling exhibitions at the Museum and other ISM-affiliated sites. The position supports exhibit repair and maintenance, helps other preparators with related work, and maintains organized, safe work areas and accurate, retrievable graphic files and project records. Staff are expected to work collaboratively across locations and disciplines, follow applicable laws and professional museum ethics, and produce work consistent with national standards and best practices for an accredited museum.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, communications, commercial and advertising arts, digital arts, or a related field.
At least 5 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.
Complete a background check and self-disclose criminal history.
Possess an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Ability to travel as part of the job, 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 effectively communicating with design contractors and printing vendors.

Responsibilities

Develop graphic design packages for temporary and permanent exhibits and related educational programming and marketing.
Develop exhibit brand style guides and create educational materials, logos, and graphics for Museum programs, events, workshops, exhibits, and marketing.
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, vinyl cutters, and related production equipment.
Print and mount interpretive panels and object labels.
Participate in preparing, installing, updating, maintaining, and dismantling exhibitions and exhibition components at the Museum and affiliated sites.
Support exhibit maintenance and repair needs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Assist other Exhibit Preparators as needed, including cutting and assembling mats, framing artwork, adjusting gallery lighting, and constructing exhibit components.
Organize, maintain, and archive accurate project graphic files and records for retrieval and reproduction.
Work toward the Museum's strategic plan and exhibit plan, collaborate across locations and disciplines, follow relevant laws and professional museum ethics, and perform other related duties as assigned.