Technician, Exhibit Production and Operations

Pacific Science Center•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibit Technician is a full-time position that contributes to Pacific Science Center’s mission to spark curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking by delighting guests with an exceptionally produced and well-maintained interactive exhibit floor experience. As a member of the Exhibits Studio team and employee of PacSci, the Exhibit Technician prioritizes Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in the visitor experience as well as in colleague and community relationships. The Exhibit Technician has a broad skillset that includes but isn’t limited to fabricating with a variety of materials, including wood, plywood & sheet materials, metal, plastics; and comfort working with electronics, software, coding and lighting. Knowledge and experience of digital fabrication methods including CAD (or other design software), CNC routing, 3D printing and/or laser cutting is preferred. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys working within a team, and is a builder, and creative problem solver. This position maintains, cleans, inspects, repairs, installs/deinstalls, builds, and upgrades new and existing exhibit experiences. This position is part of the team responsible for maintaining PacSci’s floor exhibits and ensuring they are visually appealing and remain in excellent condition. Additionally, the position supports all team members in the nimble development of new, scheduled exhibits by utilizing their imagination, creativity, and unique skill sets to ideate, prototype and evaluate effectiveness of new ideas.

Requirements

Specific skills and ability utilizing woodworking, welding and metalworking, plumbing, lighting installation, basic electronics wiring, etc.
Applies critical thinking to problem solve with a variety of exhibits, including wood and metal assemblies, mechanics, electronics, plumbing, and other technological systems
Knowledge of personal bias and desire to be an anti-racist leader
Ability to safely operate in a communal fabrication/shop environment
Skilled in fabrication for robust use (durability on the exhibit floor)
Demonstrated understanding of basic principles of design, visual art, use of color and texture
Provides high quality deliverables through a strong attention to detail, budgets, priorities, and deadlines
This individual is a flexible and curious self-starter, who can work both collaboratively and independently
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with technical and non-technical audiences which includes both staff and guests
Ability to operate a forklift and scissor lift with proper certification (provided by PacSci)
Work 40 hours/week onsite --one weekend day minimum and some holidays required
At least two years of formal education in a specialty field, design, or building, and/or minimum two years of work experience in a design, fabrication, or repair capacity preferably in interactive spaces such as those with hands-on experiences. This experience can include carpentry, prototyping, construction, 3D design, engineering, e.g. mechanical, structural, electrical, etc., small-scale manufacturing, and general production.
Professional proficiency with hand, power, and bench tools
Able to communicate industry-specific language and vocabulary.

Nice To Haves

At least two years' experience in a shop environment
Specific skills in graphics display and installation techniques, CNC, pneumatic systems, 3d printing, architectural drawings, and CAD software for mechanical design, motors, mechanical systems, lighting design, audio electronics, etc.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License

Responsibilities

Performs daily tasks such as turn-on and cleaning of exhibits, routine maintenance inspections, and responding in a timely manner to radio calls for exhibit floor issues
Adheres to a regular maintenance schedule for exhibit floor interactives
Repairs broken exhibits which might include vendor, materials and/or part sourcing
Helps to maintain and update exhibit asset records as well as operational and maintenance procedures
Assesses potential weaknesses to proactively propose and develop solutions
Performs operational functions such as lighting, installing, de-installing, and moving exhibits
Upgrades current exhibit interactives through redesigns and modifications
Fabricates and tests assigned prototypes through implementation of final product
Participates in exhibit experience development from ideation through implementation in support of an established exhibit schedule
Provides technical expertise and support to internal groups as needed
Supports the creation of elements and traveling exhibits for other departments and teams
Assists facilities when additional support is required
Complies with health and safety policies and protocols
Performs other duties as assigned