The Exhibit Maintenance Technician will be responsible for maintaining the exhibits and building, including daily care, troubleshooting, and improvements to existing exhibits. This position requires skills and knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems and construction techniques to work independently on improving and upgrading one-of-a-kind systems and structures.
Hours
Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday from 9:30am to 5:30pm
Duties and Responsibilities
Exhibit Maintenance: Prepare the museum for daily operations by turning on required power, inspecting and providing daily maintenance checks to the exhibit halls, and ensuring all are in working order and ready for use by staff, visitors, and outside clients. Turn off exhibits at the end of the day.
Repair and Troubleshooting: Repair specific exhibit components as assigned by the manager or supervisor by identifying problems, finding solutions, and making necessary repairs in an expedient manner. Recommend solutions to ongoing maintenance problems to exhibits and/or facilities to supervisor or manager and implement changes with approval to reduce downtime of exhibit components and building features.
Exhibit Fabrication: Construct interactive exhibits using various types of wood, plastics, fabrics, metal, electronics, and finishes, maintaining the high quality of build and finish expected by the Exhibits department and MDSCI. Produce working prototypes of exhibits and components and test under the direction of the Exhibit Fabricator. Construct and install museum exhibit structures and components using a wide range of materials, tools, and workshop equipment. Participate in the design and fabrication of components that support other departments.
Exhibit Supervision: Supervise daily operations of the exhibit floor by responding to calls on the walkie-talkie and proactively prioritizing reported challenges. Assess the need for changes in design or materials.
Record Keeping: Maintain exhibit maintenance records according to manufacturer warranties and requirements.
General Maintenance: Perform general HVAC maintenance, including cleaning filters, maintenance on motors, switches, and timers. Perform minor plumbing maintenance, e.g., leaks in drains and faucets, unclogging drains. Perform minor maintenance to include but not limited to replacement or repair of fixtures using appropriate hand, power, and specialty tools.
Tool and Equipment Maintenance: Operate and maintain tools in the shop, such as routers, table saw, sanders, band saw, drill press, and electric and pneumatic hand tools. Ensure that the shop stays safe, clean, and tools and materials are kept in the correct place.
Teamwork: Assist other technicians in the performance of their duties, including installation, refurbishment, and removal of exhibits.
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of the materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance of exhibits and basic facilities repairs.
- Ability to read basic blueprints, floor plans, and wiring diagrams desirable.
- Must have knowledge of a broad variety of shop equipment including safe and productive operations.
- An understanding of mechanical and physical principles and the ability to apply them in maintenance and repair situations.
- Effective oral and written communication skills; able to work on multiple projects simultaneously; responsible for timely completion of assigned tasks; and focused on quality service to internal staff and external customers and guests.
- Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
- Experience with electrical systems, machine tools, cabinetry, electronics, computers, carpentry, and mechanical skills preferred.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3 or more years of carpentry, building, and/or construction trade, general maintenance experience.
- Preference may be given to a Technical Degree and Vocational Training or a combination of relevant education or experience.
Abilities
- Able to lift and move heavy objects; walk in excess of 3 miles per day; and work from ladders and high platforms.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with individuals at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public.
- Self-motivated, with little supervision needed.
- Understand the importance of shop etiquette.
- Flexibility to adjust schedule to cover for other members in the Exhibits or Facilities departments.
- Ability to embrace and demonstrate the Museum’s Mission, Values, and DEIAB Commitment.
- Ability to effectively manage time and work on multiple projects or tasks in different phases of development, often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines.
- Contribute to a positive team dynamic with people from diverse talents and backgrounds.
- Demonstrate ability to pivot between individual and teamwork.
- Exercises sound judgement while upholding high integrity and ethical standards.
- Ability to adhere to confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements.
- Ability to continuously establish and maintain proper record keeping, inventory, and accountability.
How to Apply
Download and complete our employment application. Submit application and/or resume with cover letter online to jobs@mdsci.org, specifying which position applying for, or mail to:
Education-Human Resources
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore MD 21230
OR
Via fax to 410-545-5974, Attn: Human Resources.
EOE/M/F/H/V. No phone calls please.