Exhibition Technician

Position Title Rate of Pay Exhibit Technician $55,000 - 58,000 Department Work Location Exhibit Experience On-site Reports to Work Schedule Director of Exhibit Operations Monday - Friday, 10-6 PM FLSA Status Position Classification Non-exempt Full-Time, Regular About Us: Since its founding at the 1964-65 NewYork World's Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has inspired millions of people - children, teachers, and families - by offering innovative, participatory ways to learn and encouraging people to explore their curiosity and nurture their creativity. Located in Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the country, NYSCI welcomes 400,000 visitors each year and serves thousands more through outreach in schools, teacher professional development, and participation in a variety of public events and research initiatives. NYSCI is a leader in the science museum field, recognized for its highly regarded exhibitions, programs, and products, all of which are informed by our inclusive, research-derived approach to STEM learning and engagement called Design, Make, Play. The defining characteristics of Design, Make, Play - open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, personal relevance, deep engagement, and delight - are the ingredients that invite broad participation in STEM and make engagement and learning irresistible. Through this transformative model for STEM exploration, NYSCI engages a broad community of learners in STEM by fostering the excitement of self-directed exploration and by tapping into the joy of learning intrinsic in young people's play. NYSCI has approximately 105 full-time and over 135 part-time and casual staff members. DEPARTMENT ROLE The Exhibit Technician performs maintenance, repair, and upkeep on exhibitions at NYSCI. FUNCTION The primary function for this role is to maintain and repair exhibits on the museum floor. The technician works with the Exhibit Experience and Operations team to field radio calls about broken exhibits and fix them in a timely manner. Specific tasks include the following: there are four kinds of repair that this position will be responsible for: Short-term fixes, such as power cycling or replacing a fuse. Medium-term fixes might require sourcing and replacing parts, painting or refinishing exhibit surfaces, or changing variables in a software program to affect its play. Long-term iterations that would require collaboration with the rest of the exhibits team- Design Development, Experience Operations, and Fabrication to identify and design an iteration or upgrade to the experience itself. Design, observational and operational, and fabrication support are all within our team, and we perform these tasks collaboratively. Routine maintenance Exhibit Maintenance, Repair, and Upkeep: Identify and implement solutions to repair exhibits. Sometimes fixes require following a manual and prescribed instructions, sometimes they require flexible thinking and borrowing a solution from another realm. Respond to radio calls that identify exhibit issues on the museum floor. Record broken exhibits into an existing tracking system. We use MONDAY.COM Work with others on the Exhibits team to identify solutions to complete repairs. Identify and purchase repair-related materials; track spending in the existing tracking system. Record steps to fix things, maintain manuals, and train others to support exhibit repair. Prototype ideas for repairs and upkeep where needed. Create and keep up-to-date schedules of routine exhibit maintenance. Exhibit Upgrade and Improvement (Iteration): The technician will work with colleagues across the Exhibits team to design, fabricate, and implement design upgrades to existing exhibits that pose experiential, operational, or chronic maintenance challenges. This will include: Identify, scope, research, and design solutions to chronic exhibit maintenance problems. Work with colleagues in the fabrication shop to fabricate solutions to chronic exhibit maintenance problems as assigned. Work with the Exhibit Operations team and Shop Director to identify opportunities to address chronic weaknesses in exhibit operations and maintenance. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES The technician should have a strong knowledge of the following: Materials, tools, and techniques: Knowledge of carpentry, metal and plastics, AV systems, electronics, and electro-mechanical repair. Knowledge of basic software programming - enough to competently alter variables or values in existing code. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, and material uses as they apply to existing exhibits in need of repair. Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the repair of exhibits, buildings, or other structures. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Maintain on-site tools, equipment, and parts to repair exhibits in a timely manner. Knowledge, experience, (patience and curiosity) with problem-solving AV, electronic, and electromechanical systems. (You will be troubleshooting outdated AV configurations (from the 1990s and beyond)) Troubleshooting Bring a design-thinking perspective to troubleshooting broken exhibits. Collaboration and team support Commitment to maintaining engaging, accessible, inclusive hands-on exhibit experiences. Support NYSCI's mission to nurture passionate learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens through an approach called Design, Make, Play, and participate in the process of translating that mission into the design of NYSCI's exhibits. Design, Make, Play in exhibits translates to free-choice, user-focused, user-driven, inclusive, and accessible play environments that foster collaboration, creative risk-taking, wonder, curiosity, delight, and visitor agency. Balancing the priorities of repair, maintenance, exhibit experience, and audience safety. Train and support the learning of, by, and with teammates related to repair, maintenance, and shop tools. Create and maintain documentation to support repair and maintenance needs now and into the future. Draw on an existing passion and knowledge about the use of technologies to support creative, engaged learning to identify potential solutions to exhibits in need of repair, maintenance, and iteration. Draw on strong communication skills to express ideas clearly in written, oral, and visual communications. Listen actively to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate. Experience in considering the needs and interests of diverse audiences of children. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None at this time. This position may include supervising interns or floor staff (part-time, high school, and college-aged NYSCI employees). QUALIFICATIONS This position requires expertise with both furniture, mechanical systems, and electronics; a combination of flexible thinking with a hacker mindset and an ability to follow guides and manuals; willingness to collaborate with team members and other departments; and the ability to support a vision of educational and creative excellence for NYSCI's exhibition spaces. Must be available to work weekends as part of a weekly schedule and some holidays. EDUCATION Associate's degree or Trade School Certificate, BA or BS in a field relevant to physical computing, engineering, design, and fabrication, or equivalent experience. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS A minimum of two years of continuing technical support of an event, building, or system. Other relevant knowledge and skills include the following: Demonstrated ability to repair things with and without a manual. Demonstrable ability to solve problems and implement solutions flexibly and thoroughly. Experience or at least tolerance of working in chaotic or loud environments that serve families and children. Experience collaborating on the design and fabrication of interactive science exhibits is a plus. Customer Service Ability to communicate effectively with persons outside the organization, represent the organization to customers, the public, and other external audiences, through writing, telephone, or in-person. Ability to actively listen to what others are saying, take time to understand points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and be a responsive, reflective participant in complex discussions. Ability to provide up-to-date information to supervisors, co-workers, and other internal personnel. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in a role with mechanical and technical maintenance or troubleshooting. Lift driving, forklift driving, and moving things via a pallet jack are big pluses. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. COMPENSATION $55-58,000, commensurate with education, skills, and experience; includes an excellent NYSCI benefits package. BENEFITS NYSCI strives to be an inclusive place to work. We work to foster multiple voices and perspectives, empower staff as problem solvers, and support professional growth for all. The New York Hall of Science also offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full-time employees. These currently include: Health, dental, and vision insurance options Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter benefits Pension plan and 401 (k) plan Free life insurance coverage Paid vacation and sick leave 13 paid holidays off Flexible work schedules Employee Assistance Program Free onsite parking HOW TO APPLY Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page. All applicants should submit a portfolio or 2-3 projects that highlight their skill set and expertise. Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will contact only those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position. Interview Process Introductory Phone Interview Second-round Virtual Panel Interview Final Panel Interview on-site at NYSCI Application Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled. No phone calls or faxes, please. The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.