Museum Exhibit Technician (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The Exhibit Technician at Port Discovery Children's Museum is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the museum's exhibits and facilities. This role ensures that all guest-facing exhibit systems and interactives remain safe, functional, and engaging.

Schedule

• Part-time, up to 29 hours per week
• Saturdays are required
• Occasional availability for special events, evenings, staff meetings, trainings, and holidays are necessary

Compensation

The starting pay rate is $22.50 per hour.

Sampling of Responsibilities

• Support the Museum's mission by delivering high-quality, engaging, and accessible play experiences for all.
• Perform routine maintenance and quick repairs (e.g., replacing bulbs, switches, hardware, restarting systems).
• Address medium-term repairs, such as part replacement and system upgrades.
• Complete intermediate repairs such as sourcing parts, painting, refinishing surfaces, or installing upgrades.
• Collaborate on long-term team projects for exhibits and building systems that require solutions or upgrades.
• Maintain regular records of routine maintenance and inspection in Asana (our interdepartmental project management software).
• Identify and address repair issues, adhering to manuals or using flexible problem-solving for complex situations.
• Respond to maintenance needs on the museum floor via radio communication.
• Document maintenance tasks in Asana (familiarity beneficial but not mandatory).
• Collaborate with the team to design and fabricate upgrades addressing persistent maintenance or safety concerns.
• Work with the Director of Exhibits and Facilities and Facilities Manager to enhance exhibit and building maintenance.
• Maintain a safe, organized workshop environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree, trade school certificate, or BA or BS in fields like art, engineering, design, fabrication, or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years of relevant hands-on professional experience.
• Proficiency in basic carpentry, metalwork, painting, AV systems, electronics, and/or electro-mechanical repair required.
• Familiarity in adjusting basic, existing software code, and 3D printing.
• Familiarity with materials, their applications, and the tools required for repairs of exhibits or structures.
• Understanding of raw materials, production processes, and their application in repair projects.
• Able to maintain and promptly repair exhibits using onsite tools and equipment.
• Must be 18 years of age and able to pass a criminal background check.

Minimum Qualifications (continued)

• Ability to meet physical demands of job to include frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling and lifting / moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Use of hands to manipulate tools and materials and reach with hands and arms.
• Must not be afraid of heights, some work is required in elevated spaces and on lifts.
• Use of machine tools with the need to protect against exposure to dust, chemicals and solvents.
• Work is performed indoors, and the noise level is usually moderate to high.
• Must be comfortable working amongst small groups of children and caregivers.

Benefits

• Convenient location next to a subway stop, or we offer free parking.
• Free admission to the Museum for family.
• Earned time off for sick leave.
• Retail savings with Museum match after 6 months.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to meet physical demands of job to include frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling and lifting / moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Use of hands to manipulate tools and materials and reach with hands and arms.
• Must not be afraid of heights, some work is required in elevated spaces and on lifts.
• Use of machine tools with the need to protect against exposure to dust, chemicals and solvents.
• Work is performed indoors, and the noise level is usually moderate to high.
• Must be comfortable working amongst small groups of children and caregivers.

Additional Information

To learn more about Port Discovery Children's Museum, visit https://www.portdiscovery.org/.

Port Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.