Exhibits Technician

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Exhibit Technician is responsible for ensuring the exhibits and facilities are representative of the show quality standards adopted by Thinkery by providing preventative maintenance and timely repair of exhibits and activities. The Exhibit Technician collaborates with the exhibits team to refurbish and maintain exhibits and activities. This employee supports the maintenance efforts of the fabrication workshop, tools, and supplies. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads daily exhibits inspections to assess safety, functionality, and cleanliness. Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance and repair of exhibits and galleries. Adheres to and refines exhibit maintenance checklists and systems.
• Responsible for maintaining and repairing  exhibits and environmental treatments, and escalating refurbishment projects to the leadership of the Design & Fabrication team.
• Shares the responsibility for workshop and warehouse for cleanliness, organization, and safety with the Design & Fabrication team. 
• Purchases necessary equipment, materials, and props in compliance with Thinkery policies. Assists in creating annual budget and ongoing supervision of exhibits and workshop related expenses.
• Takes primary responsibility in fulfilling staff requests to make accommodations for galleries, facility spaces, and exhibits for special events or programs.
• Coordinates transportation of materials and equipment for special programs and donations as needed.
• Assists with technical design, engineering, fabrication and refurbishment of galleries, exhibitions, and individual exhibits as needed and guided by the Design and Fabrication team.
• Attends all necessary meetings both departmentally and organizationally when applicable.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule and availability reflects that the organization is a 7-day-a-week operation. Periodic duties outside of regular work week schedule during seasonal high-volume times.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery's work.
• Creates Connection: Builds engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests, promoting a welcome environment for all. 
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Reports to: Senior Exhibits Manager

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Fabrication, construction, and maintenance experience.
• Fabrication skills including cabinetry/woodworking, metal working/welding, plumbing, electronics/ electrical, plastics fabrication.
• Extreme attention to detail and aesthetics.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and fabrication shop facilities.
• Experience working with outside contractors, vendors, and fabrication firms.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and remain calm during challenging situations.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license and reliable form of transportation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

This position is very active. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.  
• Move throughout the museum.
• Manipulate and move materials and /or exhibit components weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Bend/stoop, kneel, reach, and lay down on hard surfaces.
• Carry, climb, and execute work on ladders.
• Move and utilize a single person lift and forklift.
• Detect and respond to safety hazards.
• Occasionally work in outdoor environments.

BENEFITS

Thinkery offers competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time staff including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance options including HSA, HMO, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans 
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid Family Leave
• Pet and child friendly offices
• Membership to the museum and discounted rates to Camps

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required. This job description may be updated as needed.

The Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.