This role is responsible for repairs and improvements to the organization's buildings (indoor and outdoor) and exhibits across all properties, and for maintaining our interactive exhibits to ensure every guest enjoys a dynamic, engaging experience. You’ll play a hands-on role in maintaining and repairing everything that Union Station is responsible for inside, outside, and even The Link. This role also supports the Station’s immersive gallery environments and transforms our spaces for holidays, programs, and special events.
In addition to exhibit care, you’ll help set up and operate audiovisual systems for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale experiences in a vibrant hospitality setting. From installation to strike, your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help ensure seamless events and memorable visits for every guest.
If you enjoy working behind the scenes to create interactive, inspiring environments—and take pride in craftsmanship, technology, and teamwork—this is an opportunity to make a visible impact every day.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications to determine project layout, dimensions, and materials.
- Construct wall panels, cabinets, casework, and other exhibit components.
- Measure, cut, shape, and finish lumber and other materials (e.g., fiberglass) using hand tools, power tools, and shop machinery.
- Support exhibition setup, including lighting, display preparation, and object placement, in coordination with exhibit and curatorial staff.
- Prepare galleries and exhibit spaces for new installations, repairs, and scheduled changes.
- Perform routine maintenance on exhibit structures, interactive components, and gallery equipment to keep them safe and operational.
- Program, set up, and operate CNC equipment (e.g., CNC router) to fabricate exhibit components, signage, and building parts from digital drawings, and perform routine maintenance on CNC equipment.
Carpentry and General Building Maintenance
- Install and repair structures and fixtures, including frames, metal stud walls, flooring, trim, doors, and hardware.
- Lay out and repair flooring and drywall, ensuring surfaces are level and compatible.
- Select and order lumber and other materials within approved budgets.
- Perform general repairs in public, retail-corridor, and back-of-house areas.
Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC/Refrigeration Maintenance
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical and low-voltage control systems and devices, within the limits of applicable licensing and permit requirements.
- Install, repair, and maintain pipes, valves, fittings, drainage systems, and fixtures, within the limits of applicable licensing and permit requirements.
- Perform routine inspections of plumbing and drainage systems.
- Respond to, diagnose, and resolve plumbing and building emergencies, escalating to licensed contractors as required.
- Refer work that requires a license or permit under applicable city or county code to appropriately licensed contractors, unless the employee holds the required license.
- Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including filters, belts, controls, and refrigerant-containing systems, and escalate major repairs to licensed contractors as required.
- Handle, recover, and record refrigerants in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements, within the scope of the employee's certification type.
- Prepare galleries and event spaces for public programs and special events, managing precise setup, seamless operation, and efficient strike to ensure memorable guest experiences.
Inspection, Records, and Coordination
- Record maintenance activities, inspections, and daily operating conditions in logbooks, spreadsheets, or the organization's work-order system.
- Document inspection results and recommend repair, upgrade, or retirement of equipment.
- Keep accurate records of time, work performed, and materials used.
- Coordinate with general contractors, electricians, and other trade professionals on projects and repairs.
Additional Duties
- Maintain shop, storage, and work areas to support safe movement and handling of materials and objects.
- Safeguard the historic integrity of Union Station by ensuring all exhibit work and event activities align with preservation standards and institutional guidelines.
- Monitor events before and during to ensure all procedures are followed correctly, and all guidelines relating to the historic preservation of Union Station are observed. Remain until the events are finished and breakdown and cleanup are completed.
- Other duties as assigned.