Exhibitions Assistant

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Exhibitions Assistant is an important member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, routine care, and cleaning of seasonal and annual in-house exhibitions such as Blooms & Butterflies, Paul Busse Garden Railway, Pumpkins Aglow, and Conservatory Aglow. The Exhibitions Assistant can work in a variety of areas to meet the needs and goals of the department. This multifaceted position also assists with exhibition installations and de-installations, along with supporting transport and staging of items from the offsite storage facility. The Assistant supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service.

Additional Information: This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Part-Time staff will receive complimentary Conservatory membership and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Compensation: $16/hr

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares the property for daily public visiting hours with a focus on maintaining high display standards.
• Conducts daily operations for the Blooms & Butterflies exhibition by maintaining the Metamorphosis Lab and insects on exhibit including USDA-required tallying, pinning, capturing, cleaning, releasing, and feeding.
• Conducts daily operations and quality control for the Paul Busse Garden Railway, including fixing engines and train cars, general maintenance of train tracks, keeping the control room stocked and tidy, starting and turning off trains at opening, at close, and during inclement weather.
• Conducts daily quality control for the annual Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow exhibitions, including stanchion and lighting checks, adjustment of display props, music and projector checks, signage, etc.
• Supports offsite storage organization and transporting of props, including assisting with staging and inventory needs for exhibitions, maintaining the cleanliness and organization of storage spaces, and by driving trucks or other vehicles to move items to, within, and from storage.
• Assists with the handling and daily cleaning of artwork on display, either for pieces part of the permanent collection or from traveling exhibitions; also assists with installing artwork and displays in the gallery space.
• Assists with the quality of the exhibition signage program, including straightening, cleaning, reporting and turning in damaged signage.
• Prepares exhibition spaces for installation, including packing and unpacking exhibition objects as well as organizing storage spaces when appropriate.
• Works hands-on within seasonal and permanent exhibitions. This includes, but is not limited to: construction, painting, organizing, cleaning, building of props, assisting with installation or removal of horticultural exhibits and projects, etc.
• Works alongside volunteers and interns providing project direction when needed.
• Operates equipment and tools safely and correctly to efficiently accomplish work, including but not limited to: carts, drills, saws, blowers, trucks, tractors, etc.
• Follows proper use and wear of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Promptly observes and reports concerns regarding exhibition displays or safety issues, or addresses situations when appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned and demonstrates focus on serving the visitors and guests of the Conservatory.

REQUIREMENTS (Education/ Experience)

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; some higher education or relevant vocational training is preferred.
• 1 year of experience performing installation, repair, or fabrication work, including maintenance with the use of power tools or performance of similar duties in a technical hands-on role. Prior experience in a cultural institution is desired.
• Valid Driver’s License with the ability to provide own transportation to and from work sites if needed.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Requirements and Abilities)

• Knowledge of basic software programs (Word, Excel and Microsoft platform).
• Ability to implement effective maintenance routines with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to implement exhibition and conservatory designs.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain tools and machinery such as electrical equipment, power tools, saws, lifts, trucks, etc.
• Team focused with the ability to follow directions and work independently.
• Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish plant or exhibition installations and maintenance with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings ranging from outdoors, office environment, gallery settings and warehouses.
• Ability to operate lifts and ladders within exhibition spaces for safe installation.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on labor in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.
• Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.