Technician, Exhibit Production and Operations

Position Title: ​​​Exhibit Technician​​​

Department: Exhibits Studio

Reports to: Exhibit Production and Operations Manager

Pay Class: ​Full-time Regular​

FLSA Status: ​Hourly, Non-Exempt​

Position Summary

The Exhibit Technician is a full-time position that contributes to Pacific Science Center’s mission to spark curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking by delighting guests with an exceptionally produced and well-maintained interactive exhibit floor experience. As a member of the Exhibits Studio team and employee of PacSci, the Exhibit Technician prioritizes Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in the visitor experience as well as in colleague and community relationships. 

The Exhibit Technician has a broad skillset that includes but isn’t limited to fabricating with a variety of materials, including wood, plywood & sheet materials, metal, plastics; and comfort working with electronics, software, coding and lighting. Knowledge and experience of digital fabrication methods including CAD (or other design software), CNC routing, 3D printing and/or laser cutting is preferred.  This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys working within a team, and is a builder, and creative problem solver.

This position maintains, cleans, inspects, repairs, installs/deinstalls, builds, and upgrades new and existing exhibit experiences. This position is part of the team responsible for maintaining PacSci’s floor exhibits and ensuring they are visually appealing and remain in excellent condition. Additionally, the position supports all team members in the nimble development of new, scheduled exhibits by utilizing their imagination, creativity, and unique skill sets to ideate, prototype and evaluate effectiveness of new ideas. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs daily tasks such as turn-on and cleaning of exhibits, routine maintenance inspections, and responding in a timely manner to radio calls for exhibit floor issues 
• Adheres to a regular maintenance schedule for exhibit floor interactives
• Repairs broken exhibits which might include vendor, materials and/or part sourcing 
• Helps to maintain and update exhibit asset records as well as operational and maintenance procedures
• Assesses potential weaknesses to proactively propose and develop solutions
• Performs operational functions such as lighting, installing, de-installing, and moving exhibits 
• Upgrades current exhibit interactives through redesigns and modifications
• Fabricates and tests assigned prototypes through implementation of final product
• Participates in exhibit experience development from ideation through implementation in support of an established exhibit schedule
• Provides technical expertise and support to internal groups as needed
• Supports the creation of elements and traveling exhibits for other departments and teams
• Assists facilities when additional support is required
• Complies with health and safety policies and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• Specific skills and ability utilizing woodworking, welding and metalworking, plumbing, lighting installation, basic electronics wiring, etc.  
• Applies critical thinking to problem solve with a variety of exhibits, including wood and metal assemblies, mechanics, electronics, plumbing, and other technological systems
• Knowledge of personal bias and desire to be an anti-racist leader
• Ability to safely operate in a communal fabrication/shop environment 
• Skilled in fabrication for robust use (durability on the exhibit floor)
• Demonstrated understanding of basic principles of design, visual art, use of color and texture 
• Provides high quality deliverables through a strong attention to detail, budgets, priorities, and deadlines
• This individual is a flexible and curious self-starter, who can work both collaboratively and independently
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with technical and non-technical audiences which includes both staff and guests   
• Ability to operate a forklift and scissor lift with proper certification (provided by PacSci)

Qualifications

Required

• Work 40 hours/week onsite --one weekend day minimum and some holidays required 
• At least two years of formal education in a specialty field, design, or building, and/or minimum two years of work experience in a design, fabrication, or repair capacity preferably in interactive spaces such as those with hands-on experiences. This experience can include carpentry, prototyping, construction, 3D design, engineering, e.g. mechanical, structural, electrical, etc., small-scale manufacturing, and general production.
• Professional proficiency with hand, power, and bench tools 
• Able to communicate industry-specific language and vocabulary.

Preferred

• At least two years' experience in a shop environment 
• Specific skills in graphics display and installation techniques, CNC, pneumatic systems, 3d printing, architectural drawings, and CAD software for mechanical design, motors, mechanical systems, lighting design, audio electronics, etc.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License 

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Will often be required to stand for long periods of time, walk, stoop, kneel, use ladders, climb stairs, crouch or crawl 
• Use hands to maneuver or feel objects, tools or controls 
• Reach with hands and arms 
• Speak clearly, ability to hear
• Lift heavy (50 lbs, up to 75 lbs) and/or large objects frequently, occasionally supporting the movement of heavier objects.

Working Conditions

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus 
• The position works in both back-of-house fabrication areas and in public on the floor of the Science Center interacting often with guests
• The noise level varies from moderate (crowds talking) to loud (heavy equipment or machinery) 
• All exhibits crew will work near moving mechanical parts (PPE and training provided)
• Frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals (PPE and training provided) 
• Risk of electric shock

This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required.  It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. 

Compensation

Pay is based on several factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience.

In addition to base salary, all employees receive:

• Employee PacSci Membership

Full-time regular employees (40 hrs/week) additionally recieve following benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, basic life insurance, and disability insurance
• 4 weeks of vacation, 12 floating holidays, and sick pay
• 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Commuter benefits (regular employees working at least 20 hours/week)
• Employee Assistance Program

Pacific Science Center stands with those who are courageously fighting against hate, racism, and injustice. We recognize that not being racist is not sufficient. We must be actively anti-racist, and we commit to doing so.  We prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in everything we do. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to the dialogue and changes that need to happen.

Pacific Science Center complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at HRDepartment@pacsci.org.

Salary : $25 - $27