Exhibits Technician

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Nebraska State Historical Society - Agency 54 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $21.836 Job Posting: JR2025-00020426 Exhibits Technician (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): Job Description: The Nebraska State Historical Society is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Exhibits Technician to join our exhibits team. This multifaceted role focuses on the physical design, development, and implementation of exhibit components for the Nebraska History Museum and other historical sites across the state. The ideal candidate will possess strong fabrication and repair skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a passion for collaboration in order to create engaging and high-quality visitor experiences. Reporting to the Exhibits Manager, the technician will collaborate closely with the collections, education, facilities, and other staff across the organization to successfully fabricate, install, and maintain in-house, traveling, and off-site exhibitions. This role is essential for bringing our creative and educational visions to life by building, installing, and maintaining all exhibits. The Nebraska State Historical Society is a statewide educational institution that connects people to the past through our library and research center, conservation facility, interpretive sites, and state archaeology and historic preservation offices. Work environment: The position involves working in a combination of workshop, gallery, and public spaces. Work hours may vary, particularly during installation or de-installation phases, and may include some evening or weekend shifts. The role may require work at heights on ladders or lifts and exposure to workshop noise and materials. Look at what we have to offer! • 13 paid holidays • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately • Military leave • 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement • Tuition reimbursement • Employee assistance program • 79% employer paid health insurance plans • Dental and vision insurance plans • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service • Training and Development based on your career aspirations • Fun, inviting teammates, and a safe and secure environment At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today! Job Duties Design and Fabrication: Assist in developing exhibit designs and content in collaboration with the Exhibits manager and relevant teams. Assist with the conceptualization and design of exhibits within the scope of the exhibit goals and budget. Design and select fixtures for exhibits and assist in design choices to create interactive and meaningful exhibit experiences for visitors. Create exhibit layouts in SketchUp and help develop a design style for the exhibit. Construct, fabricate, modify, paint, and install museum exhibit structures, furniture, and cases. Fabricate and modify accessible exhibit components and design and implement effective interactive elements. Read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and schematics for fabrication and installation purposes. Take on projects requested by other members of the organization, prioritizing and completing them when available. Installation and Maintenance: Collaborate with the Exhibits Manager to schedule, plan, and implement changes to the exhibits. Facilitate all necessary preparations for the galleries, including painting and patching walls. Acquire any materials needed for installations and coordinate with external vendors as required. Assist in the installation of new exhibits and ensure the safe handling of de-installations, working closely with the Exhibits Manager. Collaborate with Collections staff on the display, selection, and lighting of artifacts for their safe presentation. Conduct weekly walkthroughs of exhibits, assessing the need for repair or improvement. - Support daily exhibit maintenance and repair needs; assess the need for changes in design or materials. Visit historic sites regularly to ensure exhibits are in working order, traveling for specific projects when required. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, vendors, partners, and consultants. Collaborate with external vendors to manage the production and timely delivery of products or services. Address issues or reach out to the responsible stakeholder when there is a problem with the exhibit. Workshop and Inventory Management: Manage exhibits workshop, equipment, tools, and materials. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, observing safety procedures in both public and work areas. Research, identify, and maintain an inventory of required tools, parts, and materials for fabrication and maintenance. Inventory displays and place orders for new components when necessary, coordinating delivery with outside vendors. Other Duties as assigned within the scope of the classification. Requirements / Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Associates degree or equivalent vocational education in construction, industrial engineering, HVAC, welding, or other building trade. Experience in building maintenance, a mechanical trade, or performing safety inspections, investigations or training may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis as determined appropriate by the agency. Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required. A degree or vocational certificate in a related field (e.g., fine arts, museum studies, carpentry, electrical) is a plus. Prior experience in exhibit fabrication, museum installation, technical theater, or a related trade is highly desired. Other: This position requires travel, and some overnight stays. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to manage projects from inception to completion, including timelines, resources, milestones, and budgets. Experience in developing and managing project budgets, including contracts, costs, and timelines. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and ensure timely completion. Strong administrative skills, including the ability to lead, delegate, and foster effective communication and collaboration within teams. Technical expertise in using a variety of hand and power tools, as well as proficiency in carpentry, electrical wiring, and painting techniques. Experience with design software like SketchUp is essential. Ability to analyze situations and troubleshoot technical issues quickly and effectively. Reading Ability to read mechanical drawings, blueprints, and schematics for fabrication and installation purposes. Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and volunteers. Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and documenting work. Demonstrated participation in professional development opportunities that increase cultural competence and awareness. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., regularly and occasionally up to 100 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform physical tasks. Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for quality and accuracy. Highly reliable, responsible, and able to work independently or as part of a team. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. https://das.nebraska.gov/personnel/training/ExternalTutorial/ Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!

Salary : $20,000