Exhibit Technician at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center

Job Title: Exhibit Technician

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

About the job

**Do not apply via LinkedIn. You must apply via this link for your application to be accepted: https://www.sbnature.org/connect/careers/current-opportunities/exhibit-technician**

 

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer/Exhibits Project Manager

Salary: $21.63-$28.84

 

Position Summary: Responsible for the maintenance of the museum’s permanent exhibits and fabrication for and installation and maintenance of the Museum’s changing exhibits.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the onsite coordination of activities relating to the Museum’s changing exhibits including coordinating delivery, unpacking, storing, completing Condition Reports, installation, maintenance, de-installation, packing and shipping
  • Using a variety of hand and power tools; install, maintain, rebuild and/or repair existing exhibits with an emphasis on safety.
  • Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the museum’s permanent exhibits including visual inspections, condition reports, replacement or repair of lighting, pest management and other general maintenance activities
  • Responsible for maintaining, and maintenance of the Exhibits work area.
  • Responsible for the completion of specific projects and other duties as assigned
  • Creating and fabricating for new or existing exhibits
  • Work independently
  • Meet with exhibits teams and project managers to conceptualize, design, and establish deadlines
  • Must be able to independently research and consult with registrars, conservators, curators, and outside resources (including other museum packers and art technicians) for the most up-to-date practices for packing/art handling and safe incorporation of emerging technologies and materials.
  • Ability to work around large crowds and maintain professional demeanor
  • Follow all safety procedures in and outside shop and whenever using tools
  • Ability to maintain and repair a variety of equipment (training can be provided).
  • Keep a clean and safe working environment: maintained daily

 

Essential Requirements:

  • Basic carpentry and painting skills with demonstrated experience in the operation and use of carpentry tools, both hand and machine
  • Working knowledge of the shop environment
  • Excellent dexterity skills
  • Provides exceptional customer service to all visitors and staff
  • Basic knowledge of electrical systems, lighting ballasts, etc.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to quality of work
  • Able to work independently, as a team member and under strict supervision
  • Comfortable engaging with the general public
  • Good eyesight (acuity, good dept perception, color vision)

 

Preferred Requirements:

  • Experience in the maintenance and installation of exhibits in a museum or gallery or related experiences
  • Familiarity with general museum practices and standards for the handling and preservation of artifacts
  • Sensitivity to, and respect for, works of art, cultural artifacts, and natural history specimens
  • Experience in graphic display mounting

 

Work Environment:

  • Traditional wood or metal shop environment with frequent time working in the Museum’s galleries, exhibit halls and displays – some large and open, others small and closed
  • Occasional work outside
  • Frequent standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs and bending with occasional crawling
  • Frequent lifting of moderate to heavy loads (50lbs)
  • Occasional climbing of ladders or other work in elevated conditions
  • Occasional work in cramped and dusty environments

 

Position requirements:

  • Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in project management for exhibits or designed experiential spaces
  • General fabrication knowledge and carpentry skills

 

Additional Information:

  • This is a full-time position, onsite work required
  • Must work one weekend day per week
  • Reliable timely attendance is required
  • Spend substantial time standing, walking, bending, sitting, crawling, climbing, crouching, squatting, reaching, kneeling, balancing, pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs., using eye-hand coordination, and working around equipment and machinery
  • Will occasionally be working in tight spaces
  • Will operate machinery such as scissor lifts and possibly forklifts
  • Ability to work overtime, work weekends, or shift schedule to meet department needs
  • Required to wear protective equipment (dust mask, goggles, gloves, etc.)
  • Spanish fluency a plus