Museum Exhibit Technician; Part-Time

Overview

Port Discovery Children's Museum is seeking a part-time Exhibit Technician who is passionate about hands-on learning environments and interactive exhibits. This role supports problem-solving, working with hands-on tasks, and contributing to meaningful guest experiences.

At Port Discovery, we create experiences that ignite imagination, inspire learning, and nurture growth through play. The Exhibit Technician maintains, repairs, and improves the museum's exhibits and facilities to ensure guest-facing systems remain safe, functional, and engaging.

This position reports to the Director of Exhibits & Facilities and is classified as an Essential Services role, requiring on-site work during inclement weather.

This is part-time, up to 29 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, but Saturdays are required. Occasional availability for special events, evenings, staff meetings, trainings, and holidays is necessary.

The starting pay rate is $22.50 per hour.

• Support the Museum's mission by delivering high-quality, engaging, and accessible play experiences for all.
• Perform routine maintenance and quick repairs (e.g., replacing bulbs, switches, hardware, restarting systems).
• Address medium-term repairs, such as part replacement and system upgrades.
• Complete intermediate repairs such as sourcing parts, painting, refinishing surfaces, or installing upgrades.
• Collaborate on long-term team projects for exhibits and building systems that require solutions or upgrades.
• Maintain regular records of routine maintenance and inspection in Asana (interdepartmental project management software).
• Identify and address repair issues, adhering to manuals or using flexible problem-solving for complex situations.
• Respond to maintenance needs on the museum floor via radio communication.
• Document maintenance tasks in Asana (familiarity beneficial but not mandatory).
• Collaborate with the team to design and fabricate upgrades addressing persistent maintenance or safety concerns.
• Work with the Director of Exhibits and Facilities and Facilities Manager to enhance exhibit and building maintenance.
• Maintain a safe, organized workshop environment.

• Education:
  
  Associate degree, trade school certificate, or BA/BS in fields like art, engineering, design, fabrication, or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years of relevant hands-on professional experience.
• Proficiency in basic carpentry, metalwork, painting, AV systems, electronics, and/or electro-mechanical repair.
• Familiarity with adjusting basic software code and 3D printing.
• Familiarity with materials, their applications, and the tools required for repairs of exhibits or structures.
• Understanding of raw materials, production processes, and their application in repair projects.
• Ability to maintain and promptly repair exhibits using onsite tools and equipment.
• Must be 18 years of age and able to pass a criminal background check.

• Experience troubleshooting outdated AV configurations (from the 1990s onwards).
• Experience with sculpting materials like foam, resins, and silicones.

• Convenient location next to a subway stop, or free parking
• Free admission to the Museum for family
• Earned time off for sick leave
• Retirement savings with Museum match after 6 months

Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, including frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds. Requires use of hands to manipulate tools and materials and occasional overhead work. Some work occurs in elevated spaces and on lifts. Use of machines with exposure to dust, chemicals, and solvents. Work is indoors with moderate to high noise levels.

Must be comfortable working around small groups of children and caregivers.

If this role sounds like a great fit, please submit your resume. Port Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about Port Discovery Children's Museum, visit the official website.