Lead Exhibit Technician

Lead Exhibit Technician

The Lead Exhibit Technician acts as an exhibit technician with additional supervisory duties. As an Exhibit Technician the role provides technical and general support in the maintenance, fabrication, and design of Great Lakes Science Center exhibits. Lead Exhibit Technicians have the following supervisory duties:

• Identifies tasks to accomplish on the exhibit floor in order to improve the visitor exhibit experience.
• Checks in with Exhibit Technicians on a regular basis to ensure they are efficiently improving the visitor experience.
• Assigns tasks to appropriate Exhibit Technicians to ensure learning opportunities and efficient use of resources.
• Consults with the Vice President of Exhibits to identify opportunities for exhibit improvement, develop growth opportunities for Exhibit Technicians, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Supervises the work of Exhibit Technicians to support and develop them, and to ensure a quality visitor exhibit experience.
• Ensures we have replacement exhibit parts and orders new parts as needed.

The Lead Exhibit Technician responsibilities do include the repair, installation, and de-installation of exhibits. This position's schedule varies to ensure maximum supervisory opportunities in collaboration with the Vice President of Exhibits, while accommodating operating hours and additional opening times for special events. The position is expected to include weekend hours. The Lead Exhibit Technician collaborates across the organization and may assist with special events.

Applicants should have at least three years of supervisory experience.

Rate: $50,000-$63,000

Core Skill Sets and Proficiency Levels

The Lead Exhibit Technician is preferred to have an Expert proficiency (level III below), but we will consider applicants who are intermediate (level II) with strong supervisory experience. These ratings help define opportunities for growth, training, and promotion within the department.

Core Skill Sets:

• Woodworking:
  Construction and assembly of cabinets, display structures, and other wood components.
• Metalworking:
  Welding, machining, and fabrication, demonstrated through the ability to build and repair multiple exhibits.
• Finish Work:
  Application of laminates, paint, and other finishing materials to achieve a professional appearance.
• Electronics:
  Installation, troubleshooting, and repair of circuits, relays, and related electronic systems.
• Coding and Programming:
  Development and maintenance of software used in exhibit control and interactivity.
• Acrylic and Plastics Fabrication:
  Cutting, shaping, forming, and finishing of acrylics and other plastic materials.
• Pneumatics and Plumbing:
  Design, assembly, and maintenance of air, water, and fluid-based systems.
• Mechanical Systems:
  Design, fabrication, and repair of complex systems involving multiple interlocking or meshing parts (e.g., gearing systems).

Additional Skill Areas:

As the needs of the organization evolve, other areas of expertise may be recognized, such as signage and graphics production, audience research and evaluation, and 3D printing and prototyping.

Skill Level Definitions:

Lead Exhibit Technician II:
Intermediate skill level is demonstrated by the ability to independently troubleshoot, fabricate, build, and repair multiple exhibits requiring those skills without assistance or supervision. Performs all duties of a Level 1 Technician and also demonstrates growth through independent design work, mentorship of others, and advanced application of at least three core skill sets. A Level II Technician has demonstrated:

• The ability to repair exhibit components requiring at least three distinct core skill sets.
• The design or redesign of components in at least two separate exhibits.
• A minimum of two years of Exhibit Technician experience (or equivalent).
• This level reflects intermediate proficiency in a minimum of three core skill sets (as demonstrated through repairs) and expert proficiency in at least one area (as demonstrated through design work).
• Demonstrates strong troubleshooting and fabrication skills.
• Actively applies core skills to the development and creation of new exhibits.
• Possesses intermediate proficiency in at least three core skill sets.
• An expert-level skill may substitute for two intermediate core skill sets.

Lead Exhibit Technician III:
Expert skill level is demonstrated by the design or redesign of multiple exhibit components that utilize those skill sets and by providing guidance or solutions to others in those areas. Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Level II Technician, also demonstrating leadership in technical expertise, mentoring, and design innovation. A Level III Technician has demonstrated all of the skills of a Level II Technician as well as:

• Trains newer Exhibit Technicians in advanced skill sets.
• Develops and evaluates multiple potential design solutions before implementation.
• Collaborates with peers and supervisors to review and refine design approaches prior to execution.
• The ability to repair…