City of Palo Alto

Exhibits Technician (Arts & Science Professional II - H)

SALARY

$29.41 - $36.10 Hourly

LOCATION

1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA

JOB TYPE

SEIU Hourly

JOB NUMBER

202300139

DEPARTMENT

Community Services Department

Position open until filled.  To apply please send resume and email of interest to Tina.Keegan@CityofPaloAlto.org.

Description

The Exhibit Technician will maintain and improve existing hands-on exhibits as their primary responsibility.  In addition, the individual will facilitate the construction of exhibits from initial prototypes to completed exhibits for future exhibits. The position requires both collaborative work within project teams as well as independent work. For maintenance, an ability to develop creative and simple solutions to persistent and tricky exhibit problems is required. For exhibit fabrication, an ability to work from schematics, sketches, or verbal descriptions is required. Willingness to work creatively within project constraints is a must. This part-time position will be 12 hours per week and reports to the Exhibits Director. Schedule will be set and require work on the weekends. Benefits include a medical stipend ($3.48 per hour), sick time, and retirement. Hourly rate is between $29.41 and $36.10, depending on experience.

Duties: 

• Inspect existing exhibits weekly and perform repairs,
• Purchase necessary parts and supplies for maintenance, and ensure that back-up replacement parts and consumable exhibit materials are kept in stock,
• Contribute to and develop systems that minimize downtime for exhibits, 
• Be responsible for regular maintenance,
• Contribute to design ideas with the expertise of functionality, building knowledge, and repair,
• Design and build mechanical interactives so they perform functions as specified by Exhibits Director and Senior Exhibits Designer/Developer,
• Source parts and materials for exhibits,
• Create design drawings for custom parts,
• Identify and communicate with potential vendors and fabricators,
• Perform specified purchasing as required,
• Improve functionality of exhibits,
• Adhere to timelines and budgets,
• Assist in workshop tools and equipment maintenance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in science, art/design, museum studies, engineering, or related fields,
• At least five years professional experience repairing, building, and/or designing interactive, mechanical exhibits for museums, zoos, or a similar profession,
• Creative, inventive, and problem-solving abilities, 
• Advanced fabrication skills; knowledgeable of metalworking, woodworking, plastic techniques, and shop safety standards,
• Advanced design and fabrication skills with an excellent understanding of issues affecting usability, durability, maintenance, and practicality of exhibits in a hands-on setting,
• Experience in electronics and technology-based experiences,
• Ability to adhere to budgets and timelines for projects and to proactively communicate expected variances,
• Excellent sense of value and efficiency as expressed in effectiveness of solutions, use of materials, and personal time management,
• Must have the ability to work independently on multiple projects and problems simultaneously with minimal supervision,
• Demonstrated ability for collaboration and effective teamwork,
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented,
• Strong written and oral communication skills,
• CAD or production drawing skills desirable, 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Able to climb ladders. Able to move body: bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel and twist – sometimes beneath exhibits in tight spaces.