Exhibit Technician Full-Time

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Description

Who We Are

Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) is committed to providing STEM for all, with unique approaches to STEM education and workforce development that inspire future STEM professionals and the next generation of an increasingly STEM-engaged world. As Cleveland continues to rise, with plans to further increase public access, business, housing, education, and tourism on the lakefront, GLSC will be a central voice. The most recent strategic business plan is driving an exciting comprehensive campaign that is revitalizing our renown education programs, activating the guest experience with major new exhibition galleries and strong staffing, while also building our endowment to ensure a strong future. GLSC’s annual operating budget averages more than $7 million, including 40% contributed revenue, a growing strength of the organization as we near the completion of our comprehensive campaign. The annual operating budget includes more than 60% earned revenue, which is bolstered by summer camps, the café, store, parking garage, and the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater— the world’s first giant dome cinema laser system. GLSC is home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and the 9th grade of Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s award-winning MC2 STEM High School.

For four years in a row (2022-2025), GLSC has been voted a top ten science museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Our organization has repeatedly launched innovative strategic initiatives that receive widespread recognition. Our Manufacturing Day program has become a national model. GLSC’s Robotics Initiative in collaboration with Cleveland Metropolitan School District is a year-round program that prepares students to compete in FIRST and to put their skills to use in transformative ways, like designing and building prosthetics for children. In February 2024, the Cleveland Creates Gallery presented by the Sherwin Williams Company, opened to the public, with an awe-inspiring exhibition focusing on the technology and workforce advances of the region. And in April 2024, GLSC welcomed nearly 40,000 guests to the 2024 Total Eclipse Fest, a science and arts festival presented with NASA Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra to provide a once-in-a-lifetime event free to the community.

At GLSC, we embrace and encourage the attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. We consider diversity and inclusion essential for institutional excellence and fulfillment of our mission and vision. We believe our strength lies in the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, ingenuity, self-expression, and unique capabilities. Our employees, volunteers, guests, and partners bring and invest these strengths in their daily experiences at Great Lakes Science Center.

Summary:

The Exhibit Technician provides technical and general support in the maintenance, fabrication, and design of Great Lakes Science Center exhibits. This role is responsible for the repair, installation, and de-installation of exhibits. Exhibit Technician schedules vary to accommodate operating hours. The Exhibit Technician collaborates across the organization and may assist with special events. Technicians may cross-train with other Exhibit Technicians.

Exhibit Technician positions are structured to create a clear career and promotion path, allowing technicians to advance as they gain new skills and deliver increased value to the organization.

Expected Hours of Work: FT 40/week, weekends required

Core Skill Sets and Proficiency Levels

Exhibit Technician skills are assessed across multiple technical areas, with proficiency rated at one of three levels: Novice, Intermediate, or Expert/Field-Leading. 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:

Intermediate skill level is demonstrated by the ability to independently troubleshoot, fabricate, build, and repair multiple exhibits requiring those skills without assistance or supervision.

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.

Please note : This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Exhibit Technician I

Salary: $40,000 – $46,000

Hourly: $19.23-$22.12

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

Skill Expectations: Demonstrates basic to intermediate troubleshooting abilities. Possesses intermediate proficiency in one to three core skill sets. An expert-level skill may substitute for two intermediate skill sets.

Exhibit Tech Level 1+

• Daily start-up and shutdown of individual exhibits and exhibit areas
• Troubleshoot and remedy exhibit mechanical, electrical, and computer problems
• Perform preventive maintenance of exhibits, and provide feedback regarding the maintenance schedule
• General cleaning and upkeep of permanent exhibits
• Installation and de-installation of temporary special exhibitions
• Assist in the installation of overhead and specialty exhibit lighting
• Installation of new permanent exhibitions
• Woodworking, milling, soldering, machining, welding, painting, and/or finishing existing/new exhibit elements in the workshop
• Assist in the organization of parts, supplies, and tools
• Assist with research for special and permanent exhibitions
• Ordering parts
• Prepare condition reports as needed
• Occasional errands, including picking up supplies and delivery tasks
• Keep an orderly and safe work area
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to improve exhibits or in the creation of new gallery exhibits
• Assist in other areas of the exhibits program as assigned by the VP of Exhibits or the President of GLSC.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Exhibit Technician II

Salary: $45,000–$52,000

Hourly: $21.64-$25.00

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

Performs all duties of a Level 1 Technician and demonstrates growth through independent design work, mentorship of others, and advanced application of at least three core skill sets.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Regularly designs and redesigns exhibit components.
• Trains new Exhibit Technicians on exhibit startup, shutdown, and maintenance procedures.

Skills and Experience: A Level 2 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).

Skill Expectations:

• Demonstrates strong troubleshooting and fabrication skills.
• Actively applies core skills to the development and creation of new exhibits.
• Possesses intermediate proficiency in three to five core skill sets.
• An expert-level skill may substitute for two intermediate core skill sets.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Exhibit Technician III

Salary: $51,000 - $60,000

Hourly: $24.52-$28.85

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Level 2 Technician, demonstrating leadership in technical expertise, mentoring, and design innovation.

Additional Responsibilities:

• 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.

Skills and Experience: A Level 3 Technician has demonstrated:

• The ability to repair exhibit components requiring at least four distinct core skill sets.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Requirements

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. Most of your work will be indoors. This job may require some work in cramped spaces or awkward positions while placing equipment. This job also requires the use of special tools and machines, as needed. Use of special tools and machines, specifically in the workshop, requires written approval as well as any necessary certifications for safety/operation.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; bend and kneel; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to lift any items needed for special events, up to 40 pounds; and be able to push or pull minimum of 175 pounds.

Education And Work Experience Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent relevant work experience
• Training and experience working with Bench Tools
• Prior experience working in one or more of the following areas: electronics, machining, woodworking, programming.
• Prior forklift and scissors lift certification preferred

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A):

• Mechanical and/or electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Working knowledge of computers.
• Innovative thinking and team problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Efficient time management and ability to work under deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Interest in encouraging STEM curiosity through interactive exhibits.

Additional Information

Great Lakes Science Center is proud to provide staff members with a benefits program that offers choices designed to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Eligible staff members can participate in the following benefits programs:

• Free Parking
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan with Match
• ASTC Membership
• Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) Membership
• And more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. GLSC complies with applicable state, federal and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.