Port Discovery Children’s Museum, one of the top Children’s Museum in the United States and a top cultural institution in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is seeking a full-time Exhibit Technician with a talent, interest and passion for museum exhibits. The Museum provides experiences that ignite imagination, inspire learning, and nurture growth through play.

General Summary of the Job:

The Exhibit Technician handles maintaining, repairing and improving the exhibits and facilities of Port Discovery. This position reports directly to the Operations & Maintenance Manager. The work schedule is Sunday through Thursday and will change based on museum needs, with occasional availability for special events, evenings, staff meetings, trainings and holidays. This position is categorized as “Essential Services” and must be available for onsite work in inclement weather.

The starting pay rate is $22.00 per hour.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Technician maintains and repairs exhibits and facilities, responds to radio calls, and addresses tasks assigned in Asana (project management software) requests promptly. Responsibilities include:

• Adherence and support to the overall mission of Port Discovery to provide unique opportunities and high-quality experiences that make play accessible, educational, and fun for all.
• Quick fixes like replacing bulbs, switches, hardware, and power cycling systems
• Intermediate repairs such as sourcing parts, painting, refinishing surfaces, or installing upgrades.
• Addressing medium-term repairs, such as part replacement and system upgrades.
• Collaborative long-term team projects for exhibits and building systems that require solutions or upgrades.
• Maintains regular records of routine maintenance and inspection in Asana (our interdepartmental project management software).

Maintenance, Repair, & Upkeep:

• Identify and address repair issues, adhering to manuals or using flexible problem-solving for complex situations.
• Respond to issues reported on the museum floor through radio calls.
• Document maintenance tasks in Asana (familiarity beneficial but not mandatory).
• Collaborate with the team on intricate repair projects and independently handle moderate maintenance tasks.
• Procure repair materials and document repair procedures, updating manuals as necessary.
• Prototype solutions for ongoing maintenance needs.
• Monitor the museum's mechanical and safety systems, coordinating with the Operations and Maintenance Manager as required.
• Supervise external contractors for specialized tasks.

Upgrades & Improvements:

• Collaborate with the team to design and fabricate upgrades addressing persistent maintenance or safety concerns.
• Research and devise solutions for ongoing maintenance challenges.
• Work with the Operations & Maintenance Manager and Director of Exhibits & Facilities to enhance exhibit and building maintenance.
• Ensure a safe workshop by updating and adhering to procedures.
• Perform additional tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree, Trade School Certificate, BA or BS in fields like art, engineering, design, fabrication, or equivalent experience. Minimum of one to three years of professional experience.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficiency in basic carpentry, metalwork, AV systems, electronics, and electro-mechanical repair.
• Familiarity in adjusting basic, existing 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 troubleshoot outdated AV configurations (from the 1990s onwards).
• Ability to maintain and promptly repair exhibits using onsite tools and equipment.
• Experience with sculpting materials like foam, resins, and silicones is a bonus.

Problem-Solving & Teamwork:

• Use design-thinking for troubleshooting exhibits and facility systems.
• Blend flexible thinking with a problem-solving mindset; ability to follow guidelines.
• Commitment to maintaining inclusive, hands-on exhibit experiences in a historic setting.
• Collaborate effectively with teams and other departments.
• Display keen attention to detail and efficiently complete project.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Active listening and participative approach in complex discussions.
• Compliance with museum policies and safety regulations, with guidance from the Operations & Maintenance Manager, and Exhibit Director.
• Consideration of diverse needs of children in decision-making.

Port Discovery provides you with the opportunity to make a difference in the community and in the lives of children. Additional benefits include:

• Free parking
• Free admission to the Museum for family
• Group medical, dental and / or vision insurance options
• Vacation, personal and sick leave
• Retirement savings with Museum match after 6 months
• Museum provided life and disability insurance, as well as EAP, travel assistance and grief counseling support.

Physical Requirements:

• Extended periods of walking and standing.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing and crawling through tight spaces.
• Use of ladders and lifts to high elevations.
• Use of machine tools with the need to protect against exposure to dust, chemicals and solvents.
• The noise level is moderate to loud; must be comfortable working around kids.
• All work must be completed on-site.

Send us your resume and cover letter, and let’s start this journey together!

To learn more about Port Discovery Children’s Museum, visit https://www.portdiscovery.org/. Port Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.