Are you a problem solver? Love fixing things or tinkering? Passionate about science and technology?

If so, the role of Exhibit Technician with Discovery Centre, Nova Scotia’s hands-on science centre, may be the best next step in your career journey. This entry-level position with the team responsible for the centre’s interactive exhibits provides a great opportunity to grow your experience in the world of visitor’s centres/museum exhibits or fabrication shops.

Position Title: Exhibit Technician
Department: Exhibits & Facilities
Supervisor: Manager, Exhibits and Facilities
Position Category: Full-Time, 1 year-Contract
Starting Salary: $19 -21 per hour, + Benefits
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Wednesday through Sunday; 7 hours per day, some evenings as required.
Application deadline: July 9th, 2021

Position Summary

The Exhibit Technician works within the Exhibits and Facilities team to fabricate, install, maintain, and repair exhibits within Discovery Centre’s permanent and temporary galleries while providing support to other departments in the fulfillment of Discovery Centre’s mission. The primary focus of the technician is the daily care, maintenance, and repair of exhibit components with the goal of ensuring safe, engaging experiences for all of Discovery Centre’s visitors. The candidate must have experience taking initiative – analyzing problems and implementing appropriate solutions. Ideally the candidate would be comfortable working with both physical systems (mechanical, wood working, etc.) and digital interactives (Mac/PC hardware, various software applications).

Summary of Responsibilities

Exhibit Maintenance:

• Performs regular inspection and maintenance of all exhibits; keeps all exhibit-related equipment in good working order; makes repairs to exhibits and recommends major repairs by services outside the organization.
• Keeps all exhibit-related equipment in good working order.
• Maintains orderly work and storage spaces.
• Maintains accurate inventory of all equipment assigned to the fabrication shop, cases, and other exhibits resources.
• Researches, recommends, orders and purchases equipment and supplies, as needed, for projects, according to Discovery Centre’s purchasing practices.

Exhibit fabrication and installation:

• Constructs, installs and de-installs temporary and permanent exhibits. Tasks may include protecting floors and surfaces; patching and painting walls; ordering of related supplies and materials; packing and unpacking exhibit components; handling museum objects; adjusting lighting; installing cases, exhibit graphics, and labels; creating or modifying mounts and fixtures; and supporting multi-media components.
• Mounts exhibit labels, panels, and signs.
• Ensures that appropriate safety precautions are adhered to, and that exhibit fabrication and installation meet the Nova Scotia Health and Safety standards and applicable regulations.

Other Duties:

• Assists with special events setup/breakdown.
• Assists with building maintenance and repairs as required.
• Serves on departmental committees as assigned.
• Adheres to and maintains up to date OHS policy and procedures and participates in training as required.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

The Exhibits Department draws on skills from many backgrounds. Our team’s skillset is diverse, and each member contributes according to their own unique abilities and experience. The ideal candidate would have many, but not necessarily all the following skills and may have other skills that are valuable to the department which have not been mentioned:

• Post-secondary education in a relevant technical field is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of power and hand tools as they relate to basic carpentry techniques, simple mechanical systems, and basic electrical wiring.
• Basic understanding of audio-visual equipment, with an aptitude for learning new skills in maintaining specialized systems.
• Computer literate –hardware and software – ideally within both a Mac and PC environment
• Ability to read and understand measured technical drawings.
• Ability to perform work duties/responsibilities for extended periods of time; may include standing, walking, and lifting more than 50lbs.
• Detail oriented and a commitment to quality of work and finish.
• Ability to communicate effective both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact courteously with visitors and staff.
• Prior experience in museum/gallery or tradeshow exhibit fabrication a plus.

Hours of Work

35 hours per week. Typically, Evening work as required.

Applications

Applications are to emailed to . Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter and references. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for interview will be contacted. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and embraces diversity. The Centre is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its work environment, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are considered for employment with the Centre.