The Exhibit Fabricator is a member of the Exhibits Team that is responsible for creating new exhibit experiences and maintaining and repairing all existing exhibits. The Exhibit Fabricator will work in close collaboration with the Exhibits staff and under the supervision of the Director of Exhibit Design to realize exhibit design concepts by building working prototypes and permanent exhibit components, and provide ongoing support for repairs and upgrades to existing exhibits.
Using the Museum’s small on-site facility, the Exhibits Lab, the Exhibit Fabricator will primarily work with plywood, solid wood, composites, laminates, plastic, and metal. Components often involve some level of mechanical and electrical functionality. Projects involve all steps from layout to making and assembling parts, applying clear, stained, and painted finishes, and installing completed pieces in the galleries
The Lab does not have a CNC router, so the Exhibit Fabricator must have high-level skills at making custom parts using hand tools and simple machines. They will need to communicate clearly and coordinate with team members, and with third-party vendors who might provide elements such as graphics, electronics, or specially fabricated parts.
The Exhibit Fabricator must enjoy working around children and families, must be open to giving and receiving feedback, and must thrive in a collaborative and friendly work environment. A successful candidate will have a strong portfolio that demonstrates a high level of detail and finish and a particular interest in imaginative and creative problem-solving.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
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Create and install working prototypes and proof-of-concepts for new exhibit components to test for usability, durability and safety.
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Participate in observation and evaluation of prototype testing; contribute to improvements, troubleshooting, and problem solving.
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Contribute to design development and propose practical solutions as needed
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Create and install permanent exhibit components from frame to finish, including structural, functional, and decorative elements.
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Observe performance and condition of existing exhibit components, and propose and perform fabrication and finish solutions for a range of repair, maintenance, and upgrade needs
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Participate in exhibit installations/de-installations of new exhibits, exhibit upgrades, and traveling exhibits
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Comply with documented operating procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment
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Contribute to the general maintenance of tools and equipment
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Load/unload materials from trucks and help to keep the Exhibits Lab stocked with materials and supplies
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Exercise extreme care in ensuring all construction is safe for visitors and staff
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Contribute to estimating project costs and timelines, and finding solutions appropriate to project budgets
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Participate constructively as a member of a collaborative team
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Minimum of 5 years of work experience and training in a cabinet shop or equivalent; a focus on custom fabrication and installation.
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Interest and experience in making quirky things: unusual shapes, unusual combinations of materials, and very particular functional requirements.
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Ability to read and interpret engineering, production, and shop drawings, and make and assemble parts as required
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Knowledge of standard fabrication and construction methods, hardware, and materials
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Advanced skills in cabinetry, carpentry, plastics fabrication, and/or metalworking; mastery of working with hand and power tools and standard shop machinery
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Knowledge of routine maintenance and repair of standard shop equipment
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Competency in engineering of mechanical and electro/mechanical interactive exhibits; familiarity with gears, sprockets, and motors
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Capable model-making, sketching, and rendering skills
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Ability to understand educational and experience objectives, and ensure these goals are met in addition to the mechanical/technical and safety demands of a project
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Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, organize work load independently, and accomplish assigned tasks with minimal supervision
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Ability to work safely, efficiently, and accurately, and to match the level of finish to the goals of the project (prototypes do not need the same level of precision, durability and finish as permanent components)
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS
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Familiarity with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Sketch-up)
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Ability to operate CNC router, 3-D printer, and laser cutter, inclusive of generating digital files
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Knowledge of current electronic technology used in exhibit design: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, RFID readers, etc., and the incorporation of these components into exhibit designs
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Valid Driver’s License
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands: Frequently stand, walk, and move around the work area. Lift/carry/push/pull heavy materials, equipment, and objects that could weigh up to 50 lbs and use of required PPE as aligned with job safety regulation standards and Museum policies. Required use of manual dexterity for essential tasks such as cutting and assembling parts. Occasionally kneel/crawl, twist/bend/stoop/squat, and/or climb based on assigned projects. The ability to work in tight or cramped spaces, Required to carry 2‐way radio while on duty.
Work Environment: Normal office environment with varying exposure to office equipment (i.e. printer,
fax, shredder, phone, and desktop computer). In addition, access and use of the Exhibit Lab and repair tool room. In addition to the machinery and other fabrication processes, the Museum and exhibit spaces are often noisy during peak seasons, fast-paced, and crowded with the public and young children.
Other Factors: Must be able to work a regular schedule of 40 hrs/week, Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts 7:30am to 4:30pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch. The position may require overtime hours depending on emergencies, project work, etc. All overtime must be approved in advance by the manager. Required to adhere to dress code, including wearing a uniform hat and/or vest provided by the Museum as needed. Required to wear appropriate PPE provided by the Museum, including safety-toed shoes, as needed.
