Exhibit Fabricator III

Imagine yourself here. Be a part of something great at Science Museum of Minnesota . We exist to turn on the science and inspire learning, inform policy and improve lives.

We envision a world in which all people have the power to use science to make lives better. We value science as an essential literacy and strive for inclusion inside and out so that our museum and our people reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community.

Join our Exhibit Production team as an Exhibit Fabricator III and help us build exhibit components and structures ranging from basic stud and sheetrock walls to complex visitor-interactive components, assist in the maintenance of production tools and equipment, and collaborate with other museum staff and contractors to create solutions for exhibit components in support of the museum’s vision and mission.

Exhibit Fabricators also install and dismantle traveling exhibits from other institutions for SMM’s special exhibits program.

The Exhibit Fabricator III provides a higher degree of skill and craftsmanship with the capability of working in a highly independent environment.

Schedule : Current shifts available vary, but may include day, evening, and weekend hours-dependent on project schedules.

Job Responsibilities :

As part of a team managed by a Project Manager, and in collaboration with other production staff, other division staff, clients, and other stakeholders, work to move preliminary ideas for exhibits through an iterative process of design, building, and testing that culminates in finished exhibits that are safe, engaging, and durable.

Research and study science content areas, specific phenomena, exhibit topics, etc. as required, to develop a solid understanding of the scientific and engineering aspects of our exhibits, and the messages they are intended to convey.

Develop ideas for physical interactive experiences that demonstrate science concepts and phenomena in safe, engaging, and practical ways.

Fabricate exhibit components, whole exhibits, or groups of exhibits, as assigned, alone or in production team environments, in situations requiring very high levels of fabrication skills, problem solving ability, mature independent judgment, and understanding of the values and goals of the museum and a particular project.

Fabricate exhibits, drawing on a broad range of demonstrated skills, including but not limited to :

• CAD / CAM processes (3D drafting, CNC technology including laser cutter, 3D printer and router)
• Electronics (Arduino and other microcomputers, sensors, discrete electronics, and circuit board design)
• Automation (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical)
• Welding and other metal-working processes
• Finish carpentry and cabinet making
• Finishing with paints and other coatings, plastic laminates, and other sheet goods
• Machining (using lathes and stationary mills) in plastics, steel, and other metals.
• Other advanced fabrication and rapid prototyping skills

Function effectively in a collaborative environment, either as an engaged and committed team member, or as a leader within small formal or informal groups within the Production Department community.

Work as a member of an Exhibits Production team on exhibit installations as assigned, either at SMM or at other locations.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Traveling Exhibits Tasks

Assigned to select persons based on experience and availability)

As assigned and available, travel up to 6 weeks at a time nationally and internationally. When traveling :

Supervise both SMM and host museum crew members at offsite work locations, select and provide necessary resources (tools, hardware and equipment) and guide their work in exhibition handling, assembly and maintenance procedures adhering to a shifting work plan.

Lead and support a safe work environment; model and maintain safety standards in all work team activities and behavior; anticipate potential safety hazards and work diligently to avoid them.

Assist supervisor in planning design, logistical and operational aspects of the assigned traveling exhibition’s changeover processes;

implement this plan on time and within scope changeover procedures.

Observe, analyze, notate and report to their supervisor opportunities for greater safety, efficiency, accuracy and cost savings in work processes and then implement any newly formalized changes in related work procedures.

Identify and diagnose potential defects or wear developing in the exhibition’s components or operation which could compromise its appearance, reliability, functionality and safety for the visitor.

Inform supervisor of replacement material needs. Make approved purchases and address the exhibition’s needs without hesitation.

Provide, as needed, leadership in specialized sets of skill and experience. Examples of these specialized experience / skills include but are not limited to object conditioning and conservation, automated show control monitoring and repair, or rigging expertise.

Create and embrace situations in which customer expectations are successfully fulfilled while the needs of the product are not compromised.

Assist in evaluating Tour Techs and motivate them to provide the best possible traveling exhibition handling and client experience.

Professionally represent SMM as a member of the installation or strike team during all interactions with host museum staff and visitors.

Work closely with traveling exhibits managers to plan logistics and schedules for upcoming exhibit changeovers.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : No formal education requirements

Experience :

Experience in a custom fabrication shop environment.

Demonstrated history of achievement and excellence in all aspects of fabrication work.

Demonstrated intermediate or advanced skills and experience in fabrication areas (e.g. mold making and casting, electronics, cutting and sewing, drawing and drafting, etc.)

Demonstrated ability and willingness to acquire and master new skills as required to accomplish assigned project tasks.

Experience leading others in theater set, trade show booth, complex three-dimensional art show or museum exhibition assembly, maintenance and packing.

Practical computer hardware & software maintenance experience required.

Significant client or customer service experience recommended.

Experience working in a traveling environment strongly preferred.

Starting Compensation : $30.00 - $32.00 / hour (dependent on qualifications) Wages when traveling for SMM will increase by $9 hourly.

The job duties describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents.

The Science Museum of Minnesota believes in the diversity of our community diversity generates ideas, inspires creativity and is essential to building a positive work place.

As an Employer of Choice we hire and retain the best employees by valuing differences, creating a cooperative work environment, and providing promotional and career development opportunities.

It is the museum’s policy and practice to hire and promote qualified job seekers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

We offer benefit packages for full-time and part-time employees.