The Exhibit Technician at the San Diego Natural History Museum contributes to a stellar visitor experience by ensuring the daily functionality of current exhibits while assisting with the fabrication and installation of new exhibit elements.  

A hands-on problem solver, maker, and creative thinker, the Exhibit Technician is the primary “boots on the ground” point person within the Exhibits Department who handles most of the maintenance and repair needs for exhibitions and exhibit-related resources. The Exhibit Technician also plays a critical support role in new exhibit production, fabrication, and installation. This position reports to the Director of Exhibits and collaborates with others across the Museum.  

Your Day-to-Day Work 

You’ll see the Museum through a visitor’s eyes, proactively repairing or improving existing spaces while responding to unforeseen issues that arise. You’ll also lend your creative brilliance to new projects by helping conceptualize, design, and fabricate exhibit elements as well as supporting exhibit installation and deinstallation efforts.  

Maintenance and Upkeep  

• Perform regular walkthroughs of exhibit spaces to ensure exhibits are in working order; develop and maintain systems to proactively identify and assess exhibit upkeep needs 
• Research and recommend repair solutions and preventative maintenance for exhibit elements
• Co-manage the internal ticketing system with the Exhibit Operations Manager, ensuring that requests submitted through the web-based internal ticketing system are assigned or followed up on promptly
• Track and perform the majority of exhibit maintenance requests
• Regularly inspect and replace exhibition gallery lighting
• Work with the Exhibit Operations Manager to procure materials needed for exhibit upkeep

Fabrication and Production  

• Build exhibit elements as assigned, including furniture, interactives, or thematic and artistic elements such as sculptures
• Play a key support role for exhibit installation by patching, painting, building partition walls, moving specimens and cases, installing graphics, and other related tasks 
• Take ownership of projects related to installation as assigned, including collaborating with and assisting installation and fabrication contractors where needed 
• Support Production Manager in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workshop 
• Occasionally support other Museum departments with fabrication tasks 
• Participate in team meetings to develop concepts for upcoming exhibitions and elements 

Other tasks as assigned.  

What You Bring  

The Exhibits Technician enthusiastically rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. You’ll be a proactive problem solver and clear communicator with your team. You thrive in a job with variety, enjoying both the routine tasks and creative opportunities that abound while continuously striving to improve the visitor experience.  

• Expertise in exhibit upkeep tasks such as patching, painting, lighting replacements, and reattaching hardware
• Expertise with power tool operation, safety, and maintenance
• Knowledge of fabrication and artistry materials and methods to advise on solutions for exhibit fabrication and upkeep tasks 
• Experience with the installation and deinstallation of museum or gallery exhibitions
• Be capable of long periods of physical work occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. and working from ladders and a scissor lift
• Forklift certification, or a willingness to become certified 
• Able to prioritize, manage-up, and adhere to deadlines and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite 
• Understanding of and commitment to workplace safety procedures
• Ability to read floor plans and fabrication shop drawings desired 
• Contribute to a collaborative and positive team environment 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.  

Pay: $22-24/hr

A little more about us.  

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic plan, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it completes its 150th anniversary. We are evermore focused on innovative audience engagement and a strengthened role in conservation.