Exhibit Technician
About Spark
TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!
Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.
Position Overview
The Exhibit Technician is responsible for the mechanical, technological and
electronic maintenance of all visitor experiences and exhibitions, while
understanding their importance to the overall guest experience. This includes all
built experiences in indoor galleries, as well as indoor and outdoor temporary
exhibits, travelling exhibitions and the outdoor Brainasium playground. The
primary focus of this role is the daily care and upkeep of exhibit and their components,
ensuring they are maintained to high standards while reducing downtime. The
Exhibit Technician is accountable to the Manager of Exhibit Operations and
operates within the context and prescribed limits established by the Manager of
Exhibit Operations.
- Daily start-up, cleaning and shutdown of individual exhibits and exhibit areas while logging deficiencies that affect the guest experience.
- Perform exhibit maintenance and repair needs while suggesting changes in design or materials to improve guest experience.
- Troubleshoot and remedy exhibit mechanical, electronic or technological problems.
- Acquire parts, equipment or external expertise to ensure timely, effective repairs.
- Utilize mechanical drawings, schematics, and product manuals for the repair and maintenance of exhibit components.
- Construct and install museum exhibit structures and other elements using a range of materials, tools and equipment. Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of power tools and workshop equipment.
- Maintain inventory of building materials, tools, equipment and exhibit consumables and order supplies as needed.
- Assist in the set-up and tear down of exhibits and visitor experiences.
- Participates in finish and detail work on exhibit environments.
- Water monitoring and testing in applicable exhibits.
- Maintain, prioritize and follow the exhibit maintenance log.
- Maintain and update exhibit protocols and operations manuals.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment for self and colleagues, and adhering to all legislative protocols for exhibit operations, such as water monitor testing.
- Contribute to best practices that ensure shop safety, including running staff safety sessions for exhibit shop use.
- Aid in other gallery design and maintenance projects as required.
- Develop, nurture and maintain respectful, communicative and open communication channels with other TELUS Spark groups and employees, especially as many projects will be cross-departmental and collaborative in nature.
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Post-secondary education and/or practical training in the exhibit or related fields (e.g. electrical, mechanical or electronics training is an asset).
- 3 years’ minimum relevant experience.
- A clear understanding of the value of exhibits in a great visitor experience and the factors that must be balanced in creating and maintaining them, including best practice accessible design procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, able to
analyzes situations, responding quickly to deliver effective solutions.
Professional and Technical Competence
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, operational and electrical issues.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret design schematics, fabrication drawings, and standard business documents.
- Prior experience in museum/gallery/set design an asset.
- Electrical knowledge and skills to install lights, motors, switches and similar devices without explicit drawings.
- Knowledge of 3D design skills including design program fluency is an asset.
- Computer programming, software and hardware troubleshooting are assets.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of mechanical and electronic troubleshooting and repair
- Knowledge of electronics and electrical troubleshooting.
- Experience with carpentry, metalwork and water features, including general expertise and comfort with the use of plastics, acrylics, metal and wood.
- General experience with a range of shop-related tools, including hand tools, table saws, chop saws, sanders, routers, drill presses and soldering. Other advanced skills, such as welding, or the use of lathes, CNC routers, laser printers and 3D printers are valuable assets.
- Knowledgeable in the use of basic carpentry techniques, hand tools, power tools, basic electrical wiring and lighting, paints, adhesives and associated safety procedures.
- Able to work at heights. Being trained as an equipment lift operator is an asset.
- The ability to learn new skills regarding the operation and maintenance of specialized AV systems.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role, please apply! Excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.