Museum Fabrication Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OVERVIEW:

The Exhibit Fabricator/Carpenter is a key member of the Experience Production team for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Inc. working closely with staff colleagues and contractors to fabricate, install, and maintain exhibit elements, interactive elements, environmental decor, thematic graphics and special effects in exhibition spaces and throughout the Museum facility and campus. The incumbent employs expert craftsmanship to achieve the department and Museum’s high standards of quality, professionalism and excellence.

The Children’s Museum is building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives best support our vision and mission.

REPORTS TO:  Manager of Exhibit Production and Maintenance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Proficiently fabricates, remodels, repairs, installs, de-installs and maintains exhibit and decorative elements throughout the Museum. Employs methods and techniques appropriate to each project in style, durability, quality, and safety while meeting established standards of excellence at the Museum.

2. Creates exhibit structures and constructs elements from design sketches and drawings by using a working knowledge of fabrication methods, carpentry skills and construction processes. Works with the designers and their project team leader to order necessary materials, develop detailed design drawings as needed, and determine fabrication methods required for a durable, operational product.

3. Installs long-term and temporary exhibits, displays, furniture, and event related elements throughout the Museum building and campus. Completes projects according to established designs and plans while adhering to museum standards of excellence; consistently considers appropriate compliance and the best possible aesthetic.

4. Leads projects (as assigned) and plans other work sequences with Manager. Communicates and collaborates effectively to move production processes forward in the most cooperative, safe, economical, efficient and resourceful manner. Works with the other team members to meet production deadlines and conduct work within established production budgets.

5. Travels to venues across the US to serve as point person for set up and take down of exhibit elements produced by the Museum displayed at other museum venues or institutions. Works with the venues to perform repairs and troubleshooting on exhibit elements. Assists venues with the connection and startup of AV Equipment, if appropriate. Sets up and takes down traveling exhibit elements.

6. Assists with planning for production of exhibit and decorative elements by producing simple design sketches, working drawings showing fabrication methods or simple computer diagrams representing construction details and dimensions.

7. Identifies and researches sources for supplies, materials and specialized equipment. Completes any and all necessary training requirements to operate fabrication equipment and tools. Establishes and maintain contacts with materials suppliers and vendors. Maintains adequate records and paperwork supporting purchasing procedures.

8. Occasionally works alongside certified skilled labor to assist with semi-skilled building maintenance and repairs such as painting, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and carpentry work. May also be asked to complete grounds and housekeeping responsibilities to include cleaning, trash removal and transport, snow removal, etc.

9. Serves as a point of contact for outside vendors as they perform work in the Museum. Assists with getting the manpower and materials into the project site, provides information to vendors on scheduling and sequencing work.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Two(2) years work experience as a carpenter, artist or fabricator. Formal academic or technical training desired.

2. Experience in a professional three-dimensional production field similar or related to production work needed at the museum; theme park, museums, theater, themed retail space, etc.

3. Ability to easily generate and communicate innovative verbal and visual ideas that are the result of fresh viewpoints and combinations of idea possibilities in brainstorming situations and in routine conversations.

4. Very strong interpersonal communication skills and an ability to work effectively in a people oriented, changing, flexible environment within the museum and at different locations during the on-site set up/take down of traveling exhibits. Must be able to work effectively to coordinate and facilitate the traveling exhibit setups

5. Ability to work in a self-directed manner with a minimum of explicit structure and guidelines, but with very high levels of accountability and reliability. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

6. Must provide some representative examples of work (portfolio) materials and references during the interview process which will not be retained by the Museum. Must provide some representative examples of work that may be retained by the Museum such as photo prints (rather than slides or transparencies), paper prints or copies, tearsheets, etc.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to perceive space and colors and to make esthetic assessments of installations, to review drawings of designs and fabrication diagrams, to view documents and computer monitor.

2. Must be able to engage in extensive communication during brainstorming and planning situations and strong presentations of ideas. Team and group dialogue is required for communication of plans and concepts. Must be able to effectively communicate during complex installation situations involving coordinated group work.