Exhibit Technician II
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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website https://hmsc.harvard.edu/
The Exhibition Preparator is responsible for routine exhibit production and maintenance in all four HMSC museums. This includes basic repairs and construction, installation and preparation work, and monitoring multimedia interactives and exhibit spaces to ensure continuous, optimal operation. This position is part of an exhibition production team, reporting to the Exhibit Production and Maintenance Manager, who directs the team's efforts to support department and institutional goals.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Routine Exhibit Maintenance
- Case and object cleaning
- Lamp replacement
- Performs basic repairs of physical exhibits, which may require various repair and construction techniques, as well as painting and some basic carpentry
Support for Multimedia Interactives
- Daily review of museum interactives to ensure optimal functionality
- In collaboration with HMSC’s IT & Finance Analyst and other HMSC staff, troubleshoot any issues impacting the functioning of the computer and video interactives
Exhibit Production/De-Installation
- Support painting, other space preparation, and building of exhibit structures and components
- Perform various duties associated with exhibit deinstallation and installation work, including installation of exhibit objects, graphics, AV/computer components and lighting
General
- Participate in cleaning and organization of the Exhibit Department shops and storage areas (on-site and off-site)
- Participate in team meetings, All Staff meetings, and committees to support cross-departmental collaboration in support of HMSC’s strategic plan
- Other related tasks as needed
Working Conditions: This on-site position is based in Cambridge, MA.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to routinely lift up to 60 lbs., climb stairs, and work while walking or standing
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required):
- At least one year of experience with general construction or carpentry, and painting
- At least one year of experience working with a wide variety of power tools and workshop equipment: table saw, panel saw, circular saw, pneumatic tools, router, etc.
- Knowledge of and general experience with lighting, lamping, computers, and AV technology
Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):
The following Additional Qualifications are preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply.
- A technical or associate’s degree in a relevant field is preferred
- At least one year of experience with museum exhibit construction and installation strongly preferred
- At least one year of experience handling museum objects strongly preferred
- Ability to work with metal or plastic, as well as wood a plus
- Mechanical aptitude is essential
- Dedication to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment and observing safety and risk management procedures in public areas and workspaces is critical
- Ability to work collaboratively and as a member of a team
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Excellent painting skills preferred
- Experience with troubleshooting and repair of computer/AV equipment is a plus
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 28 hours per week; Monday-Thursday (early shift)
Some scheduling flexibility is required, especially during periods of intense exhibit production and when meeting exhibit deadlines. Candidates must be available to adjust their schedule on occasion to accommodate exhibit work outside of public museum hours. On-site support may be needed on occasional weekends or holidays.
- Compensation Range/Rate: New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere near the lower end of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
- Other Information: All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment, including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.