Museum Gallery Technician

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
The Museum Gallery Technician will oversee and contribute to the day-to-day operational management of the museum's gallery spaces. This position requires a combination of technical expertise in exhibit upkeep and maintenance and will support exhibit and program development and fabrication. The role involves planning and performing complex tasks related to exhibits, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing training to staff and volunteers. Additionally, the technician will assist in collecting and analyzing data to improve exhibit performance, support the design of new exhibits, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. This position will also support the development and fabrication of school program materials and outreach kits as needed. Working closely with the Museum Director, other museum staff, and the Museum Committee, the individual in this role will contribute to the museum's educational mission and strategic objectives around public outreach and visitor engagement.

Organizational Status
The Museum Gallery Technician reports directly to the Museum Director and collaborates with other museum staff, students, faculty, and external partners to enhance the museum's educational offerings. This role will work closely with the EOAS machine shop for technical work to ensure the museum's exhibits are well maintained.

Work Performed

• Coordinate and perform routine maintenance on exhibits to ensure all parts, digital screens, and interactive elements like the Tornado Machine, Audio Tour wands, and OmniGlobe are fully operational.
• Maintain cleanliness and functionality of exhibits and gallery spaces and undertake regular detailed maintenance to address exhibit issues promptly.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical or functional issues with exhibits and gallery equipment as they arise.
• Coordinate purchasing of supplies and equipment, manage inventory and coordination of supplies for exhibits.
• Assist with the installation of physical and digital components within the exhibit space, ensuring operational functionality and cohesive presentation, especially during new exhibit setups or renovations.
• Manage exhibition development, coordinating work of external contractors and scheduling project work flow.
• Coordinate with sources external to the team for operations, such as campus security, the accessibility shuttle for visitors, building operations, and deliveries.
• Coordinate and ensure compliance with museum safety rules and procedures, making sure all new technologies and digital interfaces meet safety and accessibility standards.
• Collaborate on the implementation of UBC's Indigenous Strategic Plan within museum operations, focusing on inclusivity and community engagement.

• Assist in the coordination of exhibit opening events, including setup of technical equipment, and aesthetic aspects are well executed, including coordination with speakers and catering.
• Plan and oversee the setup of technical equipment and displays for special events or exhibit launches.

• Support the Exhibit Research and Development Manager in the development and implementation of new exhibits by providing technical expertise and operational feedback during planning sessions.
• Help in the setup and testing of prototypes for new exhibit components, ensuring they meet the intended educational objectives and operational standards before launch.
• Assist in conducting safety checks and compliance audits for all exhibit areas, ensuring alignment with the latest safety regulations and museum policies. Document findings and follow up on necessary improvements.
• Participate in safety training sessions, and help in disseminating updated safety guidelines and procedures to staff and volunteers.
• Support the development of program materials, providing design, fabrication, printing assistance to educational staff.
• Assist in training and mentoring new educators and guides, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver engaging and accurate exhibit content to museum audiences.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors or poor judgment by the Museum Gallery Technician have significant implications for the operational integrity and public perception of the museum. Given the technical and public-facing nature of this role's work, inaccurate implementation of exhibit setups, maintenance, or safety procedures could lead to physical risks to visitors and staff, potentially incurring legal ramifications for the museum. Mismanagement or incorrect data handling can lead to faulty decision-making, affecting the museum's strategic initiatives and its ability to fulfill educational objectives. These errors could impact not only the Pacific Museum of Earth but also the broader standing of the University of British Columbia within the educational and scientific communities.

Supervision Received
The Museum Gallery Technician reports directly to the Museum Director. This position exercises a significant degree of independence in daily operations and decision-making. The effectiveness of work performed is evaluated based on the successful maintenance and enhancement of exhibit functionality, the accuracy and impact of educational program materials, and overall visitor satisfaction within the museum. Regular performance reviews are conducted to assess the attainment of strategic goals and objectives.

Supervision Given
The position supervises staff, student workers, and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience in museum operations, exhibit design, or fabrication.
• Proficiency in design and multimedia software, with the ability to manage both creative projects and day-to-day operational tasks. Basic knowledge of exhibit upkeep, including ensuring that all parts of exhibits are working, lights are on, and digital screens are running properly.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and accessible design and programming, with a keen interest in continuous learning and professional development in museum practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with exhibits and gallery equipment.
• Knowledge of implementing and enforcing museum safety rules and procedures.
• Must be able to prioritize and multi-task in an environment that is often unpredictable.
• Must have effective interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee multiple work processes and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing data to improve exhibit performance.
• Experience in assisting with the development and fabrication of school program materials and outreach kits.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve the museum's educational mission and strategic objectives.