Exhibit Operations Specialist I

Exhibit Operations Specialist I Full-Time Temporary Non-Exempt Union Position

About the Adler Planetarium The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler's focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum typically hosts close to 400,000 visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts. With the Adlers' support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to learn more about science and space discovery, and to explore their universe together under the sky we all share.

The Position The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Full-Time Temporary Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join our dynamic team on Chicago's Museum Campus. This position opens and closes exhibits, performs routine cleaning and maintenance, and ensures all guest-facing areas are always ready for guests. Daily duties include conducting routine rounds, cleaning and maintaining exhibits and galleries, managing trash disposal, and maintaining exhibits, galleries, displays, and design lab spaces. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with exhibit team projects such as new exhibit installations, patching, painting, graphic installation, and maintaining exhibit components as needed. This is a union position with the Adler Planetarium Workers United, AFSCME Council 31.

This individual will also be responsible for:

• Opening and closing museum exhibits and galleries, including powering on/off interactive components, equipment, computers, and lighting
• Ensuring all areas are clean, guest-ready, and maintained in safe, proper working order
• Supporting Exhibits staff during sponsored evening events as assigned
• Conducting daily inspections of exhibits, galleries, displays, community design lab spaces, and signage to assess cleanliness, condition, and wear
• Identifying cleaning or maintenance needs and performing minor upkeep tasks as needed
• Responding to radio calls by addressing issues directly when possible or escalating to Exhibit Technicians or other staff as appropriate
• Performing routine cleaning tasks, including scrubbing surfaces, removing dirt and debris, and vacuuming
• Monitoring exhibit components for wear and tear, performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs, such as replacing lights, batteries, switches, keyboards, and physical interactive elements
• Emptying trash receptacles and transferring waste to dumpsters
• Vacuuming exhibit and workspace areas and assisting with material handling, including loading and unloading trucks related to exhibits and exhibit workspaces
• Assisting with larger scheduled maintenance and team projects on a monthly, biannual, or annual basis, including cleaning and dusting exhibit components, repainting galleries, replacing or installing graphics and signage, and supporting new exhibit production efforts
• Presenting a positive, customer-facing experience by maintaining a neat and professional appearance, treating guests with respect, and assisting visitors in making their experience exceptional when engaged

The Work Schedule The typical work schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday, 7 am-3 pm or 8:30 am-4:30 pm, and Wednesday.

The Compensation & Benefits Base Pay Range: $25.82/hr Work-Life Balance

• 7- to 35-hour workweek
• Eligible to accrue up to 6 vacation days per year
• 3 sick days as of the date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
• Eligible to earn time and a half for working on any of the 7 Adler observed holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
• Paid Parental Leave

Commuter flexible spending account Retirement Savings Plan

• 403 (b) plan with Adler match
• Adler match is 100% vested immediately
• Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire

Network of Support through our EAP programs

• Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
• Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
• Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

Employee Loan Program Discounted Onsite Parking Program Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions

The Person The ideal candidate is a reliable, detail-oriented team member with hands-on technical skills and a strong commitment to guest safety and experience. This role requires practical fabrication and maintenance experience, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and sound judgment when responding to operational or safety concerns in a public-facing museum environment.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience
• General fabrication and construction skills, including familiarity with carpentry shop tools and standard hand tools
• Experience with basic digital and electrical wiring and repairs, carpentry, and painting
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull loads of 50+ pounds
• Comfort working at elevated heights and in tight or awkward spaces.
• Basic computer skills, including web searching and use of office software; strong aptitude for learning new technologies
• Experience using radio communication systems
• Ability to learn, retain, and apply new skills, with a strong desire to improve existing knowledge
• Effective time-management skills with the ability to complete assignments accurately and on schedule
• Commitment to performing routine duties with consistency, high quality, and attention to detail
• Reliable attendance and dependable job performance
• Understanding that team success depends on daily participation and accountability.
• Willingness to receive constructive feedback and coaching
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as appropriate
• Clear oral and written communication skills
• Ability to make decisions that impact staff and guest experience, including taking action to shut down exhibit spaces or components when safety or operational concerns arise
• Sound judgment in determining when issues require escalation or immediate response

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or three or more years of relevant professional work experience
• OSHA General Industry Safety certification and/or ladder and lift training
• Experience in museum operations, exhibitions, audio-visual production, theatrical production, stagehand work, or entertainment environments
• Proficiency with IT systems and interactive technologies (preferred but not required)
• Experience using Google Workspace (G Suite), Slack, and Microsoft Office Suite

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its Equal Opportunity employer obligations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at recruiting@adlerplanetarium.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.