Position Summary
The Engineering Technician (Exhibit Carpenter) is responsible for the routine maintenance and repair of exhibit interactives, signage, lighting, and other display elements. This role ensures that exhibits, tools, and equipment remain organized and in optimal working condition. Key responsibilities include assisting the Exhibit and Life-Support Engineering team with exhibit fabrication and installation, as well as regular exhibit upkeep tasks. The technician will also be accountable for maintaining all building surfaces such as plaster, drywall, millwork, and carpentry, and may be assigned to maintenance or life-support system projects as needed.
The ideal candidate must have the ability to fabricate and repair acrylic, frame both metal and wood stud walls, and accurately read and interpret blueprints.
Essential Position Functions
- Works with metals, plastics, wood, acrylics, fiberglass (FRP), and various other materials on a daily basis.
- Meets with the Engineering Lead and/or the LSE management to coordinate daily work schedules.
- Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on existing building facilities, Life-Support systems, exhibits and associated interactives as directed by management.
- Maintain The Florida Aquarium (TFA) and Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s (AZA) standards and readiness at all times.
- Conducts routine preventative maintenance of exhibit interactive’s, display devices, and interpretive signage.
- Works on new installations, repairs and perform preventative maintenance to ensure all aquarium areas are best in class.
- Maintains exhibit and support areas in a manner that will not obstruct daily operations or impact guest experience.
- Assists engineering team with larger in-house projects as needed.
- Conducts daily exhibit walkthroughs and identifies and repairs problem areas.
- Uses creative problem-solving for exhibit maintenance, life-support and facility related issues.
- Keeps exhibit property, equipment, and tools organized and in good working condition.
- Designs/builds low tech interactive exhibits, custom cabinets and display components.
- Assists exhibit team with exhibit installation.
- Conducts routine “housekeeping” tasks associated with exhibit maintenance including vacuuming, painting, general repairs to existing materials.
- Identifies materials needed and completes requisitions for supplies for the purchase of materials.
- Works with Creative Services team to implement engaging exhibits.
- Must be flexible and capable of jumping from one project to another, depending on priority.
- Supports the development of small-life support systems.
- Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers.
- To be trained in LSE equipment and will be responsible for the upkeep of associated equipment.
- Recommends ideas for promoting a safe workplace.
- Follows all safety policies, procedures and requirements, to include use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
- Anticipates problems or issues responding accordingly.
- Seeks cost savings and participates in capital design when appropriate.
- Maintains positive attitude in adverse situations.
- Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
- Completes a rigid training program on all facility equipment, and cross-training in life support operations to assist as needed.
- Required to pass certifications for forklift, boom lift, telehandler, and electric pallet jack operation.
- Carries a radio on person and responds to departmental and facility needs when notified.
- Workweek / scheduling flexibility expectations:
- Individuals work week will be shared between the Engineering Dept. and occasionally the Creative Services Dept. The work schedule will be determined by the Engineering Lead.
- Will be required to work overtime when requested.
- May be required to do shift work, which may include weekends.
- Participates in on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies.
- Ensures schedule flexibility with event coverage rotation as needed; may be assigned to work events after normal operating hours.
- May be required to participate in rotating Hurricane ride out team.
- Performs other duties as assigned by Engineering Lead or Director of Engineering.
Education Requirements and Technical Skills
- H.S. Diploma or GED preferred
- Five years of significant experience in various trades required
- Production-oriented skills; ability to use hand and power tools
- Familiar with basic mechanical, electrical devices
- Ability to read blueprints
- Willing to learn and take on different skills/trades
- Ability to build cabinet-grade exhibit furniture /devices
- Ability to work with woods, metals, acrylic, laminates, fiberglass (FRP), paints and other building materials
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Ability to frame with metal and wood studs, build decks, stairs, and hang drywall
- Working knowledge of Windows environment helpful
- Holds a current Florida drivers license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to MIG, TIG, and Arc Weld is desirable but not a requirement
Competencies
- Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs.
- Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness.
- Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form.
- Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task.
- Creativity — Proactively combining ideas, resources and skills in new and adaptive ways to better meet outcomes and objectives.
- Planning and Organizing — Develop solid plans that support the short- and long-term goals of the Aquarium. Develop realistic ways to facilitate new interactive and interpretive media. Set priorities among competing requirements and allocate resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
Typical Physical Requirements
- Standing (up to 10 hours per day) on a 10-hour workday
- Walking (Up to 4 or more hours per day)
- Bending/Stooping —Frequently
- Climbing stairs — Frequently
- Climbing heights (8’) – Occasionally to Frequently depending
- Crouching — Occasionally to Frequently depending
- Kneeling — Occasionally to Frequently depending
- Carrying (up to 80 lbs.) – Occasionally
- Lifting (up to 80 lbs.) – Occasionally
- Working near moving machinery — Frequently
- Ability to work around living collection of plants and animals
- Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
- Exposure to dust, fumes and gases with PPE
- Typing on a computer keyboard
- Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)
- Operating machinery
- Ability to travel (car) as needed
- Flexibility in working weekends and/or evenings
- Flexibility in working holidays
- Available for on-call emergencies