Exhibits Intern

Description

The Exhibits Intern position will involve maintaining and repairing the Planetarium and Science On a Sphere, as well as researching, designing, constructing, installing, or improving hands-on science exhibits for the museum floor. The Intern will report to the Exhibits and Facilities Director.

Responsibilities

1. Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on the Planetarium, Science On a Sphere, and other assigned exhibit systems.
2. Help diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, audiovisual, software, and operational issues affecting exhibits and related equipment.
3. Test exhibits and equipment after maintenance or repair to confirm they are operating safely and as intended.
4. Research scientific topics, exhibit concepts, materials, technologies, and possible solutions for new or improved exhibits.
5. Participate in the design and development of hands-on science exhibits, including developing concepts, creating sketches or plans, building prototypes, testing designs, and incorporating feedback.
6. Assisting in constructing, assembling, modifying, installing, and improving exhibits using appropriate hand tools, power tools, electrical components, hardware, and fabrication materials.
7. Evaluate exhibits for scientific accuracy, educational value, visitor usability, accessibility, durability, safety, and ease of maintenance.
8. Observe how visitors interact with exhibits and help identify opportunities to improve instructions, functionality, engagement, or the overall visitor experience.
9. Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, testing, project progress, materials used, and recommended next steps.
10. Keep tools, equipment, materials, and work areas organized and follow established safety procedures.
11. Communicate project status, problems, material needs, and safety concerns to the Exhibits and Facilities Director.
12. Collaborate with Exhibits staff and other Science Central departments on exhibit development, installation, maintenance, and special projects.
13. Complete other related exhibit projects and duties appropriate to the intern’s skills, training, and experience.

Qualifications

Must be a currently-enrolled community college, 4-year college or university student in good academic standing.

Experience in any of the following areas is beneficial but not required: Acting, Advanced Automatics and Robotics Technology; Biotechnology; Computer Science; Database Management & Administration; Education; Electronics & Computer Technology; Engineering; General Studies; Informatics; Information Technology Support; Liberal Arts; Server Administration; Software Development and Visual Communications.

Learning Objectives

During the internship, the Exhibits Intern will work toward the following learning objectives:

1. Apply safe practices when using hand tools, power tools, ladders, electrical components, adhesives, and other materials commonly used in exhibit construction and maintenance.
2. Develop practical troubleshooting skills by helping diagnose, document, and address mechanical, electrical, software, or operational problems involving the Planetarium, Science On a Sphere, and museum exhibits.
3. Explain the basic operation and educational purpose of the Planetarium, Science On a Sphere, and selected hands-on exhibits.
4. Participate in the exhibit-development process, including researching scientific concepts, generating ideas, creating plans or prototypes, testing designs, incorporating feedback, and preparing an exhibit for visitor use.
5. Apply engineering, design, fabrication, electrical, mechanical, or technology skills to construct, install, repair, or improve hands-on exhibits.
6. Evaluate exhibits from a visitor’s perspective, considering scientific accuracy, ease of use, durability, accessibility, safety, and educational value.
7. Maintain clear project and maintenance documentation, including research, design decisions, materials used, repairs completed, testing results, and recommended next steps.
8. Strengthen professional skills by communicating progress, asking questions, responding to feedback, managing assigned priorities, collaborating with staff, and completing increasingly independent work appropriate to the intern’s training and experience.

Contact Information