Do you have a skill for fixing things and making technology work seamlessly? Are you inspired by the idea of supporting immersive exhibitions and digital experiences that inspire thousands of visitors?
About us
At the Science Museum Group (SMG), we’re here to inspire futures. Across our museums, we explore how science, technology and innovation have transformed our world and continue to shape our future.
At the National Science and Media Museum (NSMM) in Bradford, we explore the extraordinary impact of image and sound technologies on our lives. From photography and film to gaming and broadcasting, our collections tell the story of how media connects us all.
As well as caring for historic collections, we’re committed to the future - collecting more contemporary and digital materials and developing new ways to engage our audiences. With new Sound and Vision exhibitions and major digital initiatives, we’re entering an exciting new chapter.
We’re now looking for a Exhibitions Maintenance Technician to join our team on a part-time basis. In this role, you’ll help keep our exhibitions, displays and public programmes running smoothly - ensuring visitors experience our exhibits as they’re meant to be seen, heard and interacted with.
About the role
You’ll be part of the team that ensures every display, screen and interactive exhibit works safely and reliably each day. Whether you’re checking exhibitions before opening, fixing an exhibit in the workshop, or setting up AV for an evening event, your work will help bring the museum to life for our visitors.
A typical day might include:
- Starting with a daily check of the exhibitions, powering up systems and performing maintenance on any exhibits that need attention
- Responding to radio calls from colleagues about technical issues and diagnosing them on the spot
- Carrying out small repairs and preventive maintenance in the workshop
- Meeting with colleagues from the Public Programme team to plan technical needs for an upcoming event
- Tidying and organising the workshop or stores to keep tools and materials ready for use
What you will be doing
- Ensuring exhibitions have started up correctly each morning and are ready for visitors
- Diagnosing and repairing technical issues with exhibits and displays
- Completing both preventative and reactive maintenance to exhibits and interactives
- Providing practical technical advice and problem-solving within your technical skills
- Supporting Museum events with AV set-up and troubleshooting
- Collaborating with colleagues to ensure the safe operation of all equipment and displays
- Maintaining workshop spaces, tools and stores to a high standard
- Demonstrating inclusive behaviours and promoting a culture of openness and teamwork
- Taking responsibility for your own health and safety and supporting that of others
- Participating in SMG’s incident response and business continuity arrangements when required
What you bring to the team
You will have:
- A willingness to learn and develop new technical skills
- Some experience working with audio-visual (AV) or related systems
- A good level of ICT literacy and confidence with Microsoft Windows
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a busy team
- Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach
- Initiative to troubleshoot and adapt to changing situation
- Curiosity and creativity when researching solutions to technical problems
- Effective communication skills, both with technical colleagues and non-specialist teams
- A commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards
- A values-driven approach and passion for contributing to an open and inclusive organisation
It would be great if you also have:
- Confidence setting up and operating PA systems
- Experience using macOS or Linux operating systems
- Some knowledge of computer networking and protocols
- Practical experience with hand tools and power tools
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you’ll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Meaningful work. We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
- Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
