Engineering Technician: Carpentry at undefined

Position Summary

The Engineering Technician (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 (LSE) team with exhibit fabrication and installation, as well as working with other team members on 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

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on existing building facilities, Life-Support systems, exhibits and associated interactives as directed by management
  • Meet with the LSE management to coordinate daily work schedules
  • Conduct routine preventative maintenance of exhibit interactive’s, display devices, and interpretive signage
  • Conduct daily exhibit walkthroughs to identify and repair problem areas as needed
  • Use creative problem-solving for exhibit maintenance, life-support and facility related issues
  • Keep exhibit property, equipment, and tools organized and in good working condition
  • Design/build low tech interactive exhibits, custom cabinets and display components
  • Assist exhibit team with exhibit installation
  • Conduct routine “housekeeping” tasks associated with exhibit maintenance including vacuuming, painting, and general repairs to existing materials 
  • Identify materials needed for projects and complete requisitions for the purchase  of supplies and materials 
  • Work with Creative Services team to implement engaging exhibits
  • Ability to work with metals, plastics, wood, acrylics and various other materials on a daily basis
  • Must be flexible and capable of jumping from one project to another, depending on priority
  • Support the development of small-life support systems
  • Willing to be trained on LSE equipment and be responsible for the upkeep of associated equipment
  • Recommend ideas for promoting a safe work place
  • Anticipate problems or issues and responding accordingly
  • Seek cost savings and participates in capital design when appropriate
  • Maintain positive attitude in adverse situations
  • Participate in on call rotation for after-hours emergencies
  • Must follow all personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety requirements
  • Required to pass certifications for forklift, boom lift, telehandler, and electric pallet jack operation
  • Participate in on call rotation for after-hours emergencies
    • May be required to work specific shifts due to project demands, which may include weekends, evenings and/or overtime as needed
    • May be required to participate in rotating hurricane ride out team 
  • Adapt to workweek project schedule as this position is shared between the Engineering Department and occasionally the Creative Services Department.  The work schedule will be determined by the Engineering Lead
  • Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers
  • Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Engineering Lead or Director of Engineering.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• H.S. Diploma or GED 
• Five years of significant experience in various trades 
• 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 a plus
• Familiar with woods, metals, acrylic, laminates, 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
• 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 work day
• 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