Exhibits Technician (IT)
Department of Information Technology
Background:
Built originally for the 1964 World’s Fair, the mission of the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is to bring the excitement and understanding of science and technology to children, families, teachers and others by galvanizing their curiosity and offering them creative, participatory ways to learn. Today NYSCI offers an unparalleled range of 450 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, discovery labs, a science and technology library and special events that promote curiosity, creativity and discovery and invite visitors to explore STEM. NYSCI is the City’s only hands-on science and technology center and is committed to serving a broad audience, particularly low-income, minority and other underserved communities. Each year, NYSCI serves nearly a half-million visitors who are recognized as the most ethnically diverse population in the country, including children and families, students, teachers, community groups and more from every borough of New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties, the tri-state area, and beyond.
NYSCI is currently developing new approaches to engaging visitors in science on the floor of the museum. The largest of these initiatives, the Design Lab, is scheduled to open at NYSCI in 2014. Design-based practices on the museum floor require facilitation, and a key objective is to develop new training models for Explainers that will effectively support this work.
NYSCI has approximately 90 full-time and over 150 part-time staff-members.
Departmental Role: The IT Technician is responsible for the deployment, operation, maintenance, and support of hardware, software, and related infrastructure that enables NYSCI to accomplish its mission and goals.
Function: The IT Technician is responsible for evaluating, repairing and maintaining all computer-based exhibit hardware, software, audio and video components and other electronic exhibit based equipment required to guarantee the highest quality visitor experience for NYSCI guests. The IT Technician will also provide systems and desktop support LOB personnel as directed.
Principal Responsibilities:
1. Daily tasks include: diagnose and troubleshoot computer hardware and software, repair electronic control devices such as trackballs and touch-screens, troubleshoot electromechanical peripherals such as serial-controlled motors, pumps, input-output devices, and repair/replace audio and video equipment.
2. Research, specify, make recommendations and provide cost estimates for repair, upgrade or replacement of electronic equipment. Obtain quotes from vendors and handle equipment orders. Facilitate redesign or seek functional replacements for obsolete exhibit technologies.
3. Develop/maintain exhibit documentation, including equipment and parts specification, updating of manuals, repair records and costs,
4. Builds, deploys and maintains desktop workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, fax machines, and other information systems resources as needed.
5. Plan, implement, and administrate IT security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
6. Conduct regular reviews of the asset management data to insure an accurate accounting of server/infrastructure inventory.
7. Responding to and resolving client service issues in a timely manner to support line of business SLA obligations.
8. Follow management direction and guidelines for day to day management of service tickets, change orders requests, and incident management.
9. Produces documentation that describes systems, operational procedures, events and associated processes.
10. Work with Director of IT and Director of Exhibits Services to formulate long- and short-range planning for equipment standardization and upgrades across all exhibits, also help set priorities for upgrades and anticipate obsolescence in cost effective and budget sensitive ways.
11. Train personnel as needed.
12. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with exhibits and IT personnel as well associates, consultants, customers and visitors. Prepare for and participate in department and interdepartmental meetings and perform other job-related duties and assigned by Director of IT.
13. Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
14. Responsible for off hours support as needed.
15. Complete other tasks as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Actively supervise consultants, designers and vendors as needed to maintain and create AMAZING public experiences for NYSCI.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree and Technical training/equivalent technical experience required. ACSP / MCDST, and Google Apps Certified Deployment Specialist certification highly desired. BS, BA, or Masters in relevant field a plus.
Experience: Experience upgrading interactive applications, and migrating interactive applications to new computer platforms is required.
Knowledge:
•Commitment to the philosophy and mission of NY Hall of Science.
•Ability to analyze, diagnose and troubleshoot technical hardware and software systems is required.
•Experience upgrading interactive applications, and migrating interactive applications to new computer platforms is required.
•Expertise in software and hardware computer systems including: Windows (XP – 8), OS X (v10.3 – 10.8), Adobe Flash and Director, Max MSP Jitter desirable. Experience working with microcontrollers such as the Basic Stamp and PLCs is highly desirable.
•Knowledge of Audio and video production and editing software is desirable.
•Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and CAD (Sketchup Pro) desirable.
•Passion and knowledge about the use of technology to support creative, engaged learning.
•Service oriented approach with an ability to provide hands-on support and invest in job details to ensure successful outcomes.
•Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
•Demonstrable experience in working with teams.
•Ability to maintain workflow on multiple complex projects simultaneously and supporting deadlines.
•Ability to get ideas accepted and to guide a group or individual to accomplish the task.
•Ability to modify leadership style and management approach to reach goal.
•Strong communications skills with the ability to express ideas clearly both in written and oral communications; ability to effectively present information, be responsive to, and clarify complex material for a variety of audiences with limited IT expertise.
Compensation:
Commensurate with education, skills and experience, including an excellent NYSCI benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should send resume and cover letter with salary range/requirements.
No calls please.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2012
Targeted Start Date: Immediately
Or email (preferred) to: department jobs@nysci.org
Please include job title in subject line.
The New York Hall of Science supports diversity in the workplace. NYSCI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and supports a drug free workplace