Placer County

To plan, design, construct and install exhibits and displays at all County museums and to formulate material lists; and to assist with a wide variety of public outreach efforts in support of the county’s museum programs.

Receives general supervision from the Museum Administrator.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level technical staff and volunteers.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Construct rough and finished three-dimensional exhibits using skilled carpentry through to finished detailing including background painting, sculptural work, textile fabrication, lettering, silk screening, fiberglassing, and special effects.
• Design and construct computer generated display elements using graphic design principles, photography, videography, and animation.
• Coordinate work crews, equipment, tools and supplies and provide for transportation to various museum work sites.
• Purchase materials and supplies for exhibit construction and museum maintenance; maintain records and stay within budget; maintain appropriate records and photographic record of work through the project.
• Consult with Museums Administrator in planning and costing exhibits and projects; meet with museum curators to identify interpretive themes and select appropriate artifacts.
• Pack and transport artifacts and props for use in exhibits or storage; set up and dismantle exhibits.
• Prepare layouts, cover designs and finished work in the production of interpretive graphic presentations including miscellaneous publications, pamphlets, brochures and web based design.
• Plan, implement and participate in public information related to museum programs in accordance with the department’s goals and objectives; assists with the dissemination of information to the general public.
• Assist with museum outreach efforts; plan, arrange and coordinate workshops, information sessions, educational and volunteer events, and conferences.
• Research and write museum newsletter articles, brochures, fliers, and other materials in support of the museums public information efforts.
• Oversee, train and work with volunteer work crews in exhibit construction, public presentations, detailing and museum maintenance.
• Respond to an emergency at the museum.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of responsible exhibit preparation experience or one year of responsible experience performing skilled building craft trades such as electrical, painting, cabinet/furniture making, metal fabrication, or related field.

Training: Equivalent to an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Construction, English, History, Art, Communications, Information Technology or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of museum exhibit and display design, construction and finishing, carpentry work, alterations and repairs.
• Hand and power tools and specialty tools.
• Various graphic arts techniques including silk screening, photography, and typography.
• Techniques used in preparing and delivering effective visual, oral and written presentations.
• Computer software programs such as word processing, graphic design or layout programs, and/or internet web page maintenance or design.
• Principles and practices of research and communication methodologies.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of work safety.  

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze problems with equipment; identify and locate equipment; interpret assignments; remember equipment and artifact location; and explain jobs to others.
• Handle multiple project assignments, analyze and establish priorities, and maintain the flexibility to change priorities often as required.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Perform independent research then analyze and explain detailed information in a meaningful way.
• Learn photography, and use of other audio-visual tools.
• Work independently and as a cooperative, contributing member of a team.
• Plan, assign, review and coordinate the work of others.
• Operate a pick-up truck.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work assigned shift and be willing to work unusual and/or prolonged hours in an emergency or to meet tight deadlines.
• Establish and maintain safety training for power tools.
• Continue learning new techniques, products and tools.
• Intermittently, sit while studying or preparing reports; bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist when performing installation of exhibits; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift very heavy weight.