Posted: Oct 15, 2025
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Exhibit Operations Specialist I

Adler Planetarium - Chicago, IL
Full-time
Salary: $23.00 - $24.53 Hourly
Application Deadline: N/A
Museum
About the Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and to one another. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.
 
Today, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts. With Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.
 
The Position
The Adler Planetarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Specialist I to join our dynamic team on Chicago's Museum Campus. The Exhibit Operations Specialist will manage the opening and closing of exhibit galleries, perform routine maintenance, and ensure the optimal condition of exhibit spaces. Daily tasks include cleaning, conducting rounds, troubleshooting and repair, and maintaining the appearance of exhibits, galleries, and public spaces. The role also supports the Exhibits team with projects such as new exhibit builds, installations, digital wiring, graphic placement, and the upkeep of both mechanical and digital components.

This individual will also be responsible for:
  • Open and close museum exhibits and galleries, including turning on/off interactive components, equipment, computers, and lighting, and ensuring all components are clean and in safe working condition.
  • Serve as Exhibits support staff for Adler-sponsored evening events as assigned.
  • Inspect exhibits, galleries, displays, design lab spaces, and signage daily for wear and tear, and determine the need for repairs or refurbishment. Perform minor repairs and maintenance as necessary.
  • Respond to radio calls and take corrective action as needed or escalate issues to other staff.
  • Perform routine cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, and removing dirt, monitoring for wear and tear, support digital exhibitry wiring, installation, and conducting preventive maintenance on exhibit components (e.g., replacing wires, cables, lights, lenses, batteries, switches, keyboards, circuit boards, motors).
  • Handle material tasks such as emptying trash receptacles and loading/unloading trucks.
  • Execute larger maintenance projects as assigned, such as recabling, rewiring exhibits, inspecting and replacing mechanical components (belts, bearings, pulleys, and motors), cleaning and lubricating interactive components, repainting galleries, and replacing graphics and signage.
  • Assist with larger Exhibits team projects, including new exhibit production, major paint jobs, and graphic installations; support the maintenance of digital exhibit components.
  • Provide a positive customer-facing experience by presenting a neat and professional appearance, treating guests with respect, and assisting them to make the most of their visit.
The Work Schedule
The typical work schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 7 AM to 3 PM or 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Some Wednesday mornings, from 8 AM to 4 PM, or Wednesday evenings, from 2 PM to 10 PM. Some early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and Holidays as assigned.
 
The Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time)
Base Pay Range: $23.00-$24.53/hr.
Work-Life Balance
  • 35-hour workweek
  • Eligible to accrue up to 12 vacation days per year to start
  • 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
  • 7 Adler paid holidays
  • 4 Personal Holidays (Prorated for new hires starting after January 1st)
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
  • Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
  • Paid Parental Leave
Competitive Health Coverage
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance
  • Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter flexible spending accounts
  • Adler Paid Short-Term Disability insurance
Retirement Savings Plan
  • 403B plan with Adler match
  • Adler's match is 100% vested immediately
  • Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire
Network of Support through our EAP programs
  • Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
  • Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
  • Free subscription to the Calm Premium app
Employee Loan Program
Discounted Onsite Parking Program
Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions
 
The Person
We’re looking for a reliable, detail-oriented team player with experience in museum operations, general maintenance, and hands-on work and repairs. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in tight spaces or at heights, can lift 50 pounds or more, and brings strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills. A willingness to learn new technologies, improve existing skills, and adapt to challenges is essential. If you take pride in your work and enjoy collaborating with others, we’d be excited to hear from you!
 
Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Minimum of two years of work experience
  • General fabrication and construction skills; familiarity with carpenter’s shop tools and standard hand tools
  • Wall framing, sheathing, drywall patching, and painting skills
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull loads of up to 50+lbs
  • Comfort working at elevated heights and in awkward spaces
  • Basic computer skills and experience with web searching and office software; strong aptitude for learning new technology
  • Ability to learn and retain new skills and a strong desire to improve existing skills
  • Efficient time-management skills and the ability to complete tasks accurately and on time
  • Commitment to consistent, high-quality, detail-oriented work
  • Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic
  • Team-oriented with the ability to work independently when appropriate
  • Ability to make decisions impacting staff and guest experience
  • Ability to take action to shut down exhibits or components in case of safety or operational concerns
  • Ability to determine when an issue should be escalated or resolved quickly

  • Ability to work in physically demanding environments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate's Degree or 3+ years of professional work experience
  • OSHA General Industry Safety, Ladder/Lift Training
  • Experience in museum operations, audio-visual production, theatrical production/stagehand work, entertainment, or exhibitions
  • Proficiency with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, IT, and interactive technology (appreciated but not required)

  • Experience with Google G Suite, Slack, and MS Office Suite

The Adler Planetarium is committed to upholding its obligations as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.