Exhibit Preparator, Part-time Temporary

About Chicago Children’s Museum: 

Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) is committed to improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. We embrace creativity and collaboration; we never stop learning, and we remember to stop and play along the way. CCM’s staff is a dedicated group of curious individuals who embrace the playful spirit of childhood. Every employee is empowered to reach their potential and recognized for the impact they have on our organization, visitors, and the community we serve. Over its 43-year history, Chicago Children’s Museum has provided innovative exhibits, arts programs, STEM experiments, imaginative play, and more to over 11 million children and their caregivers. Located at Navy Pier, the museum is intentionally designed for experimentation, creativity, and the universal pursuits of childhood. CCM focuses on accessibility, inclusion, and learning for all children, ensuring valuable and memorable experiences for all visitors.  

Position Summary:  

Chicago Children’s Museum seeks Temporary Exhibits Preparators. This seasonal position assists the full-time preparatory staff with exhibit turnarounds and the maintenance of interactive exhibits, with the goal of creating safe, functional, and attractive experiences for museum visitors and staff. The ability to finish tasks thoroughly, with strong attention to detail, is an essential characteristic of an Exhibit Preparator. These projects include both in-house and traveling exhibitions and can vary in size and scope.  

This position reports to the Manager of Exhibits but is closely supervised by all members of the full-time preparatory team. 

While employed at Chicago Children's Museum, the Exhibit Preparator is expected to perform their duties at an acceptable level and conduct themselves as outlined in the museum’s Employee Policy Manual.  

Essential Functions:  

• Assisting with the installation and deinstallation of exhibits  
• Assisting with the fabrication and finishing work on custom exhibit elements
• Assisting with the packing and transport of exhibit elements as necessary
• Assisting with the maintenance needs of current exhibits, such as repairs, paint touch-ups, and graphic installation
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Basic to moderate experience using hand and portable power tools 
• Basic to moderate art or artifact handling and installation experience
• Basic to moderate general fabrication experience, especially in woodworking and finishing 
• Ability to take and follow directions well 
• Strong attention to detail 
• A commitment to deadlines 
• Works well in a team environment 
• Post-secondary school degree or related training preferred 
• Museum experience preferred 

Physical Requirements of the position:  

• Must have the ability to routinely lift 50 lbs. and do physical work all day 
• Should have the ability to work on ladders and aerial work platforms.  
• Most work is done on weekdays starting at 6:30 AM.  
• Evening or weekend work may be required on specific projects. 

Location: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 

Hours: This is a temporary, part-time position, working 6:30 am - 2:30 pm, January 5 - January 16, 2026, with potential extensions for other special projects. Position pays $24.22/hr. CCM provides Chicago Paid Leave and Chicago Paid Leave pursuant to Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance.