Engineering Technician: Exhibit Carpenter/Fabricator

Florida Aquarium•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Engineering Technician (Exhibit 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 team with exhibit fabrication and installation, as well as 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.

Requirements

H.S. Diploma or GED preferred
Five years of significant experience in various trades required
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
Ability to work with woods, metals, acrylic, laminates, fiberglass (FRP), 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
Holds a current Florida drivers license with a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Ability to MIG, TIG, and Arc Weld is desirable but not a requirement

Responsibilities

Works with metals, plastics, wood, acrylics, fiberglass (FRP), and various other materials on a daily basis.
Meets with the Engineering Lead and/or the LSE management to coordinate daily work schedules.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on existing building facilities, Life-Support systems, exhibits and associated interactives as directed by management.
Maintain The Florida Aquarium (TFA) and Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s (AZA) standards and readiness at all times.
Conducts routine preventative maintenance of exhibit interactive’s, display devices, and interpretive signage.
Works on new installations, repairs and perform preventative maintenance to ensure all aquarium areas are best in class.
Maintains exhibit and support areas in a manner that will not obstruct daily operations or impact guest experience.
Assists engineering team with larger in-house projects as needed.
Conducts daily exhibit walkthroughs and identifies and repairs problem areas.
Uses creative problem-solving for exhibit maintenance, life-support and facility related issues.
Keeps exhibit property, equipment, and tools organized and in good working condition.
Designs/builds low tech interactive exhibits, custom cabinets and display components.
Assists exhibit team with exhibit installation.
Conducts routine “housekeeping” tasks associated with exhibit maintenance including vacuuming, painting, general repairs to existing materials.
Identifies materials needed and completes requisitions for supplies for the purchase of materials.
Works with Creative Services team to implement engaging exhibits.
Must be flexible and capable of jumping from one project to another, depending on priority.
Supports the development of small-life support systems.
Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers.
To be trained in LSE equipment and will be responsible for the upkeep of associated equipment.
Recommends ideas for promoting a safe workplace.
Follows all safety policies, procedures and requirements, to include use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
Anticipates problems or issues responding accordingly.
Seeks cost savings and participates in capital design when appropriate.
Maintains positive attitude in adverse situations.
Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
Completes a rigid training program on all facility equipment, and cross-training in life support operations to assist as needed.
Required to pass certifications for forklift, boom lift, telehandler, and electric pallet jack operation.
Carries a radio on person and responds to departmental and facility needs when notified.
Ensures schedule flexibility with event coverage rotation as needed; may be assigned to work events after normal operating hours.
May be required to participate in rotating Hurricane ride out team.
Performs other duties as assigned by Engineering Lead or Director of Engineering.