Job Description

Exhibits Manager

The Science Mill | Johnson City, TX

Full‑Time | Nonprofit STEM Science Museum

Build, fix, and bring science to life.

The  Science Mill is a nonprofit STEM science museum dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through hands‑on, interactive exhibits. We welcome learners of all ages and backgrounds and connect science, technology, engineering, and math to everyday life in meaningful, memorable ways.

We’re looking for an  Exhibits Manager who loves solving problems, working with their hands, and sharing how things work with the public.

About the Role

The Exhibits Manager oversees the daily operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Science Mill’s interactive exhibits—including mechanical, electronic, software‑driven, and living systems. This is a highly hands‑on role that blends technical troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, animal and plant care, and direct visitor engagement.

If you enjoy fixing things, learning new systems, and explaining science in approachable ways, this role is for you.  Training and onboarding are provided.

What You’ll Do

Exhibit Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair interactive exhibits to keep them safe, reliable, and engaging
• Perform daily walkthroughs to test exhibits and address issues quickly
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electronic, and software issues on the spot
• Upload, manage, and maintain exhibit software and firmware
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance schedules
• Coordinate with third‑party vendors for repairs, parts, and specialized services
• Escalate complex issues to senior staff when needed
• Ensure a consistently high‑quality guest experience through excellent exhibit performance

Living Systems & Aquarium Care

• Provide daily care for living exhibits, including aquariums, animals, and plants
• Monitor water quality, life‑support systems, and overall exhibit health
• Finetune biological and mechanical systems for optimal performance
• Proactively identify small changes before they become larger problems

Guest Engagement & Education

• Engage visitors on the exhibit floor in a friendly, approachable way
• Demonstrate and “show off” exhibits, explaining how and why they work
• Adapt explanations for different ages, backgrounds, and learning styles
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Science Mill’s mission

What We’re Looking For

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with hands‑on repair experience
• Comfortable working with software, electronics, microcontrollers, and circuitry
• Excellent diagnostic and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team
• Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on safety and reliability
• Comfortable in a public, visitor‑facing environment
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree  and/or relevant hands‑on experience (zoo, aquarium, pet store, plant nursery, or similar)
• Ability to use ladders and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Access to a vehicle for reimbursed work errands

Traits That Help You Thrive Here

• Self‑starter who takes ownership and initiative
• Clear communicator and supportive team member
• Natural explainer who enjoys helping others understand systems
• Reliable, resourceful, and curious
• Interest in biology, living systems, and how things work
• Enjoys solving practical, real‑world problems

Bonus (Preferred) Experience

• Advanced aquatic or life‑support systems
• Automation and control systems
• Biology, environmental science, or related fields
• Research laboratory experience
• 4‑H or similar youth science/agriculture programs

Work Environment

• Full‑time, hands‑on position
• Mix of exhibit maintenance, animal and plant care, and public interaction
• An active, problem‑solving environment that values curiosity and flexibility

Compensation

• $40,000-$50,000, or commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Send a  letter of interest and resume to  info@sciencemill.org

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