Job Description
About the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center
Kamin Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination and the region’s most visited museum, reaching more than 500,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and educational programs.
This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums' many Benefits.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.
The Mechanics Manager, Science of Speed is responsible for overseeing the Mechanics, as well as the day-to-day technical operations of the Science of Speed exhibition. This position helps to coordinate the schedules, tasks, and materials needed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. In addition to this work, this position also spends time within the exhibition servicing/maintaining go-karts, track, and exhibits, as well as addressing the needs of the institution for special events rentals.
Alongside the Director, Science of Speed and the Associate Director, Exhibit Support and Digital Experiences, the Mechanics Manager will help to provide the leadership and support necessary to ensure the continual positive evolution of both electro-mechanical and technical based experiences throughout the Science of Speed exhibition.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Requires some college or technical school coursework related to a career in technical equipment; will consider commensurate work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in maintaining go-karts and go-kart systems; will consider commensurate work experience.
• Must have team coordination, logistics, and planning skills.
• Strong technical competency is required.
• Experience in audio-visual systems is a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Must have a strong mechanical aptitude and comfort in working with electric motors utilizing lead-acid/lithium batteries.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical and technical issues quickly.
• Must thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and be able to establish and adhere to project goals, deadlines, and budgets.
• Possess outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills. Has the ability to work on multiple projects at once and use sound time management.
• Must be adept at working on and leading teams, with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Able to select, train, manage, and motivate employees and to coordinate the efforts of team members.
• Must have the ability to develop strategies that guide and motivate team members in their work, setting clear expectations and establishing high standards of excellence.
• Ability to work in fast-paced operational environments with high safety expectations.
• Ability to handle a flexible work schedule that includes a variable work week. This includes weekday, evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to lift 50lbs when moving equipment or kart components.
• Ability to kneel, bend, reach, and maneuver around equipment and track spaces.
• Ability to walk the entire multi-level track, including being comfortable with heights up to 20 feet off the ground and climbing stairs, is required.
• Frequent movement throughout the Science of Speed exhibition.
Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Supervises Mechanics. Ensures that all necessary technical needs, specifications, maintenance (preventative and corrective), and schedules are operating at 100%. Contributes directly as support for the Mechanics, as well as various supporting teams.
• Prepares/coordinates the daily schedules and tasks of the Mechanics, as well as monitoring performance, assigning roles, and recommending hiring, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Develops, updates and monitors policies, procedure manuals, and equipment, supply and materials inventories. Secures necessary materials/supplies.
• Assist Associate Director, Exhibit Support and Digital Experiences in identifying opportunities in prioritizing maintenance and upgrades, assigning work to team members, and evaluating outcome and quality of work.
• When needed, conducts opening/closing track and kart performance checks, as well as routine inspections of electric go-karts, identifying mechanical, electrical, or safety issues.
• Ensures the track, pit, and kart shop areas are clean and safe and that repairs are performed promptly to minimize downtime and ensure visitors’ safety.
• Inspects and maintains track-related systems including barriers, lighting, timing equipment, and safety mechanisms.
• When needed, supports daily “track walk” safety checks alongside Track Marshals and managers. Assists track crew with track operations in limited situations.
• Ensures all repairs and maintenance activities meet safety and operational protocols established for the exhibition.
• Participates in safety audits and implement corrective actions as directed. Delivers rapid response to critical karting incidents.
• Supports coordination with Special Events staff to ensure technical readiness for evening rentals and racing leagues.
• Provides a professional, guest-focused presence consistent with Kamin Science Center (KSC) service expectations.
• All other duties as assigned
In addition to the specific tasks above, the position is expected to reflect standard KSC practices
GENERAL MANAGER-LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• At all times, uphold KSC’s Four Keys of Operation: Safety, Courtesy, The Experience, and Efficiency; interact with all colleagues in a professional and respectful manner in accordance with KSC Community Norms.
• Serve at all times as an exemplary advocate for and model of KSC’s values and demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and accessibility efforts at the museum.
• Intentionally look for and foster opportunities to collaborate with other KSC departments and/or Carnegie Museums components to eliminate programmatic silos and create a holistic visitor experience.
• Provide “front line” support, as needed, over the course of the year during times of peak visitation (e.g. holidays, special events, STEM competitions, etc.).
• Maintain basic departmental responsibilities (timely email, phone, communication; calendar management; regular availability for meetings between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday – Friday).
• Perform other activities as required by your supervisor.
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.
Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.
*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below. Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function? The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often? Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential. G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it? If so, it is more likely to be essential.
