Opening in 2015, the Science Mill is a nonprofit science museum dedicated to engaging all students in STEM through hands-on, interactive exhibits and remotely delivered programs. Kids learn by doing, experimenting, discovering and, most importantly, by being curious.
The Science Mill is a place of minds-on participation — fully experiential, where curiosity is the primary currency and the intentional chaos of active learning is celebrated. Operating primarily in Texas with a 50-exhibit museum in Johnson City, the Science Mill has successfully delivered STEM programs in other states and countries.
Our vision: A world where all kids — regardless of economic status, location, gender, or race — have equitable access to STEM programs and can imagine themselves in a future STEM workforce and science-literate community.
About The Science Mill
The Science Mill is a nonprofit STEM science museum dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and learning through hands-on, interactive exhibits. We serve learners of all ages and backgrounds, connecting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to everyday life through engaging experiences.
Position Overview
The mission of the Exhibits and Maintenance Team at the Science Mill is to optimize the visitor experience and preserve the quality and reliability of exhibits. The Exhibits Coordinator/Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Science Mill’s interactive exhibits, including mechanical, electronic, and software-driven exhibits.
This role blends technical troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and direct guest engagement. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys troubleshooting systems, learning new technologies, and explaining how things work to the public.
Training and onboarding are provided.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair interactive exhibits, ensuring they are fully operational, safe, and engaging, including mechanical, electronic, and aesthetic components.
- Follow and promote a safety-first approach to exhibit maintenance, facility operations, and workshop activities.
- Conduct daily walkthroughs to test exhibits and components, assess priorities, and address issues promptly and effectively.
- Upload, manage, and update exhibit software and firmware as needed.
- Create, maintain, and execute preventative maintenance schedules to anticipate service needs and reduce downtime.
- Assist with the design, fabrication, testing, installation, dismantling, and development of new or existing exhibits.
- Maintain exhibit inventories, tools, equipment, and workshop spaces.
- Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and suppliers on exhibit components, repairs, equipment, materials, purchasing, procurement, inventory management, cost tracking, and specialized services.
- Partner with the Living Systems Coordinator with exhibit-related care, maintenance, and operational needs.
- Proactively identify and address small changes before they become larger issues.
- Maintain a consistently high-quality guest experience through reliable exhibit performance.
- Escalate major or complex issues to senior staff when appropriate.
- High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework or vocational training is a plus.
- Technical training, trade certification, or related experience demonstrating strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
- Hands-on repair experience in exhibit maintenance, electronics, mechanics, fabrication, facilities maintenance, or related technical fields, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Software proficiency, including the ability to upload, manage, and update exhibit software.
- Experience with microcontrollers, electronics, and circuitry.
- Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with maintenance planning and scheduling systems.
- Experience using hand tools, power tools, and common maintenance equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, schematics, manuals, and plans.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a team.
- Observant and detail-oriented, with a focus on safety and reliability.
- Comfortable working in a public, visitor-facing environment.
- Comfortable working on ladders and lifting objects up to 40 pounds.
- Access to a vehicle for reimbursed errands.
- Strong organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Self-starter who takes initiative and ownership.
- Natural explainer who enjoys helping others understand systems.
- Reliable, consistent, and resourceful.
- Curious and always learning, with an interest in technology of all kinds.
- Enjoys troubleshooting systems and solving practical, real-world problems.
- Experience in a museum, science center, makerspace, exhibit, or educational environment.
- Experience with procurement, purchasing, supplier relationships, or vendor management.
- Familiarity with automation and control systems.
- Team members are expected to collaborate closely in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
- Blend of hands-on exhibit maintenance and public interaction.
- Active, problem-solving environment that requires flexibility and curiosity.
Send a Letter of Interest and Resume to apply for the Interactive Exhibits Technician position.
Apply at info@sciencemill.org The Science Mill is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.Founded in 2015, the Science Mill is a nonprofit science center, dedicated to engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on, interactive exhibits and innovative programs. Located in Johnson City, Texas, in the repurposed historic 1880-era Johnson City Grist Mill, the Science Mill offers a fully experiential environment focused on self-exploration, where kids learn by doing, experimenting, discovering, and asking questions.
Our mission supports our vision of a world where all kids, regardless of economic status, location, gender, or race, have access to engaging and innovative STEM programs. Students receive support and confidence to reach their full potential in future STEM careers and become part of a science-literate community and problem solvers of the future.
The Science Mill brings a special blend of entrepreneurial spirit and progressive educational programs and platforms to students living in underserved communities throughout Texas.
The Manager of Philanthropy provides administrative, project, and donor-support leadership for the Science Mill’s development efforts. This position will report to the Director of Philanthropy.
The ideal candidate has experience working within a philanthropy or development team; strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills; and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, stakeholders, and sensitive information with professionalism and sound judgment. This person is proactive, detail-oriented, collaborative, mission-aligned, and comfortable turning plans into completed work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- Provide administrative and project support for the Science Mill’s philanthropy efforts.
- Maintain and update development calendars, prospect lists, grant deadlines, donor records, and other development tracking tools.
- Assist with preparing grant applications, including gathering program information, statistics, budgets, outcomes, stories, and supporting documents from Science Mill staff.
- Prepare donor acknowledgments, stewardship communications, correspondence, and other donor-related administrative materials.
- Coordinate with external resources to assess and communicate the impact of Science Mill offsite programs.
- Support development events, donor visits, fundraising campaigns, and other philanthropic activities as needed.
- Demonstrated experience working within a philanthropy team.
- Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and common office technology.
- Ability to organize information, maintain accurate records, and follow established processes.
- Strong follow-through and ability to independently manage assigned responsibilities.
- Organization & Attention to Detail – Maintains accurate records, tracks deadlines, and manages multiple priorities effectively.
- Initiative & Follow-Through – Identifies what needs to be done, takes ownership, and follows tasks through to completion.
- Communication – Communicates clearly, professionally, and proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Project Coordination – Keeps projects, deadlines, action items, and stakeholders organized.
- Data & Resource Stewardship – Works accurately with organizational, financial, program, and development information.
- Collaboration – Builds positive working relationships across departments and contributes to a team-oriented culture.
- Mission Alignment – Demonstrates genuine commitment to the Science Mill’s mission and the advancement of STEM opportunities for young people.
- Adaptability – Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities may change, and new needs arise.
- Professional Judgment & Confidentiality – Handles sensitive information responsibly and exercises sound judgment.
Please send your cover letter and resume to apply for the Manager of Philanthropy position.
Apply at hr@sciencemill.org For more information, visit sciencemill.org