Exhibition Designer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium – Museum Studies

Job Title: Exhibition Designer

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Monterey, CA

Salary: $82,500 – $101,000

About the job

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

With limited supervision, develop 3D design solutions for aquarium exhibitions and other public-facing spaces and experiences. Take lead 3D design role on small to mid-sized projects, guiding process and project timelines, and coordinating with key collaborators. Develop exhibition concepts and proposals; represent design ideas through detailed exhibition design drawings, sketches, and models. Contribute to an iterative design process that reflects exhibition content and visitor experience goals. Integrate animal care needs, life support systems, tank designs, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire safety, ADA guidelines, and best practices in accessibility and inclusion into designs. As part of a creative team that includes content and media developers, production staff, aquarists, and project managers, Exhibition Designer 3 must work well in a collaborative environment and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating meaningful public experiences for diverse audiences. Perform other duties as required.*

Please note: A cover letter, resume and portfolio are required to be considered for this role.

Core Activities:

Research and advise on 3D design precedents; develop design concepts and directions for exhibitions and operational projects.
Define and develop exhibition design goals, milestones, and work schedules in collaboration across departments to meet exhibition and visitor experience goals, integrating animal care and life support system needs.
Produce detailed design documents that represent 3D design directions and solutions, including, but not limited to: sketches, diagrams, look & feel boards, floor plans, elevations, sections, perspective drawings, renderings, scale models, digital models, reflected ceiling plans, materials and construction schedules, code-compliant design specifications, and drawing sets for city permitting approval process.
Develop and iterate multiple options in the exhibition design process; plan design reviews; seek feedback and integrate change requests into design documents; review changes to confirm approvals and to meet project milestones and deadlines.
Design and produce prototypes to test with members of target audience and expert advisors; integrate findings into design solutions.
Research, specify, and prototype materials, fabrication, and construction processes related to design solutions; participate in cost estimating.
Coordinate work of internal team with that of outside architects, contractors, fabricators, engineers, and design consultants as needed; share relevant project information and drawings; communicate clearly with consultants throughout the duration of a project.
Collaborate in cross-divisional facilities planning in support of new exhibits; create schematic plans for life-support service areas, lighting, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Work with in-house and external fabricators to set construction schedules and deliver final exhibition specifications and construction documents to ensure smooth communications throughout mock-up and installation phases.
Research and integrate best practices in ADA compliance, universal design, accessibility, equity, and inclusivity; integrate these throughout all phases of design, fabrication, and installation.
Engage in professional development activities to further the goals and capabilities of the design team, including expanding technical skills related to design, and to learn and share best practices in aquarium design and learning environments.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, design, museum studies, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum 4-5 years of prior relevant exhibition design or architectural design experience, with progressively increased design responsibilities
Experience working with museums, aquaria, zoos, or other publicly oriented cultural or science-based institutions is highly desired
Strong design and visual communication skills and ability, as demonstrated through a portfolio of work
Intermediate to advanced skills in 3D design software (e.g. AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Revit)
Intermediate to advanced knowledge and understanding of spatial design, interactive design, and/or exhibition design
Intermediate to advanced facility representing design ideas through architectural drawings and models
Experience developing designs that prioritize audience engagement and interactivity
Working understanding of fabrication and construction processes and timelines
Familiarity with current ADA standards and guidelines for public spaces
Demonstrated experience creating high-quality design solutions through an iterative and collaborative process
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to collaborate, communicate, and build positive relationships with others
Graphic design and/or Adobe Creative Suite experience a plus
Knowledge of Spanish a plus
Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values and the core values of the Exhibitions Division

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Typical office equipment
Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, construction sites, service areas and back-of-house support areas, animal holding areas, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:
$82,500-$101,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

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