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 publicfacing spaces and experiences. Take lead 3D design role on small to midsized 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.
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 codecompliant 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 crossdivisional facilities planning in support of new exhibits; create schematic plans for lifesupport service areas lighting mechanical electrical and plumbing systems.
- Work with inhouse and external fabricators to set construction schedules and deliver final exhibition specifications and construction documents to ensure smooth communications throughout mockup 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):
- Bachelors or Masters degree in architecture design museum studies or related field or equivalent combination of education training and experience
- Minimum 45 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 sciencebased 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 highquality 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 Aquariums Core Values and the core values of the Exhibitions Divisio
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
Annual Compensation Range:
$84600$104000 annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.