Curator of Exhibits

Aza•Sarasota, FL

55d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Curator of Exhibits leads the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of Mote's exhibits. In this role, they ensure Mote's educational mission is carried out with accuracy and efficiency, sharing Mote's science with our guests through exhibits that are fun, informative, and relevant. The Curator of Exhibits seeks new ideas to keep Mote's exhibits fresh, meet changing visitor dynamics and draw new and repeat visitation. The Curator of Exhibits establishes work objectives, priorities, artistic direction, budgets and schedules for the Exhibits team and contractors. The Curator of Exhibits will lead and serve as an active team member in exhibit planning - developing concepts, content and criteria - and in subsequent phases of design, addressing issues of function, aesthetics, logistics, budget, schedule, fabrication, material, and installation.

Requirements

First Aid and CPR certified or the ability to attain within 3 months of hire date
Florida Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 1 month of hire date
Bachelor's degree in creative arts or related field
A minimum of five years working in an attraction or related setting with established expertise in, exhibit design, development, and maintenance and the proven ability to lead others.
Creative mindset; strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to prioritize projects
Self-motivated
Exceptional attention to detail
Experience working in Adobe Suite
Proven project and team management experience
Must interact courteously and tactfully with public, co-workers, and vendors
Able to work independently or as a team
Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
Computer and design skills
Competent with hand and power tools
Capable of working safely with PVC pipe, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
Ability to work outside in all Florida weather conditions
Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, bending and lifting.
Capable of climbing and working from ladders
Tolerance to work around noisy machinery and equipment
Ability to work in confined spaces
Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
Close vision and color vision
Ability to tolerate sitting, repetitive movement, standing, walking
Ability to use hands to handle, control or feel objects

Responsibilities

Ensure that guest, staff, and animal safety is always the top priority
Lead the planning and design of new exhibits and major exhibit renovations and when appropriate working with additional designers, contractors, and architects
Maintains a running list of active exhibits projects, work completed, and task assignments.
Collaborate with other departments (Guest Services, Events, Animal Operations, Communications, Facilities, etc.) to ensure Mote's standards of design and Mote's brand are consistent throughout the entire Aquarium experience
Oversee the recruitment and training of staff
Supervise, mentor, and motivate staff, including supporting advancement and growth
Evaluate staff performance for annual reviews as well as on a continual basis and provide staff with regular feedback on their job performance
Ensure exhibits adhere to or even create new industry standards including but limited to standards related to ADA, accessibility, and safety
Provide planning, prioritization and guidance for exhibits projects, budgets, and personnel
Create and update SOPs for operational exhibit elements
Develop, update and/or oversee compliance with related plans, policies, procedures, laws and standards
Local, state, and federal laws
Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards
Safety drills - fire, lost child, animal escape, etc.
Disaster preparedness - hurricane, pandemic, etc.
Perform daily rounds on visitor-facing exhibit elements and interactives during pre-opening hours, identifying repairs, making onsite repairs, documenting work completed, and recommending preventative maintenance
Fulfill service requests and respond to radio calls for maintenance/repairs, communicating clearly with the requestor, and accurately documenting work performed
Make immediate/emergency repairs within one's abilities and/or makes sure the area is safe for Mote guests and staff before reporting the issue promptly to maintenance team or supervisor.
Maintain storage of stock materials, consumable items, equipment, displays and exhibit materials. These duties include maintaining organized and efficient material storage, identifying needed items, and submitting order requests
Maintain equipment and tools (power tools, hand tools, mills, etc), including cleaning of the workspace, and training others on safe and appropriate use of tools
Communicate accurately, effectively, and regularly with members of other departments (Guest Services, Facilities, Communications, Development, Finance, etc.)
This position may require participation in professional development which would involve travel to out-of-town locations. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual
Perform various other duties as assigned