Exhibit Design Technician

State of North Carolina•Service Support Building Randolph, NC

23h•$33,902 - $48,000•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is growing and is looking to add a passionate and talented new member to its team of Exhibit Design Technician. This position works with the Exhibit Design department to conceptualize, fabricate, maintain and design world-class animal and educational exhibit opportunities throughout the Zoo. This position will help develop naturalistic exhibits that meet the physical and psychological needs of the animals. In addition, this position will help provide the operational, husbandry, and safety requirements of staff and animals, and present a variety of recreational and educational opportunities for the zoo's guests. Responsibilities include designing, fabricating, building, and maintaining Zoo educational interpretive exhibits, and themed playgrounds. This position will also work with the Curator of Design on planning, implementing, and maintaining the Zoo's public art collection.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in art, art history, design or related field from an appropriately accredited institution with course work in three-dimensional design AND two years of experience in museum exhibit design; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
This classification requires coursework in three-dimensional design.
Must be able to lift 60 lbs. on a regular basis with or without reasonable accommodation
Must be able to participate in the Zoo's Occupational Health Program
Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in challenging physical environments, e.g. outdoor and indoor animal enclosures. Specifically, walking, standing, bending, hearing animal, people, and radio communications, and responding to emergency situations, with or without reasonable accommodation
Must be able to climb ladders and/or stairs and perform tasks from elevated levels including scaffolding and lifts
Must be able to work in confined spaces and endure extended outdoor field conditions in various weather conditions
Position requires visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and the ability to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of assigned work, along with the ability to make general observations of facilities and structures.
Selected candidate must be a team player and maintain effective work relationships.
Experience working with PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Experience using basic tools, equipment, and/or construction materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience with some of the materials used in exhibit fabrication and construction including but not limited to: metal work, wood working, concrete, welding, model making, mold making, urethanes, epoxies, resins, paint, additive and reductive carving or sculpting
Artistic work of the highest quality and either the knowledge of, or the ability to, learn how to create artificial exhibit components that vary from large scale artificial rocks, artificial trees, interactive elements, enrichment items, and thematic elements.
Experience with 3D fabrication or 3D creation
Experience with or knowledge of fabrication materials and/or methods (i.e. wood, metal, cement, fiberglass, paint, glass, resin, casting, etc.)
Experience with or knowledge of large and small power tools and hand tools (i.e. welding tools, woodworking tools, metalworking tools, foam carving, lathes, angle grinders, hammer jacks, lifts, etc.)
Ability to read or understand construction drawings, site plans, elevations or sections as it relates to designing or enhancing themed spaces
Ability to effectively communicate design ideas or three-dimensional concepts to non-design professionals

Responsibilities

Translate abstract concepts into functioning objects including development, schematic design, construction, documentation, logistics planning, installation, and project management.
Gather and present site information and prepare preliminary budgets, schedules, and plans for review with necessary staff, architects/designers and outside contractors.
Research the natural history, behaviors, and physical capabilities of the animal subjects and consult with animal curators to ensure schematic layout and components meet physical and psychological needs of the animal collection.
Research materials and methods for exhibit fabrication, refine specifications, and develop fabrication options for review.
Organize, prepare for and attend progress meetings with in-house staff, project architects, designers, contractors, and State Construction reps.