Exhibit Designer & Production Specialist

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

11d•$23 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Historical Society (UHS) seeks an Exhibition Design and Production Specialist to deliver technical and creative design support for the Museum of Utah. Working under the direction of the Exhibition Program Manager, the specialist turns educational and institutional stories into immersive, three-dimensional spaces and visually compelling exhibits. Core duties include designing floor plans and wall elevations, planning lighting, developing hands-on displays, and guiding visitor movement. This role leads the technical execution of spatial layout, exhibit creation, technical CAD drafting, and hands-on fabrication across temporary and permanent galleries. Centered on design execution and technical asset coordination, the position focuses on generating layout plans, creating concept renderings, and providing technical specifications to outside fabrication vendors. The specialist presents visual and written materials clearly and engagingly, maximizing gallery layouts to showcase artifacts, artwork, and media in line with project themes and audience needs. Schedule flexibility for occasional weekend shifts is required.

Requirements

Intermediate proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, or other software to produce site-measured floor plans, gallery elevations, section cuts, and joinery details.
Proven skill designing or executing gallery partitions or scenic treatments.
Mastery of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for large-format wall murals, visual typography, wayfinding, and artifact labels.
Practical application of ADA spatial standards, sightlines, viewing heights, and local building/fire safety codes.
Complete knowledge of CMYK/Pantone color spaces, high-res image scaling, bleeds, crop marks, vector cut-paths, and substrate yield optimization.
Experience preparing print RFQs, evaluating digital/physical proofs, and managing vendor orders for products such as UV direct-to-substrate printing and vinyl production.
Hands-on experience setting up toolpaths and operating 3-axis CNC routers for precision cutting.
Proactively safe with expert operation of table saws, band saws, routers, jointers, edge-banders, and pneumatic tools.
Curious and empathetic listener and learner.
Creativity and enthusiasm to interpret scripts or narratives and use artistic abilities to conceive an exhibit that tells a story.
Problem-solving skills to carry out an artistic vision for an exhibit while ensuring that the finished version can be constructed on time and within budget.
Proven capacity to work effectively as a team member, providing practical or creative solutions to meet the requirements set by Narrative and Collections specialists.
Ability to design for long-term durability and easy field repair by the Exhibit Preparator.
Strong organizational skills to track multiple, concurrent tasks and deadlines.
Ability to translate abstract narrative concepts and 2D renderings into buildable 1/16'' tolerance blueprints and cut-sheets.
Strong grasp of spatial literacy, including pacing, readability contrast, and typodesign hierarchy in public spaces.
Understanding of conservation-safe, no-VOC, non-off-gassing materials to protect sensitive artifacts.
Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA standards, dust collection, PPE, and SDS protocols for workshop safety.
Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding; lift up to 50 lbs.; and use eyes and hands to handle delicate objects and exhibitry with high precision and safety.
At least 3 years of experience in a museum, interior design, industrial design, or equivalent cultural or design position

Responsibilities

Develops 3D floor plans, visitor traffic flows, color palettes, and gallery elevations in CAD software or similar software to demonstrate how visitors will interact with exhibits, read text, and move through the defined space of the gallery or case.
Using the design cycle, translate sound scholarly research, educational principles, and museum collections into visually stimulating and interactive experiences.
Source and identify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, exhibit furniture, wall finishes, and flooring that meet budget requirements and interpretive goals.
Able to incorporate multiple perspectives or narrative needs into a cohesive exhibit design utilizing a variety of exhibit elements and tools, such as tactile interactives, A/V elements, lighting, and scenic treatments.
Using gathered evaluation data, integrates or creates design changes to existing exhibitory to better execute intended accuracy, visitor interaction, or design outcomes.
Collaborates on 2D graphics to set physical dimensions, select print materials, coordinate vendor production, and provide design support as needed.
Translates external traveling exhibition deliverables and specifications to the temporary exhibition space at the museum.
Creates digital design packages for review by content, scholarly, copy-editing, or Capitol Preservation Board review.
Prepares print-ready vector files with proper bleeds and color specs, and coordinates with external vendors printing and production.
Generates precise, CNC-ready CAD (or other software) blueprints, architectural elevations, joinery details, and material cut-sheets for contractors or the exhibition team.
Ensures all spatial and design designs adhere strictly to ADA standards, local building safety codes, and conservation guidelines.
Uses existing schematic drawings to generate exhibit blueprints or architectural elevations for community-led, traveling, or partner projects in the temporary gallery.
Operates table saws, routers, jointers, and CNC equipment to fabricate structural wall partitions, modular scenery, pedestals, exhibit furniture, and casework.
Researches and selects durable, conservation-safe building materials, and conducts structural quality checks before handing off or constructing components to be built.
Quality-control checks materials, proofs, and samples for fabrication.
Ensures proofs, samples, or materials adequately represents the final or intended design and specifications.
Establishes the lighting mood, maps fixture locations in CAD, selects beam spreads, and chooses specific color temperatures (Kelvins).
Integrates multimedia effects with the Museum Technology Specialist, such as video and sound, into the space to create a multidimensional experience for interactive exhibits or elements.
Integrates exhibit lighting requirements from community or partner exhibitions into temporary gallery or case designs.
Supports the Exhibition preparator in routine gallery, including daily upkeep and inspections.
Acts as the technical lead for complex repairs.
Assists the Exhibits team during installation, deinstallation, and object rotations as needed.