Exhibit Developer

EXPLORATORIUM • San Francisco, CA

9d • $43 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

Exhibit Developers are the primary staff responsible for creating exhibits, from generating ideas and developing concepts through design and fabrication. They drive the transformation of exhibit ideas into interactive, physical experiences, collaborating with staff and incorporating input from outside advisors, public visitors, and project team members such as project directors, exhibit developers, graphic designers, writers, scientists, and evaluators. The development process emphasizes iterative prototyping. Exhibit Developers also collaborate on visitor demonstrations and programs, contribute to project and exhibition development, and help develop proposals for new exhibits and exhibit areas.

This is an onsite role based in San Francisco, California, with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements. It is a regular, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, and is non-exempt and union-represented. The position includes benefits. The starting pay range is $42.65 to $45.15, representing steps 1–3 of a six-step union pay scale. The position is open until filled. Applicants must include a cover letter; applications submitted without one will not be considered.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in art or science.
• Basic experience in wood, metal, and plastic fabrication; CAD drafting and hand sketching; and prototyping and fabrication of exhibits, or the desire and ability to learn as needed.
• Comfort taking direction and mentoring from senior shop staff, senior exhibit developers, graphics and editorial staff, and visitor research and evaluation staff.
• Strong interest in exhibit design and inquiry-based learning.
• Some experience interpreting scientific content.
• Ability to collaborate as part of an effective team.
• Open-mindedness, willingness to fail and try again, observant nature, and deep curiosity.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances and to move from place to place, bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel, and twist.
• Applicants must include a cover letter; applications submitted without one will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying user research or feedback in an iterative development process.
• Experience exhibiting work in a public setting.
• Familiarity with the Exploratorium exhibit collection.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality exhibit experiences across multiple projects under the direction of project leadership, following best practices in exhibit creation.
• Scope work within time and budget parameters and meet project milestones and final deadlines.
• Generate a wide variety of compelling and engaging exhibit ideas.
• Observe visitors and work with evaluators to iterate prototypes based on feedback.
• Document exhibits and demonstrations according to standards set by the shop and project leadership.
• Contribute to general museum operations, including shop and/or lab maintenance, exhibit maintenance, material ordering and stocking, and equipment upkeep.
• Collaborate on visitor demonstrations and programs and contribute to project, exhibition, and proposal development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level