Exhibit Operations Manager

National Aquarium•Baltimore, MD

4d•$64,700 - $82,474•Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Manager (EOM) to be the hands-on manager of assigned Exhibit Operation (EO) spaces, staff, equipment, tasks & projects, and associated budgets. The highest priority for this position is promoting an exemplary guest experience, striving for minimum (zero) down-time or defect in exhibit form or function and upholding the highest standards of “fit and finish” for all exhibit elements and spaces. This includes lighting of interpretive exhibit elements and effects lighting in public spaces, as well as live display lighting (aquariums and animal spaces). Close collaboration and cooperation with animal husbandry staff are critical. The EO effort is also comprised of routine maintenance and cleaning of exhibit elements along with repairs of exhibit elements and occasional installations of the same. The EOM must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure. The EOM must be a highly focused individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The EOM must also be a flexible team player who can exercise discretion, handle complicated logistics, motivate and unite staff, and control project expenses to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. The EOM must have ability to orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.

Requirements

Minimum of six years experience in museum or public exhibit operations and maintenance or the same amount of experience in event planning and execution.
Knowledge and use of the following: Table Saw, Drill Press, Miter Saw, Panel Saw, Hand tools such as hammer drill, electric screw-gun driver, hand-sanders (orbital, belt etc.)
Demonstrated or documented knowledge and experience with at least 3 of the following: Basic Carpentry, Basic Electrical Wiring, Basic Plumbing, Specialized cleaning; materials, methods, & procedures, FRP, Composite, and Plastic Constructions, Adhesive types and applications, Paint and Industrial Coatings, Artistic painting
Three years supervisory experience
Proven ability to manage multiple workflows and related project expenses
A functional knowledge of computer-controlled lighting systems. DMX knowledge is required (Lutron is a plus).
Strong ability to coordinate tasks and schedules as well as facilitate communication with other departments, contractors, and aquarium partners
High level of software proficiency in, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Experience with project scheduling software is required. (Cloud or Local) Must include Gantt chart generation.
Sufficient competency in AutoCAD, Rhino, or other CAD software (Open files, Basic Draw/Modify, Annotate/Dimension, Save/Save As, and Print)
Current driver’s license with ability to pass approved driver criteria for NA (minimal to no driving record violations)
Functioning personal cell phone that can, and will, be used for work purposes

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or experience Parametric Solid Modeling Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Alibre Design), or Rhino
advanced knowledge and/or considerable experience with Microsoft Project (Or other advanced scheduling software, cloud based or local)
Knowledge of, or experience with, Lutron lighting systems
Specialized Safety or Equipment Training (certified)

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and mentor exhibit operations staff.
Manage exhibit operations staff. Includes staff scheduling, work plans, time management and time sheets, as well as resolution of employee relations concerns and performance management.
Oversee all aspects of exhibit lighting, of both, interpretive exhibits, and live displays
Create and maintain documentation for all essential exhibit operation functions, projects, and tasks to sustain the National Aquarium’s high-quality standards for all exhibits, exhibit lighting, interpretive elements, and signage in all public spaces (interior and exterior).
Provide clear, concise, thorough, and timely communication and information distribution.
Manage multiple exhibit operations projects simultaneously within the constraints of scope, quality, time, and budget to deliver results consistent with the National Aquarium’s high-quality standards.
Select, Hire, and Manage subcontractors when needed to complete exhibit operations projects
Control exhibit operations project expenses to provide value and limit waste, keeping project costs within budget.
Control Exhibit Operations team and maintenance shop operating expenses and keep those expenses within the annual budget.
Contribute to the ongoing development of departmental management methods.
Create and maintain the exhibit operations project schedule, material inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, tool inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, and exhibit maintenance task lists.
Determine exhibit operations resource requirements, anticipate workload and staffing requirements, coordinating with other team leads on a labor resourcing plan per project.
Provide input on build solutions and communicate appropriately with other exhibit leads and designers, as requested.
Maintain risk management and SDS compliance for the Exhibit Operations group, Exhibit Operations workspaces and Exhibit Operations projects.
Embrace responsibility as the most accountable person for safety in the execution of all exhibit operations projects.
Execute projects in the safest manner possible and ensure staff follow all appropriate safety rules and guidelines.
Maintain the P4 shop (and other) exhibit operations equipment manuals for training and effective use of equipment.
Effectively communicate with exhibits team, contractors, and vendors.
Lead and represent the Exhibit Operations review/feedback efforts as requested.
Contribute to the design and fabrication of exhibit prototypes as requested.
Create SOP and existing operations information packages consistent with organizational need.
Always maintain a professional and positive demeanor.
Always maintain clean and safe workspaces.
Support company mission.
Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned or required.