Senior Curator Scientific Exhibits

Aza•Virginia Beach, VA

68d

About The Position

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is more than just aquariums! Our guests experience a dynamic blend of animal habitats, hands-on exhibits, and immersive audiovisual experiences that deepen their understanding of science and conservation. Our Senior Curator position offers an exciting opportunity for a creative leader to guide our Scientific Exhibits team in refreshing existing interactives and designing innovative experiences for our next phase of renovation and expansion. We're seeking an enthusiastic and experienced professional to lead the Scientific Exhibits team in developing and maintaining engaging interactive exhibits, immersive gallery soundscapes, and strategic lighting designs that elevate the Aquarium experience.

Requirements

Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and experience equivalent to nine (9) years in fields using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as Exhibit Technician, Exhibit Fabricator, Exhibit Designer, or Curator.
Must have a current and valid drivers license.
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
This position may require that incumbents to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.
Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or higher in exhibit design, exhibit planning, museum studies, or related field
Three (3) or more years of experience with construction, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of interactive exhibits, including lighting and audiovisual systems in a public aquarium, science center, cultural attraction, theater, or similar facility
Proven experience developing exhibit concepts, creating technical drawings, and overseeing construction and installation
Demonstrated experience with budget development and management
Track record of developing project cost estimates and work plans
Experience supervising and providing professional development opportunities for staff in a similar field
Experience with strategic planning for an aquarium, museum, or similar facility

Responsibilities

Develop short-term and long-term strategies to refresh existing exhibits, plan gallery renovations, and create concepts for interactive and audiovisual exhibits in new spaces
Research and stay informed about emerging trends in exhibit design and technology
Design and implement evaluation tools to ensure continuous improvement of exhibits and team performance
Lead the design, construction, and installation of new interactive exhibits as project manager
Develop and manage budgets and procurement for the Scientific Exhibits work unit
Create project cost estimates and comprehensive work plans
Provide monthly status reports on exhibit projects, repairs, and maintenance to Aquarium leadership
Supervise and mentor Exhibit Technicians in exhibit development, repair, and maintenance
Guide cabinet construction for exhibits and decorative sets for special events
Oversee soundscape creation and audio equipment installation
Direct video production, touchscreen application development, and installation of video and computer hardware
Coordinate daily start-up of exhibits and AV systems across two buildings
Partner with Guest Engagement to select traveling exhibits, support special events, maintain props and equipment, and incorporate guest feedback
Work with Animal Care staff on aquarium casework construction and behind-the-scenes infrastructure
Coordinate with the Volunteer Engagement Manager to recruit and manage volunteers for exhibit projects
Support the School & Youth Programs team with distance learning initiatives, virtual programs, and educational demonstrations
Collaborate with Facility Rental staff to ensure exhibit, lighting, and audiovisual requirements are met for private events
Network with organizations including the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and peer institutions
Represent the Aquarium at industry events, meetings, and conferences
Serve on Aquarium cross-functional teams as assigned
Availability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings as operational needs require
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) on a rotating schedule
Perform other duties as assigned utilizing the same skills, knowledge, and physical requirements