Exhibit Design Technician

Natural and Cultural Resources; Georgia; On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Museum Technician III to join the Exhibit Design team. You will help conceptualize, fabricate, maintain and design world‑class animal and educational exhibits throughout the Zoo, ensuring naturalistic and safe environments.

Responsibilities include translating concepts into functional components, budgeting, scheduling, and collaborating with architects, designers and staff to deliver engaging experiences for guests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in art, art history, design or related field with three‑dimensional design coursework.
• Experience in museum exhibit design or related field is preferred.
• Ability to read construction drawings and communicate design ideas clearly.
• Experience with or knowledge of fabrication materials and tools.

Responsibilities

• Translate abstract concepts into functioning exhibit components from design to installation.
• Prepare budgets, schedules and plans for review with staff and contractors.
• Research animal exhibit needs and ensure layouts meet physical and psychological requirements.
• Evaluate materials and fabrication methods for exhibit production.
• Coordinate progress meetings with in‑house staff, architects and contractors.

Skills

3D fabrication

Power tools knowledge

Communication of design concepts

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in art/design related field

Coursework in three-dimensional design

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park Job Classification Title Museum Technician III (NS) Position Number 60033478 Grade NC05

About Us The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Position Overview

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.

Key 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.
• 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.
• Organize, prepare for and attend progress meetings with in‑house staff, project architects, designers, contractors, and State Construction reps.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $33,902 - $44,667 To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• 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.

Position / Physical Requirements

Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre‑employment screen conducted by assigned provider. Typical work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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. To receive credit, transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

Employment Equity and Benefits

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establishes paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implements fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time‑limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

Veteran and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E‑Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59 pm the night before the End Date on the posting.