Interpretive Designer - DPR60032877

State of North Carolina - Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 37,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources seeks a Museum Curator II to implement the DPR exhibit program and ensure exhibits reflect division goals. The interpretive designer consults with leadership to discern educational messages and guide exhibit design.

They manage exhibit funds with the accounting team, advise on materials, vendors, and construction methods, and provide consultation to park staff on exhibition design and related areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology with four years museum or related work.
• Experience developing, creating and evaluating interpretive or educational products and exhibit fabrication/installation.
• Ability to operate small construction tools and knowledge of adhesives, laminates for minor maintenance.
• Experience with graphic and industrial design principles, materials, and processes.
• Budgeting and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to creating project management procedures for the interpretive design team.
• Communicating with parks to determine needs for non-personal interpretive media.
• Oversees design, development, production, fabrication, and installation of interpretive media for parks.
• Partners with internal and external stakeholders to execute the division's vision for interpretation and education.
• Communicate with partners, stakeholders, and supervisors about project status.
• Maintains inventory of division assets, tools, materials, and resources.

Skills

Interpretive exhibits design

Small tool use

Graphic/industrial design

Budgeting

Project management

Natural sciences background

Cultural history background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History/ Biology/ Botany/ Conservation/ Education/ History/ Zoology + 4 years museum experience

Tools

Macintosh computer

Microsoft Office

Graphics/design software

Job description

Job Details

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Parks and Recreation Job Classification Title Museum Curator II (NS) Position Number 60032877 Grade NC07

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.

Description of Work

The primary purpose of this position is to implement DPR’s exhibit program and ensure that the goals and objectives of the division are accurately reflected in the exhibits. The interpretive designer consults with the division leadership to discern educational messages and information to be communicated through the exhibits. In managing exhibit funds and budgets, they work closely with the division’s accounting team and construction section. This position provides consultation services to park staff in exhibition design, production, maintenance and related areas. They assist Division staff in making exhibit repairs or in providing recommendations on materials, vendors and/or construction methods. They also assist in designing exhibits, or in guiding the design of exhibit projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Contributes to creating project management procedures and processes for the interpretive design team.
• Communicating with parks to determine their needs for non-personal interpretive media.
• Oversees design, development, production, fabrication, and installation of interpretive media for parks based on park feedback.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to execute vision for interpretation and education within the Division.
• Communicate with partners, stakeholders, and supervisors about the status of various plans and projects.
• Maintains inventory of division assets, including tools, materials, and project resources.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated experience developing, creating, and evaluating interpretive or educational products while implementing a wide variety of techniques and materials used in exhibit fabrication and installation process.
• Ability to operate small construction tools such as drills, hammer, etc., as well as knowledge of adhesives, laminates, etc., to perform minor maintenance and repair of exhibits.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing the principles, techniques, materials, and processes involved in graphic and industrial design.
• Skills in budgeting and project management.
• A background in the natural sciences and cultural history.

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range: $37,377 - $58,401

Position / Physical Requirements

Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; includes evening shifts, weekends, and holidays when necessary. 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 be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without reasonable accommodation. Proficient in the use of a Macintosh computer, Microsoft Office and a variety of graphics/design software.

Location

The Nature Research Center 121 West Jones Street, 2nd Floor Raleigh, NC 27601

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution AND four years of museum or related work.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage. To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/visit/state-parks

Supplemental and Contact Information

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, establishment of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

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.