Job Information
University of Utah Exhibit Designer in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 05/03/2024
Requisition Number PRN38405B
Job Title Interpretive Specialist
Working Title Exhibit Designer
Job Grade D
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Occasional nights and weekends as needed.
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 00018 - Utah Museum of Natl Hist Oper
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 57,000-62,000
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Job Summary
The Exhibit Designer is responsible for developing, designing, and implementing temporary, permanent, and traveling exhibitions at the Natural History Museum of Utah. With limited supervision, develop 3D design solutions for exhibitions and other public-facing spaces and experiences. Take lead 3D design role on projects, guiding process, and project timelines, and coordinating with key collaborators. Develop exhibition concepts and proposals; represent design ideas through detailed exhibition design drawings, sketches, and models. Contribute to an iterative design process that reflects exhibition content and visitor experience goals. Integrate ADA guidelines, and best practices in accessibility and inclusion into designs. As part of a creative team that includes exhibit developers, graphic designers, and preparator staff, Exhibition Designer must work well in a collaborative environment and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating meaningful public experiences for diverse audiences. Perform other duties as required.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities:
Research and advise on 3D design related projects; develop design concepts and directions for exhibitions.
Define and develop exhibition design goals, milestones, and work schedules in collaboration across departments to meet exhibition and visitor experience goals.
Produce detailed design documents that represent 3D design directions and solutions, including, but not limited to: sketches, diagrams, look & feel boards, floor plans, elevations, sections, perspective drawings, renderings, scale models, digital models, reflected ceiling plans, and materials and construction schedules.
Develop and iterate multiple options in the exhibition design process; plan design reviews; seek feedback and integrate change requests into design documents; review changes to confirm approvals and to meet project milestones and deadlines.
Design and produce prototypes to test with members of target audience and expert advisors; integrate findings into design solutions.
Research, specify, and prototype materials, fabrication, and construction processes related to design solutions; participate in cost estimating.
Coordinate work of internal team with that of outside vendors as needed; share relevant project information and drawings; communicate clearly with consultants throughout the duration of a project.
Collaborate in cross-departmental planning in support of new exhibits.
Work with in-house and external fabricators to set construction schedules and deliver final exhibition specifications and construction documents to ensure smooth communications throughout mock-up and installation phases.
Research and integrate best practices in ADA compliance, universal design, accessibility, equity, and inclusivity; integrate these throughout all phases of design, fabrication, and installation.
Engage in professional development activities to further the goals and capabilities of the design team, including expanding technical skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in interpretation, exhibit design, scientific writing, museum studies, education or related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); demonstrated experience in interpretive or exhibition planning and implementation in a botanical garden setting, museum, or other cultural facility with broad knowledge of the exhibition field and current trends. Proficient experience using Microsoft Office Suite or other computer programs may be required.
Individuals must demonstrate a working knowledge of how to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.
Master’s degree in related area may be preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
3-5 years professional experience in design, as well as design of innovative, visitor-focused exhibits and/or environments.
Highly creative. Proven ability to think outside of the box and present new and unique ideas.
Proven experience in the use of 3d programs like Fusion 360, Autocad, Vectorworks, and SketchUp. Experience in Adobe Design Suite, as well as Microsoft Office programs.
Proficiency in creating 3D renderings to scale for exhibit layouts and shop-drawings.
Proficiency in creating CNC ready files for production.
Demonstrated knowledge of space planning, museum exhibition best practices and standards, exhibition lighting, and integrating multimedia concepts into a traditional museum model.
Knowledge of materials and construction techniques unique to the museum field.
Ability to maintain budgets and keep to timelines.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Proven ability to provide effective customer service for internal and external client groups.
Must be detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills to manage a continuous workflow in a high volume, multitasking environment, with excellent communication skills.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Please include a current portfolio of work with your job application.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
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