Exhibits Designer at the Children’s Museum in Denver, CO

At the Children’s Museum of Denver, we believe in kid-powered learning. We work hard every day to create extraordinary experiences that champion the wonder and joy of childhood. To accomplish this mission, we bring together a dynamic team of talented individuals whose passions range from exhibit design to the culinary arts, from developing engaging educational programs to offering only the best in customer service. If you like to work hard and play hard, we want to hear from you!

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive wages and a supportive, rewarding and FUN work environment.

The Exhibit Designer/Fabricator (EDF) is accountable for the continuous improvement of existing exhibit components and possesses the experience and skill to be independently responsible for extraordinary design, budget management, and physical execution of a variety of projects.

Position specifications: Full-time, exempt position. Will include at least one weekend day with flexible hours as needed to meet business needs for occasional evenings, holidays, and events.

Compensation: $41,000 – $46,000 per year

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage. Paid time-off for vacation, sick days and four holidays. 401(k) Retirement Plan with eligibility to contribute after a 3-month waiting period (must be 21 years of age). Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending account and short-term disability. Free parking, free family membership to the Museum, and discounts in the Museum Gift Shop and Café.

Essential Responsibilities

Please note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities.

The Exhibit Designer/Fabricator’s main areas of responsibility include:

Exhibit Design: the EDF will develop, design and build extraordinary experiences, bringing design concepts to physical reality. This process includes the design of, effective and beautiful details, develop cost estimates and budget, production of digital drawings and visualizations, prototyping and material testing, and subcontractor supervision. Design projects include refreshing, adding to, and improving existing exhibits. The EDF must possess the problem-solving and design acuity to design within multiple parameters.

Fabrication and Installation: the EDF is responsible for fabricating and installing their designed exhibit components. This requires creating and managing realistic project workflows, timelines, and performing all in-house fabrication and finishing for their projects. The EDF is also accountable for the maintenance of a clean, safe shop during the fabrication process. Working with the department, the EDF will construct plans and timelines for exhibit installation, ensuring this phase of the process is done in an orderly, timely, and minimally disruptive manner.

Exhibit Maintenance & Upgrades: The EDF is responsible for supporting the day to day operations of exhibits within the Museum (opening/closing, safety inspections, routine testing, radio calls) as well as maintaining, repairing, and improving all existing and incoming experiences. The EDF will support both scheduled and reactive exhibit repairs, as well as participate in maintaining the health, performance, and enhancement of existing exhibits.

In addition to these main areas of responsibility, the EDF will lead and/or participate in other departmental activities and professional development opportunities including meetings, trainings, volunteer supervisions, etc. All members of the Exhibits team support each other’s projects and endeavors as called for by scale, scope, and timeline. The EDF supports the Director of Exhibits and the Exhibits team with a positive attitude and strives to make the Museum a world-class exhibit experience, creating a unique community where children and their grown-ups learn through play.

• 3+ years professional experience in design, fabrication, or a related field.
• A degree in industrial design, art, architecture, or a similar field of study.
• Skilled in Rhino or another 3D modeling program.
• ·emonstrated Experience in creating and presenting concept design drawings and renderings.
• Experience creating and managing project budgets
• Skilled in multiple fabrication areas (woodworking, carpentry, metalworking, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience of fabrication processes for a variety of materials (wood, metal, plastics).
• Understanding of personal and shop safety, shop maintenance, hand and power tool usage.
• Skilled in 2D design programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas visually and verbally.
• Work well both independently and in collaborative environments.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of completed creative projects.
• Interest in a specialty craft, i.e. mechanics, graphic design, electronics, woodworking, metalworking, textiles, etc.
• Understanding of aesthetic principles, i.e. color, shape, balance, movement, proportions, etc.

Work Environment:

This position operates in busy indoor and outdoor environment where variable temperatures, crowds and moderate to very noisy sound levels are common. This position interacts with adults and children frequently, and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers, as well as common cleaning supplies.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and spend up to 90% of each day on their feet. At time they will be asked to work extended hours to complete a task within a deadline. At least 50% of their time will be project-based, and will include extended periods of painting or finishing material, and complete physical activities like sanding material and cutting material on the table saw or chop saw. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.