Job Title: Exhibit Operations Manager
Posting Date: May 2026
Job Department: Exhibit Fabrication and Operations
Schedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202
JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Manager (EOM) to be the hands-on manager of assigned Exhibit Operation (EO) spaces, staff, equipment, tasks & projects, and associated budgets. The highest priority for this position is promoting an exemplary guest experience, striving for minimum (zero) down-time or defect in exhibit form or function and upholding the highest standards of “fit and finish” for all exhibit elements and spaces. This includes lighting of interpretive exhibit elements and effects lighting in public spaces, as well as live display lighting (aquariums and animal spaces). Close collaboration and cooperation with animal husbandry staff are critical. The EO effort is also comprised of routine maintenance and cleaning of exhibit elements along with repairs of exhibit elements and occasional installations of the same. The EOM must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure. The EOM must be a highly focused individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The EOM must also be a flexible team player who can exercise discretion, handle complicated logistics, motivate and unite staff, and control project expenses to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. The EOM must have ability to orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Hire, train, and mentor exhibit operations staff.
- Manage exhibit operations staff. Includes staff scheduling, work plans, time management and time sheets, as well as resolution of employee relations concerns and performance management.
- Oversee all aspects of exhibit lighting, of both, interpretive exhibits, and live displays
- Create and maintain documentation for all essential exhibit operation functions, projects, and tasks to sustain the National Aquarium’s high-quality standards for all exhibits, exhibit lighting, interpretive elements, and signage in all public spaces (interior and exterior).
- Provide clear, concise, thorough, and timely communication and information distribution.
- Manage multiple exhibit operations projects simultaneously within the constraints of scope, quality, time, and budget to deliver results consistent with the National Aquarium’s high-quality standards.
- Select, Hire, and Manage subcontractors when needed to complete exhibit operations projects
- Control exhibit operations project expenses to provide value and limit waste, keeping project costs within budget.
- Control Exhibit Operations team and maintenance shop operating expenses and keep those expenses within the annual budget.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of departmental management methods.
- Create and maintain the exhibit operations project schedule, material inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, tool inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, and exhibit maintenance task lists.
- Determine exhibit operations resource requirements, anticipate workload and staffing requirements, coordinating with other team leads on a labor resourcing plan per project.
- Provide input on build solutions and communicate appropriately with other exhibit leads and designers, as requested.
- Maintain risk management and SDS compliance for the Exhibit Operations group, Exhibit Operations workspaces and Exhibit Operations projects.
- Embrace responsibility as the most accountable person for safety in the execution of all exhibit operations projects.
- Execute projects in the safest manner possible and ensure staff follow all appropriate safety rules and guidelines.
- Maintain the P4 shop (and other) exhibit operations equipment manuals for training and effective use of equipment.
- Effectively communicate with exhibits team, contractors, and vendors.
- Lead and represent the Exhibit Operations review/feedback efforts as requested.
- Contribute to the design and fabrication of exhibit prototypes as requested.
- Create SOP and existing operations information packages consistent with
organizational need. - Always maintain a professional and positive demeanor.
- Always maintain clean and safe workspaces.
- Support company mission.
- Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Minimum of six years experience in museum or public exhibit operations and maintenance or the same amount of experience in event planning and execution. Experience should also include knowledge and use of the following:
o Table Saw
o Drill Press
o Miter Saw
o Panel Saw
o Hand tools such as hammer drill, electric screw-gun driver, hand-sanders (orbital, belt etc.)
• Demonstrated or documented knowledge and experience with at least 3 of the following:
o Basic Carpentry
o Basic Electrical Wiring
o Basic Plumbing
o Specialized cleaning; materials, methods, & procedures
o FRP, Composite, and Plastic Constructions
o Adhesive types and applications
o Paint and Industrial Coatings
o Artistic painting
• Three years supervisory experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple workflows and related project expenses
• A functional knowledge of computer-controlled lighting systems. DMX knowledge is required (Lutron is a plus).
• Strong ability to coordinate tasks and schedules as well as facilitate communication with other departments, contractors, and aquarium partners
• High level of software proficiency in, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience with project scheduling software is required. (Cloud or Local) Must include Gantt chart generation.
• Sufficient competency in AutoCAD, Rhino, or other CAD software (Open files, Basic Draw/Modify, Annotate/Dimension, Save/Save As, and Print)
• Current driver’s license with ability to pass approved driver criteria for NA (minimal to no driving record violations)
• Functioning personal cell phone that can, and will, be used for work purposes
NOT REQUIRED, BUT PREFERRED
• Knowledge or experience Parametric Solid Modeling Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Alibre Design), or Rhino
• advanced knowledge and/or considerable experience with Microsoft Project (Or other advanced scheduling software, cloud based or local)
• Knowledge of, or experience with, Lutron lighting systems
• Specialized Safety or Equipment Training (certified)
Total Compensation Information:
Salary range ($64,700-82,474 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
