JOB SUMMARY: This position at Mystic Aquarium requires a person utilizing a diverse skill base to support the exhibits on campus. The person participates in design, fabrication, construction, and repair of indoor and outdoor exhibits while ensuring animal, guest, and staff safety during all phases of work. The person must have the ability to work well with others, both internally and externally, and communicate clearly. This position must often coordinate with other personnel in other departments such as Facilities, IT, and the various animal departments at the aquarium. They must be able to anticipate, plan, and communicate the coordination of work involved. Applicant must come with a ready-to-learn-on-the-job and grow into the roll. This position is directly supervised by the Vice President of Exhibits and works closely with that person in the exhibit process.
- The Specialist position, under the Director or VP of Exhibits manages and participates in the exhibit processes.
- Supports the processes for design concepts by providing illustrations, mock-ups, renderings, images and verbal descriptions to support and educate senior management as well as other key individuals about new exhibits or other enhancements to the aquarium campus.
- Day-by-day work of upkeep to exhibits must factor into the schedule of development work (i.e. exhibit design, fabrication, installation and repair, custom component creation and installation, working with outside vendors, specification and installation of audio/visual components, creation of custom accessories for animal environment systems, loading, unloading, and installation of exhibit components).
- Participates in exhibit design, fabrication, construction, repair, and upkeep while ensuring animal, guest, and staff safety during all phases.
- This position is PC Based and requires experience with MS Office software, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
- AutoCAD software knowledge of Fusion, SketchUp or other is bonus
- Person must be able to create, review, edit and understand drawings for exhibit construction and to communicate those ideas to others
- Position must assess exhibit functions and make note of issues and seek resolutions.
- Assist with research and quotes by outside vendors as required for exhibit components.
- Ability to work independently is required.
- Manage shop area and assess tools, hardware, and equipment needs for maintenance and fabrication. Position requires foundational skills in carpentry, concrete work, and dry wall work.
- Must understand the construction process and be proficient with larger power tools such as table saws, chop saws and drill presses.
- Must also be skilled with small power tools, hand tools, and have a knowledge base of various hardware and uses.
- Knowledge and skills in acrylic fabrication/polishing and fiberglass a bonus.
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to work in high, low and confined spaces.
- Skill with audiovisual equipment and electrical components are a plus.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Exhibits.
- Must be able to work in unusual circumstances, sometimes requiring ladder, lift, basement areas and tight circumstances such as below aquarium cases.
- Must be capable to learn and drive forklift and box truck.
- Must be willing to work safely within supervised animal enclosures.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Must be team-oriented and effectively work with others to accomplish common goals.
- The Exhibits Department is often collaborating with other department requests and needs which this position fulfills.
- Must be knowledgeable of and follow all safety precautions relating to all work being performed.
- This position is typically 7 AM to 3 PM M-F but may require early morning or evening work due to work deadlines and public safety as the specific job requires.
- Position occasionally requires flex weekends and overtime as needed and as requested by supervisor to meet exhibit deadlines.
- Multilingual; Spanish speaking is a plus.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assist with and adhere to a prioritized projects schedule.
- Work with supervisor and department heads to coordinate work being done in any animal areas.
- Research materials as jobs require.
- Perform and execute exhibit projects as requested by supervisor.
- Maintain exhibits on a routine inspection schedule.
- Work independently in a professional and safe manner.
- Confident, working knowledge and use of shop and power tools.
- Maintain a professional appearance adhering to the aquarium uniform policy.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Safety/Security
- All employees are responsible for working in a safe manner at all times.
- Every employee must properly use, and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
- Every employee must report any unsafe condition.
- Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
- Must pass clearance check to operate company vehicles.
- Pass a standard background check.
