Senior Exhibit Fabricator (Term Assignment)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary: 

• Under limited supervision, fabricate and repair exhibit components, ranging from graphics and cabinetry to complex models and electromechanical interactives;
• provide expertise to solve complex fabrication and maintenance problems thoroughly and efficiently, and the leadership skills to mentor and train other staff members;
• work on multiple projects simultaneously, and keep creative and complex fabrication and maintenance projects focused, on track, and in line with project goals and constraints;
• collaborate well with project managers, designers, and other interdivisional project teams, asking thoughtful and curious questions to be able to make recommendations and build appropriate solutions; this role has solid general fabrication and repair skills, along with specialty skills in either graphics, model and mold making, scenic painting,
• mechanical design, or electronics; perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:                                                                                                                                 

• Lead daily maintenance rounds on visitor-facing exhibit elements during pre-opening hours, scenic and graphic elements, inspect and assess mechanical interactive issues, identify and communicate repairs and solutions, making in situ decisions and determining priorities as necessary.
• Assess reasons for exhibit failures, suggesting and making improvements for greater reliability
• Make on site repairs on exhibit components during morning rounds in the visitor spaces.
• Remove and/or coordinate removal of interactives necessary for repair in shops; research and recommend repair solutions and preventative maintenance.
• Using drawings, design criteria and constraints, and general guidance, fabricate complex custom exhibit components.
• Train other shop staff on tools, software, and safety procedures to contribute fabrication of parts, pieces, or elements of these exhibits and the repair of exhibits and interactives.
• Contribute to design solutions through sketches, samples, or written communication, and advocate solutions for custom fabrication of unique props and exhibit components, incorporating innovative material and fabrication methods, to meet quality, schedule, content and overall design goals.
• Create 2D and 3D vector files for CNC, vinyl plotter, laser cutter, and other computer operated machinery, using design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Onyx, at an advanced level.
• Track, and respond to progress, review, and completion of project and maintenance tasks using email, zoom, google docs, and Asana or other project management software.
• Maintain and troubleshoot tools and equipment for fabrication, mold-making, and other specialty tools and supplies, and material inventories.
• Clean, maintain, organize and upgrade as necessary shops and storage areas including exhibit fabrication shop, tool closets, off site warehouse, and material storage, and recommend more efficient and safe organization, tools, and supplies needed.
• Seek out specialized training on software to drive CNC machinery, and advanced level use of CNC router, mill, laser cutter and vinyl plotter.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• 4-5 years hands on experience in Exhibit Production techniques or equivalent industry
• Skilled in use of hand tools and power tools, professional knowledge on use of specialist machinery such as table saws, miter saws, planers, CNC operation and software knowledge
• Strong Drive for continuation of advanced skills training, identifying value added avenues for expansion of skillsets with professional development as focus
• Ability to train juniors in use of tools, Exhibit production techniques, and documentation of repairs
• Inherent ability to adhere to all work safety regulations capable of training junior staff in safe work methods in new procedures
• Advanced computer skills with experience in project tracking software, manufacturing file creation software and ability to operate Computer driven printers and machinery
• Competent user of scissor lift and other aerial lifts and forklift and willingness to improve skills. Certificate in confined space requirements. Ability to identify future training needs
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed including nights and weekends
• Ability to lead, advocate for and work within Aquarium and Exhibition Division Core values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment, pickup truck, aerial lift, forklift, large power tools, cnc machinery
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events, warehouse, craft and machine shops

Hourly Compensation Range Minimum:

• $31.59-$38.46 USD per hour.
• Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.