Job Description
Position: Architectural Exhibit Designer
Reports to: Creative Director, Exhibits
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Exhibition and Graphic Arts Department (EGAD)
Position Type: Part Time
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Job Summary
To conceptualize, design, document, manage, and supervise the fabrication of exhibits and other design projects and ensure an integrated approach to projects for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoos and Aquarium. This role is responsible for providing design support that incorporates storytelling through landscape and architectural design, graphic design, and interpretive planning to ensure the highest quality projects that inspire people to care about nature and animals. Design must also reinforce logical functionality, support efficient operations, maintainability and constructability while also meeting the needs of the animals, the animal care staff, and our visitors.
Major Responsibilities
Collaborate with WCS staff, and EGAD staff on all phases of design for zoo and aquarium projects in a multi-discipline environment. Play a role in design programming, visual concept development, design, documentation, construction administration/supervision and maintenance of state-of-the-art zoo and aquarium designs. Coordinate design process between outside design consultants and in-house clients.
Create conceptual drawings and layouts for exhibits, landscapes and visitor experiences, as well as presentation renderings and animations. Produce construction drawings and specifications for in-house exhibit projects.
Management of small to medium sized projects at all WCS facilities.
Work closely with EGAD staff to develop preliminary project schedules and budgets, scopes of work and requests for proposal. Manage exhibit and/or architectural projects, including administration schedules and budgets. Assist with the development of personal services allocation budgets and adhere to and monitor them for each task and/or phase. Meet deadlines established for each phase of projects.
Assist with the research, selection, and management of consultants. Coordinate design work with outside design consultants and in-house clients. Review outside consultant’s design, construction drawings and contractor’s shop drawings as necessary to ensure that the design intent is preserved.
Represent EGAD to other departments on all aspects of EGAD work and implementation.
Research exhibits and building materials, systems and consultants as necessary; specify colors, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. Incorporate sustainable practices, accessibility, and inclusion into all aspects of design.
Manage administration and/or supervision of construction phases for projects in coordination with WCS Operations department and ensure that the design intent is preserved.
Follow, and be responsible for, construction administration protocols for the design team, including: attending construction meetings; monitoring construction progress for adherence to design documents, specifications, and quality standards; reviewing shop drawings and submittals; reviewing invoices; answering Requests For Information, establishing punch lists; assisting in determining final sign-off and project close-out.
Ensure the highest quality guest experience at our zoos and aquarium based in New York and work with colleagues across WCS to support design efforts in the field.
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a design field.
5-7 years of professional experience in exhibition, theater, interior, or theme park design or exhibit architecture and project management and a portfolio of projects to support relevant work.
Ability to create concept sketches, layouts, renderings, animations and physical models as a design and problem-solving tool.
Strong visual, verbal, and written communication, organizational, and administrative skills.
Highly developed aesthetic and programming judgement.
Advanced knowledge of exhibit and building materials and systems.
Experience in all phases of design and construction.
Proficient in AutoCAD, the Microsoft suite and Adobe Creative Suite and any other software programs relevant to the work.
Commitment to WCS mission—to save wildlife and wild places and committed to public service with high standards of personal leadership.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
Salary Range
35.00 - 50.00