What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Curator position at City of Virginia Beach?
Senior Curator Scientific Exhibits
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is more than just aquariums! Our guests experience a dynamic blend of animal habitats, hands-on exhibits, and immersive audiovisual experiences that deepen their understanding of science and conservation. Our Senior Curator position offers an exciting opportunity for a creative leader to guide our Scientific Exhibits team in refreshing existing interactives and designing innovative experiences for our next phase of renovation and expansion.
We're seeking an enthusiastic and experienced professional to lead the Scientific Exhibits team in developing and maintaining engaging interactive exhibits, immersive gallery soundscapes, and strategic lighting designs that elevate the Aquarium experience.
The ideal candidate will have:
∗ Academic training in exhibit design, museum studies, or a related field
∗ Hands-on experience with construction, maintenance, and repair of interactive exhibits, lighting, and audiovisual systems
∗ Technical proficiency with computer systems, mechanical systems, electronics, carpentry, and various tools
∗ Strong mentorship skills to develop team members' abilities in exhibit maintenance, repair, and construction
∗ Strategic vision to identify trends and keep the Aquarium at the forefront of interactive exhibits and guest engagement
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Development
− Develop short-term and long-term strategies to refresh existing exhibits, plan gallery renovations, and create concepts for interactive and audiovisual exhibits in new spaces
− Research and stay informed about emerging trends in exhibit design and technology
− Design and implement evaluation tools to ensure continuous improvement of exhibits and team performance
Project Management
− Lead the design, construction, and installation of new interactive exhibits as project manager
− Develop and manage budgets and procurement for the Scientific Exhibits work unit
− Create project cost estimates and comprehensive work plans
− Provide monthly status reports on exhibit projects, repairs, and maintenance to Aquarium leadership
Team Leadership
− Supervise and mentor Exhibit Technicians in exhibit development, repair, and maintenance
− Guide cabinet construction for exhibits and decorative sets for special events
− Oversee soundscape creation and audio equipment installation
− Direct video production, touchscreen application development, and installation of video and computer hardware
− Coordinate daily start-up of exhibits and AV systems across two buildings
Cross-Functional Collaboration
− Partner with Guest Engagement to select traveling exhibits, support special events, maintain props and equipment, and incorporate guest feedback
− Work with Animal Care staff on aquarium casework construction and behind-the-scenes infrastructure
− Coordinate with the Volunteer Engagement Manager to recruit and manage volunteers for exhibit projects
− Support the School & Youth Programs team with distance learning initiatives, virtual programs, and educational demonstrations
− Collaborate with Facility Rental staff to ensure exhibit, lighting, and audiovisual requirements are met for private events
External Engagement
− Network with organizations including the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and peer institutions
− Represent the Aquarium at industry events, meetings, and conferences
− Serve on Aquarium cross-functional teams as assigned
Additional Requirements
− Availability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings as operational needs require
− Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) on a rotating schedule
− Perform other duties as assigned utilizing the same skills, knowledge, and physical requirements
Work Schedule:
Typically Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; must be able to work occasional weekends and holidays for coverage and based on operational needs.
The City of Virginia Beach offers a generous benefits package which includes health, dental, and life insurance; retirement and savings plans; paid holidays, annual and sick leave; as well as other key benefits including:
∗ Maternity, Paternity and Parental Care Leave
∗ Employee Wellness Program
∗ Tuition Reimbursement
∗ Professional Development
∗ Employee Assistance Program