Position Title: Exhibit Design & Fabrication Manager

Reports to: Sr. Exhibitions Manager

Classification

Type: Full-Time

Schedule: 40 hours a week with occasional weekends, events, and holidays.

Annual Starting Salary: $45,000 - $50,000

Scott Family Amazeum Overview

The Scott Family Amazeum is a hands-on, interactive museum in Northwest Arkansas and recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We create a fun environment where risk taking, imagining, problem solving, discovery, collaboration, and exploration bring children and adults together to learn and grow.

Core Purpose: The Amazeum exists to spark and nurture the curious and creative spirit in all of us.

Through experiences with the Amazeum, individuals and the community are engaged in building relationships and developing identities as creative, curious, and innovative shapers for the region. Learning at the Amazeum is an active, playful exploration that inspires curiosity. It is rooted in inquiry-based discovery and involves an element of risk. Hands-on learning opportunities allow guests to exercise critical thinking in the context of play.

The Amazeum facility includes approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor space and one acre of outdoor exhibition and activity space. The museum is located at the intersection of Museum Way and J Street in Bentonville, AR.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and experienced Exhibit Design & Fabrication Manager to join our Exhibits Team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in exhibit + experience design, fabrication, and a passion for developing + manifesting innovative ideas in collaboration with internal Team Members and external clients. This role requires demonstrating a unique blend of creative vision, technical skill, and project management capabilities, with a deep respect for the process of turning concepts into reality. We are looking for a team player who can bring fun and original ideas to the table and put them into action.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with internal teams, museum partners, and other stakeholders to understand their vision, goals, and requirements for exhibit projects.
• Develop design concepts that align with project objectives and constraints.
• Create detailed design plans, drawings, and 3D models for exhibits, ensuring feasibility and adherence to specifications.
• Fabricate and install interactive experiences.
• Oversee the fabrication process, ensuring high-quality execution and timely delivery of projects.
• Lead and/or coordinate with a multidisciplinary team including designers, engineers, fabricators, and installers.
• Document work in a referenceable format that describes process in a clear, detailed manner.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful completion.
• Conduct site visits and oversee installation to ensure exhibits meet design and safety standards.
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and fabrication techniques to continually enhance exhibit quality and innovation.
• Maintains shop and facility equipment to ensure satisfactory performance, safety, and reliability.
• Maintains work areas in a tidy and organized condition at all times.
• Assist with repairing exhibits in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensures guest safety and maintains a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment at all times

General Duties

The responsibilities listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The Amazeum reserves the right to revise or change position duties and responsibilities as necessary to accommodate changing organizational needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years experience in interactive engagement design, art fabrication, or similar field with a strong portfolio showcasing large-scale fabrication skills.
• Portfolio demonstrates proficiency in 3D design software.
• Advanced knowledge of fabrication techniques, materials, and processes.
• 5+ years professional experience with hand tools, power tools, and shop heavy equipment.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• 2+ years professional experience managing Team Members.
• Experience working with external vendors towards realizing project vision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with clients and Team Members.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including resources, timelines, and budgets.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Team player with a strong focus on creativity, fun, and innovation.
• Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and reliable personal transportation required.

All applicants must be able to:

• Provide the necessary documentation to prove that you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national with authorization to work in the United States.
• Complete and pass a detailed background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and interact with children and adults
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs overhead regularly and occasionally 40 lbs ensuring the safe setup and breakdown of exhibit components
• Ability to bend, twist, and move on a frequent basis throughout the day, essential for the installation, repair, and maintenance of exhibits and interactive elements.
• Ability to work in an environment with varying noise levels, ranging from moderate (typical workshop environments) to excessive during exhibit construction or group activities
• Ability to work with light-to-moderate workshop tools common in exhibition fabrication common in exhibit fabrication, including woodworking, metalworking, and basic electronics.

Preferred Skills:

• BS/BA/AA or currently pursuing degree, certificate, or apprenticeship in a technical, creative or related field.
• 5+ years experience in museum exhibit design and fabrication, with a strong portfolio showcasing large-scale art and/or science exhibits.
• Portfolio demonstrates skill in producing technical documentation using Fusion360, Sketchup, and/or the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in a workshop or studio environment.
• Familiarity with prototyping, test-building, evaluation, and adhering to a creative design process.
• Capacity to be spontaneous and interact positively with guests.

How to apply

Submit your completed Amazeum application, your resume and cover letter, via the Amazeum Career Page.