Exhibition Designer

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.
 

This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums' many Benefits. 

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

This is a union position.

The Exhibition Designer proposes inspired design solutions and shepherds the exhibition process from concept to installation within the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (including the Powdermill Nature Reserve). The Designer works as part of interdisciplinary teams to create immersive experiences that make learning and discovery accessible and show the interrelationship between humanity and the rest of nature. The CMNH Exhibition Department is small but growing, so the Designer would be responsible for a range of duties including planning, testing, coordinating, and executing design related components of gallery installations for new, temporary, and permanent exhibitions.

The designer determines design specifications, methods, materials and display techniques for museum casework, platforms, walls, partitions, fixtures and lighting associated with realizing the museum’s temporary exhibitions and major permanent collection installations. S/he provides support for the administration and execution of all aspects of construction-related activities associated with these exhibitions and installation. S/he works closely with the Exhibitions Department, contractors, curators and contributing Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (CM) and CMNH departments to efficiently and effectively achieve attractive and engaging exhibition and installation designs on schedule and on budget.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, exhibition, graphic, environmental, architectural, theatrical, or product design, or experience amounting to the equivalent.
• Position requires three years of experience in designing/developing exhibits and installations. A combination of related training, education, and/or experience will be accepted.
• Demonstrated experience with 3-dimensional design and construction and with CAD (Computer Aided Design), Sketch-up, Vectorworks and/or other 3D design tools; ideally has experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), and the ability to communicate rough concepts through hand sketches.
• Must be able to administer the design process from initial concept through completion required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Requires knowledge of design, fabrication, and production methods, a strong ability to multi-task, manage timelines, ability to visualize and present design concepts, and an understanding of multiple design disciplines and how they may be integrated into a branded gallery environment.
• Must have the ability to produce 2D/3D sketches, floorplans, elevations, flythroughs, and/or renderings.
• Should have a demonstrated knowledge of prototyping, lighting design and understanding of materials and fabrication techniques with sensitivity to conservation concerns and guidelines for accessible design.
• Demonstrates ability to adhere to and maintain extensive multi-year budgets and schedules.
• Should have patience, adaptability, and interest in learning from the experiences of others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The staff sits is in a non-confined office-type setting in which they move about at will.
• The environment for this position is clean and comfortable but includes minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, etc.
• Will spend substantial time utilizing the computer.
• Will spend time in exhibition galleries and storage closets as needed.
• Must travel via personal vehicle or public transport to off-site meetings and facilities. 
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• May lift up to 25 lbs. periodically.
• Operate a computer using various design programs, Microsoft Office, and accounting software.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Advocate for a great visitor experience by designing exhibitions that are immersive, interactive, and consider the needs—both emotional and practical—of our communities.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to plan, design, schedule, test, produce, install, and maintain exhibitions.
• Find creative solutions to intellectual and practical design problems for the presentation of specimens/objects and interpretive materials in exhibitions and permanent collection installations.
• Prioritize green design solutions and ideas that improve accessibility and efficiency.
• Assume responsibility for all phases of designing new and temporary exhibitions, as well as design maintenance projects in existing exhibitions: scheduling, budget monitoring, design research of objects displayed, space planning, construction and shop drawing documents, revisions, and quality control; coordinate request for proposal, contracting and implementation with outside exhibition design contractors for same.
• Use computer aided design (CAD or similar) to produce scaled floorplans and elevations including layout of walls, platforms, and furniture as well as specific detailed object placement (case layouts, groupings) and color schemes for review/approval.
• Create three-dimensional scale models, quick concept sketches, and renderings as needed throughout exhibition design process.
• Present concepts for review and discussion with the goal to move toward a final design.
• Specify materials, paint, and finishes.
• Prep files for production as needed and coordinate with print shop.
• Create construction drawings that hold outside contractors accountable to specific design details and qualities of construction.
• Produce exhibition documentation (install drawings, graphic/production/install schedules) for both in-house and rented exhibitions.
• Coordinate with, engage, and oversee outside vendors/contractors in the fabrication, installation, maintenance, and repair of exhibition components associated with the museum’s temporary exhibition, major permanent collection installation, and special projects.
• Oversee requests for proposals, bidding, contractor selection; participate in contractual terms negotiation, preparation of construction agreements, professional service agreements, and/or purchase orders.
• Manage all pre-construction contractor planning and project preparation with contractors and staff as it relates to specific projects as well as the CMNH exhibitions schedule.
• Coordinate load in, worksite staging/maintenance, load out of contractors and materials on site.
• Estimate, order, and negotiate costs with vendors for construction-related materials
• Coordinate with relevant CM departments, especially Facilities Planning & Operations (FP&O), to facilitate contractor work on site/in galleries.
• Provide oversight to maintain the high standards of construction established in construction policies and procedures in accordance with CMNH and CM construction policies and procedures.
• Is available and responsive during installation to monitor work progress and quality as related to exhibition design.
• Maintain inventory of exhibition furniture and fixtures (casework, visitor seating, tables, floor coverings, etc.) and monitor its condition.
• Build CMNH brand and long-term vision by participating in interpretive planning processes.
• Undertake additional administrative and/or design responsibilities under the supervision of the Director of Exhibitions as required.