The University of Kansas Natural History Museum’s exhibits inform and inspire visitors about natural history and related science topics. The responsibilities of the exhibits developer include the planning, tracking, design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of exhibits, as well as related administrative support. This position is a key staff member in a small department with responsibility for permanent and temporary exhibit production and for all exhibit elements used by visitors and in programs. The exhibits developer is expected to work independently, as well as part of a team, and will participate in every aspect of the exhibit process, including planning and design, fabrication, research, graphic development, installation, maintenance and evaluation. This person should be creative, enthusiastic and curious about natural history and science, highly organized with a close attention to detail, have strong communication skills, the ability to work on and complete multiple projects simultaneously, and be motivated and willing to learn. Some travel to obtain constructions materials is required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as industrial or graphic design, fine arts, architecture, museum studies, science communication, science education or other related fields.
- Three years’ professional experience working in exhibit department or other interpretive development environment.
- Demonstrated experience in performing all aspects of exhibit/interpretive development from conception to completion.
- Demonstrated experience in project management, e.g. planning, tracking.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel), and design programs such as Adobe Creative Suite. - Experience with exhibit construction tools (e.g. hand tools, power tools) and methods (e.g. carpentry skills, technologies, electronics).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in relevant field such as industrial or graphic design, fine arts, architecture, museum studies, science communication, science education and other related fields.
- Five+ years professional experience working in exhibit department or other interpretive development environment.
- Knowledge of materials (wood, steel, and plastics), uses (applications), and processes for construction (fabrication, wielding, casting, and molding) and graphics production.
- Demonstrated proficiency in communicating ideas visually through prototyping, models, sketches, and detail drawings for exhibit fabrication (plan, elevation, section, perspective).
- Demonstrated strong creative problem solving abilities for interpreting and translating concepts, content and activities into three-dimensional interactive experiences.
- Knowledge of museum standards and practices for creating dynamic and memorable learning experiences.
- Knowledge of exhibit security, lighting, and conservation requirements.
- Knowledge of media production software such as Final Cut Pro and Macromedia.
In addition to the KU application form, applications should include the following documents submitted online (1) a cover letter that summarizes your interest in this position, experience and qualifications, (2) a CV with details of your experience (e.g. projects, role), and (3) the names and contact details for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted through the KU website.
contact Info: Teresa MacDonald, tmacd@ku.edu, 785-864-2371
Details at https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25752&siteid=5541&AReq=4682BR
Application review begins November 30, 2015. To ensure consideration for the position, application should be completed prior to November 30, 2015.