Employment

Chabot Space & Science Center is a nonprofit interactive science center whose mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages about Planet Earth and the Universe. Chabot began as an astronomical observatory and has a 133-year legacy of serving Bay Area communities. In 2000, the Center relocated to the Oakland hills in a new facility, offering exhibits, public programs, class rooms, school field trips and community outreach. Chabot is going through an exciting and dynamic period of transition. Under the visionary leadership of a new Executive Director/CEO, and with $1.5 million in support from two Bay area philanthropies, Chabot has embarked on a two-year phase of strategic planning and institutional transformation.

We offer exciting career opportunities in a team-oriented environment for individuals who like to explore, deliver excellence, and have fun in their work.

Chabot Space & Science Center is an equal opportunity employer.

 Lead Exhibit Developer

Chabot Space & Science Center is embarking on an exciting time of innovative growth and development with a strong new leadership team in place. The Executive Director, Senior Management, and Board Members are fully committed to the vision and new direction to maximize the impact of Chabot in the region. We have strong partnerships with many local agencies such as Oakland Unified School District, The City of Oakland, and the Eastbay Regional Parks Authority. This position offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-define the floor experience and bring vivid imagination, creativity and a new strong vision to the exhibitions at Chabot.

Nestled in the Oakland Hills, Chabot Space & Science Center was founded as an observatory in 1883. Today Chabot offers visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays, and Planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life here on earth. Chabot Space & Science Center is extremely proud of its reputation as one of Northern California’s leading centers for informal science education.

Position Summary:

The Lead Exhibit Developer position requires innovative thinking, leadership skills, vision and creativity, collaboration and has the ability to rapidly prototype exhibit ideas on the Center’s floor. The position develops, directs and supervises the interpretation of scientific and technological concepts into 3D designs and graphic elements through interactivity and engagement for variety of audiences. The Lead Exhibit Developer is responsible for leading a team in the conception,pilot testing, prototyping, iteration, design development, fabrication and evaluation of the physical exhibits. This position, along with a core leadership team are responsible for crafting a bold new vision for the Center’s exhibition spaces and establishing the thematic and aesthetic direction of exhibits that aligns with the strategic direction of innovation, creativity and inspiration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

In a multidisciplinary team approach setting provides design direction to exhibition projects by:

• Working with the project team to establish specific interpretation methods, conceiving interactive components for translating scientific/technological concepts and phenomena into practical exhibits and demonstrations.
• Assessing exhibit ideas by working closely with a lead project manager to develop and review concept definition, feasibility, pilot testing, prototype construction, schematic and design drawings. Providing expert advice to project team on theoretical and technical aspects of design for exhibits and exhibitions.
• Conducting research, pilot testing, prototyping, testing and working with other project team members, including staff and volunteers, in the development and fabrication of specific exhibits.
• Working with other team members to incorporate visitor feedback and evaluation of exhibit concepts throughout the project.
• Discussing design ideas with the team to ensure that the overall design interpretation by the team members involved will harmonize with the overall project.
• Preparing sketches, renderings and more detailed designs as required throughout the course of the development of exhibits, using various drawing techniques, using specialized software application work tools including AutoCAD or other industry applicable software.
• Providing estimates of work including time, labor and material costs and, where required, recommending courses of action to ensure project completion (i.e. overtime, contracting out, alternate production methods and options).
• Dealing with all aspects of sub-contracted work, including making recommendations on the selection of contractors, liaising with the contractors to ensure the integrity of the design and fabrication of exhibits, inspecting subcontracted work, monitoring delivery dates, etc.
• Communicating the exhibitions’ aesthetic and philosophical concepts to internal and external stakeholders and contractors.
• Exchanging technical advice with other professionals and trades persons, e.g. Exhibit Production technicians, welders, industrial woodworkers, etc. who may be involved in the construction of a specific exhibit.
• Purchasing exhibit services and materials for exhibits and visual effects including researching suppliers and producing specifications and requisitions with competitive quotes.
• Electronic and hardcopy design files and filing completed materials with documentation a central files for the purposes of archiving, future exhibit renewal and maintenance.
• Providing floor plans for exhibit installation within the galleries.
• Other duties as assigned.

  

JUDGEMENT

Breaking new ground by redefining exhibition development and technical theories and principles, the incumbent exercises a wide scope of judgement in determining the content of the exhibits and works in a team environment that fosters rapid prototyping and iteration, working alongside staff, volunteers and teen volunteers.

Decisions by the incumbent will either increase or decrease the innovative quality, the costs, and the timelines, changing the profile of the Chabot to a substantial degree, which has a major impact on the Chabot’s future.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills as they relate to the interpretation of complex scientific and technical information into easily understood exhibit ideas and applications.

Strong skills to transform ideas into engaging, interactive and compelling exhibit experiences for visitors of all ages.

Interpersonal skills are required to work co-operatively in a team and/or project-oriented settings.

Ensuring that the fabrication/production of the exhibits are safe for visitors, follow the aesthetics established by the project team, are sustainable and maintainable by staff, are fabricated within established time and budget constraints and provide good value for money.

Flexibility in relating to diverse audiences and levels of understanding of science and technology.

Strong skills to interpret three-dimensional information from exhibit plans and technical drawings.

Understanding of, and passion for, basic science and art principles

Strong customer-service skills to interact with audiences of all ages in the development of new exhibits and activities

Standard computer business applications and specialty design software proficiency.

Ensuring that all phases of exhibition development and the exhibits within the final exhibition do not endanger staff and visitor health and safety.

Ensuring that the designs produced for fabrication are achievable within the budgets established for each gallery.

Representing Chabot in the design and fabrication communities as a professional in their field of expertise with honesty, integrity and respect

Determining the most cost/time efficient way(s) of solving communication and technical problems during the development of exhibits

Developing original and new interactive communication techniques where no previous precedents exist.

Self-starter with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple activities under tight deadlines

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team structures

 

Please email resume and cover letter to: lausterman@chabotspace.org