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
- The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a public-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit.
- The city owns and maintains the Aquarium’s buildings and provides administrative support while the foundation procures and maintains the collection of animals and exhibits.
- The foundation is also responsible for fundraising efforts and various scientific research, education, and conservation programs.
- The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Experience Required
- Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and experience equivalent to nine (9) years in fields using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as Exhibit Technician, Exhibit Fabricator, Exhibit Designer, or Curator. Must have a current and valid drivers license.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
- This position may require that incumbents to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.
- Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned.
- Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status.
Further Comments
- Preferences:
- Associate's degree or higher in exhibit design, exhibit planning, museum studies, or related field
- Three (3) or more years of experience with construction, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of interactive exhibits, including lighting and audiovisual systems in a public aquarium, science center, cultural attraction, theater, or similar facility
- Proven experience developing exhibit concepts, creating technical drawings, and overseeing construction and installation
- Demonstrated experience with budget development and management
- Track record of developing project cost estimates and work plans
- Experience supervising and providing professional development opportunities for staff in a similar field
- Experience with strategic planning for an aquarium, museum, or similar facility
Perks
- https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/Careers/Full-time-Employee-Benefits.pdf
Salary
- A.11, $59,862.40 - $92,788.80 DOQ DOQ
