The Exhibit Fabrication Specialist is a key member of the Exhibit Fabrication and Maintenance Team who manages and leads the rest of the team. Responsibilities include fabrication of unique exhibit elements as part of exhibit renovation projects, new special exhibits, animal care and enrichment items. The Exhibit Fabrication Specialist is required to assist with exhibit lighting replacement, props and décor for presentations and daily cleaning and maintenance of guest facing exhibit elements such as graphics, Animal IDs, tablets, and interactives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values. 
• Collaborate with designers, Fishes, Marine Mammals, and other stakeholders in the aquarium
• Train and mentor various interns, volunteers, contractors, and other staff
• Research and advise on construction and fabrication methods and materials for exhibit components
• Create various types of models for design phases and presentation, prototypes, and exhibit interactives
• Assist animal care teams with husbandry-related projects or upgrades for animal habitats
• Inspect, repair, and retrofit various exhibit elements, habitats, furniture, stanchions, some architectural details, signs, and other features of the public experience in the aquarium
• Adhere to OSHA and ADA regulations and procedures, including efficient operation and maintenance of all tools, materials, and equipment used in the Design & Exhibits Exhibit Fabrication shop
• Assist with ongoing organization and maintenance of documentation of materials, hazardous chemicals, and supplies
• Familiar with CAD drafting, interpret shop drawings, and instruct team members
• Maintain high aesthetic standards for all creative endeavors
• Oversee installation and fabrication by team and others
• Assist outside contractors
• Participate on exhibit planning teams
• Assist with developing production schedules and work plans
• Assist with records, documentation and storage
• Assist in purchasing and budget management
• Other duties as assigned

Education:  

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in fabrication
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of fabrication materials and techniques
• Experience in zoo or aquarium strongly preferred

Special Characteristics:

• Possess a strong commitment to customer service
• Work independently
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Use of critical thinking and problem solving
• Excellent communication skills, a team player, self-motivated and able to deal with ongoing multiple projects.
• Dive certification or willingness to get dive certified is desired, but not required

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).