Experience Designer

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking an Experience Designer to create dynamic exhibits and experiential public spaces that wow visitors and inspire a love of nature. This position is a critical part of the exhibit development process, responsible for visualizing and executing creative solutions for an exciting variety of projects, ranging from major immersive exhibits and upgraded public spaces to small photo shows and pop-up displays.

Blue sky thinker and nimble project manager, the Experience Designer has a modern design sensibility and a collaborative approach. The right candidate is a skilled environmental designer who takes a holistic view of the visitor experience. They will whip up sketches and mockups, clearly articulate their process and vision, build consensus among stakeholders, and collaborate with exhibit production team members to bring experiences to life.

The Experience Designer will report to the Director of Exhibits, collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various teams, and interface regularly with executive management.

Your Day-to-Day Work

You’ll love the challenge of taking abstract themes and concepts, overlaying them with visitor data and market trends, and transforming them into exciting physical experiences. You’ll steward projects from ideation to production, whether it’s interfacing with construction teams about gallery needs, getting people excited about design concepts, or developing design packages that set the stage for exhibit development.

Experience Design

• Serve as lead exhibition designer on assigned projects from concept design through fabrication and installation. Coordinate with other internal or external designers as needed.
• Collaborate and coordinate with exhibit content developers, project managers, production teams, graphic designers, media designers, and others on exhibit design, media and interactive design, lighting design, fabrication, and implementation.
• Develop sketches, models, and detailed design packages from concept through schematic design phases; create 3D gallery renderings and detailed floor plans to pave the way for production and fabrication.
• Work iteratively throughout the design process, liaising closely with production team on component design and fabrication techniques, and leading or participating in efforts for prototyping, mockups, and visitor testing.
• Ensure the design of exhibits and public spaces meets or exceeds ADA requirements.

Project Management and Leadership

• Collaborate with design and content teams to prepare design presentations for key project milestones, and partner with exhibit developer or director to present projects to key stakeholders for input and approval.
• Develop design strategies that align with project schedules and budgets, evaluating and proposing alternatives as necessary to help solve budget or technical challenges.
• Function as primary liaison with external/contract design resources as needed.
• Communicate effectively through verbal and visual means to a wide variety of people including fellow designers and exhibit builders to understand various needs, build consensus, and effectively execute the vision for an exhibition.
• Work with building operations staff to ensure both exhibition needs and facility needs are met, especially during projects that require construction.
• Manage all design documents and maintain organized files for project records and distribution to team members.

General

• Contribute to The Nat’s exhibition development process, bring new ideas, and find efficiencies to evolve the processes.
• Contribute to exhibit maintenance and remediation needs.
• Play a support role in exhibit graphic design and exhibit installation as needed.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay informed of trends in the museum and design fields, learn from and share knowledge with colleagues, and build relevant partnerships.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Degree in industrial design, architecture, or related field and/or 4-6 years of related experience in the museum/attraction/environmental design space
• Proven expertise leading exhibition or other environmental design projects using industry best practices and strategies while managing workflow and expenses
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to confidently interface with leadership, internal stakeholders, and contractors
• Demonstrated excellence in project management
• Ability to efficiently produce 2D and 3D computer rendered drawings and scale models
• Mastery of design and CAD software such as SketchUp
• Ability to create and read architectural drawings, floor plans, and shop drawings
• Knowledge of lighting systems, construction techniques, California green building standards/codes, electrical requirements, and ADA requirements as they apply to exhibition spaces
• Able to prioritize, manage-up, and adhere to deadlines and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously, toggling between big picture strategic work and smaller projects with quick turnarounds
• Knowledge of exhibition fabrication and installation practices and comfort with basic power tools (or willingness to learn)
• Experience with artifact handling, exhibit lighting, and interactive elements preferred
• Be capable of long periods of physical work occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. and working from ladders and a scissor lift

Compensation: $31-33/hr

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.

A little more about us.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic plan, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it completes its 150th anniversary. We are evermore focused on innovative audience engagement and a strengthened role in conservation.