Exhibit Builder/Habitat Fabrication Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

A Habitat Fabrication Specialist is a key Exhibit Builder in the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of live-animal displays.
He (or She) also provides fabrication, operational and maintenance support for interpretive exhibits, in full accordance with institutional goals and standards.This position plays a critical role in all facets of the simulated habitat production process, including habitat design and 3D composition, materials/vendor research and purchasing, establishing materials & methods for tasks and projects, exhibit demolition, on and off-site construction, transport and installation, shop upkeep, and occupational safety duties.
Also, this position may be required to assist with exhibit lighting maintenance and interpretive graphic maintenance.

This is a non-essential position as defined by the National Aquarium Emergency Closure and Pay Policy.

Essential Functions: Maintains existing live-display components, including habitat dcor and assists with exhibit lighting.Is a key person in the fabrication and installation of highly detailed and accurate representations of new or partially renovated exhibit habitats, designed to depict specific natural forms, which must meet the needs of the animal collection and serve to educate and engage visitors.Gather and assemble existing site or project related data in the form of organized and legible lists, descriptions, inspirational images, project related images, dimensioned sketches/diagrams, etc.Fabrication duties include sustained and potentially rigorous physical activity under varied site and workshop conditions, involves use and handling of hazardous materials, working at heights, working over water, or other challenges.Builds scale models of tanks and live displays when necessary and/or appropriate .Adheres to all institutional safety procedures, which pertain to assigned tasks, proper use of fabrication shop tools and routine upkeep of fabrication shop spaces and other job sites.Actively engage in risk management and SDS compliance for the Habitat Production group, Habitat Production workspaces, and Habitat Production projects.Participates in material purchases, maintains accurate financial records of these activities, and works within budget boundaries.Maintains accurate records of specific workload activities.Research materials, fabrication methods, techniques, prototyping and testing, etc.Assists in the fabrication and installation of new or renovated interpretive exhibit displays.Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.Occasional travel for site-visits and installations, as required.Other/additional duties as assigned or required. Competencies: Listens well; capable of following detailed instructions.Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to read and build from scaled drawings and use a scaled ruler (architects scale).Experience in safe/effective handling of power tools and chemicals/solvents.Understanding of applied math and geometry such as fractions, ratios, decimal equivalents, metric conversions, right-triangle (Pythagorean) and circle geometry. Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Appreciation of aquatic species, the natural world, and informal learning.At least 3 years of practical experience/knowledge in custom industrial/artistic fabrications using a wide range of materials & methods, such as:Wood: carpentry and cabinet buildingMetals: tooling, cutting, welding, etc.mechanical hardwarefiber-reinforced plastic stockpolymer resin systemsconcretePVC plumbing pipeindustrial and artistic paintingapplication of waterproof and corrosion resistant coatingsAt least 2 years of experience fabricating simulated habitats for aquariums, zoos, natural history museums etc.Capable to carry a 50lb load.Ability to climb ladder.Computer competencies in, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)Functioning personal cell phone that can, and will, be used for work purposes.Current driver's license with ability to pass approved driver criteria for NA (minimal to no driving record violations)

NOT REQUIRED, BUT PREFERED

Knowledge or experience with AutoCAD, Parametric Solid Modeling Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Alibre Design, Autodesk Fusion, etc.
), Rhino, and/or digital sculpting software such as Z-brush, Freeform, or similar.Microsoft Project (Or other advanced scheduling software, cloud based or local)Specialized Safety or Equipment Training (certified) Accountability: Participates in achieving goals and project deadlines set by supervisor; this may include flexibility in schedule to accommodate irregular working hours or pre-approved over-time to accomplish specific tasks/activities.Fully accountable for personal professional behavior, self-direction and supports a team-oriented environment.Must be safe, organized and practice responsible conduct with all shop spaces, tools, materials, institutional vehicles, and personal safety equipment.Participates in departmental SDS accounting and required HAZCOM responsibilities. Total Compensation Information: Hourly range ($23.93-25.77) with hours worked over 40 paid as overtime, holiday premium pay, and extra pay for night work.

National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave.
Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available.
Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.
The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work.
The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there.
The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us.
We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams.
We engage thoughtfully with our partners.
We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do.
Our people are empowered to explore new approaches.
We support taking risks.
We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas.
We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences.
We seek out opportunities to have fun.
We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities.
We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive.
We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns.
Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve.
With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.