Position: Architectural Exhibit Designer Reports to: Executive Director of Design & Construction, Creative Director, Exhibits Position Managed: Junior Designers, Interns. Location: Bronx Zoo, Central Park, Queens and Prospect Park Zoos, New York Aquarium and global sites as required. Hybrid. Department: Exhibition and Graphic Arts Department (EGAD) Scope: Multi site as required. Position Type: Full Time About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. Job Summary To conceptualize, design, document, manage, and supervise the fabrication of exhibits and other design projects and ensure an integrated approach to projects for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoos and Aquarium. This role is responsible for providing design support that incorporates storytelling through landscape and architectural design, graphic design, and interpretive planning to ensure the highest quality projects that inspire people to care about nature and animals. Design must also reinforce logical functionality, support efficient operations, maintainability and constructability while also meeting the needs of the animals, the animal care staff, and our visitors. Major Responsibilities Collaborate with WCS staff, and EGAD staff on all phases of design for zoo and aquarium projects in a multi-discipline environment. Play a role in design programming, visual concept development, design, documentation, construction administration/supervision and maintenance of state-of-the-art zoo and aquarium designs. Coordinate design process between outside design consultants and in-house clients. Create conceptual drawings and layouts for exhibits, landscapes and visitor experiences, as well as presentation renderings and animations. Produce construction drawings and specifications for in-house exhibit projects. Management of small to medium sized projects at all WCS facilities. Work closely with EGAD staff to develop preliminary project schedules and budgets, scopes of work and requests for proposal. Manage exhibit and/or architectural projects, including administration schedules and budgets. Assist with the development of personal services allocation budgets and adhere to and monitor them for each task and/or phase. Meet deadlines established for each phase of projects. Assist with the research, selection, and management of consultants. Coordinate design work with outside design consultants and in-house clients. Review outside consultant’s design, construction drawings and contractor’s shop drawings as necessary to ensure that the design intent is preserved. Represent EGAD to other departments on all aspects of EGAD work and implementation. Research exhibits and building materials, systems and consultants as necessary; specify colors, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. Incorporate sustainable practices, accessibility, and inclusion into all aspects of design. Manage administration and/or supervision of construction phases for projects in coordination with WCS Operations department and ensure that the design intent is preserved. Follow, and be responsible for, construction administration protocols for the design team, including attending construction meetings; monitoring construction progress for adherence to design documents, specifications, and quality standards; reviewing shop drawings and submittals; reviewing invoices; answering Requests for Information, establishing punch lists; assisting in determining final sign-off and project close-out. Ensure the highest quality guest experience at our zoos and aquarium based in New York and work with colleagues across WCS to support design efforts in the field.
