Exhibit Lighting Specialist

Job Summary

The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Lighting Specialist to maintain and document all internal exhibit lighting systems. This individual will work on tasks ranging from re-lamping fixtures to DMX programming, topology design, and troubleshooting. A secondary expectation of this individual is to work with the current team of exhibit builders, assisting in the fabrication and maintenance of interpretive (dry, public space) exhibit lighting components as well as live (wet, in-tank, Back of House) installations. This position is paid hourly, and schedule flexibility is important, as early starting times and late after-hours work are occasionally required.

Key Requirements

Essential responsibilities include:

• Experience with computer-controlled lighting systems setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting is required.
• Soldering experience is a must.
• Candidate should have work experience setting up, programing, operating, and maintaining DMX lighting systems.
• Comprehension of visible light spectroscopy and color theory is essential.
• Assist in maintaining existing live-display components, primarily exhibit lighting but also including some habitat décor and Back of House elements.
• Fabrication duties include sustained and potentially rigorous physical activity under varied site and workshop conditions, which may involve hazardous materials, working at heights, or other challenges.
• Participate in product selection, customization, installation, and maintenance of gallery exhibit lighting.
• Assist in the fabrication and installation of new or renovated interpretive exhibits.
• Assist with the daily maintenance of the exhibits; including but not limited to; cleaning fixtures, soldering wires, re-lamping of exhibit lights/panels/boxes, storage, and inventory.
• Participate in preventative maintenance, condition assessment, lifecycle planning, and replacement prioritization for exhibit lighting systems.
• May assist in producing working scale models and/or presentation scale models.
• Bench testing fixtures.
• Adhere to all institutional safety procedures, which pertain to assigned tasks, proper use of shop tools and routine upkeep of shop spaces and related work sites.
• Participate in material purchases, maintains accurate financial records of these activities, and works within budget boundaries.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all systems; including records of specific workload activities, system documentation, fixture inventories, physical locations, control addresses, network/DMX topology, programming information, maintenance history and replacement needs.
• Gather existing site or project related data in the form of organized and legible lists, descriptions, dimensioned sketches/diagrams, etc.
• Research materials, fabrication methods, techniques, prototyping and testing of lighting, etc., as directed by supervisor(s)
• Communication with outside vendors/technicians and technical assistance.
• Participate 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 support in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be safe, organized and practice responsible conduct with all shop spaces, tools, materials, institutional vehicles, and personal safety equipment.
• Participate in departmental SDS accounting and required HAZCOM responsibilities.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in exhibits, theater, architectural or production lighting (or similar field)
• Candidates are required to submit documentation and/or photos of previous work along with a cover letter describing interest in the position and any unique qualifications.
• Working knowledge of Macro Programming, ETC EOS, Mosaic Designer or IT Cueserver and other similar software packages.
• A working knowledge of computer network protocols (TCP/IP) and network adapter settings is required.
• Understand lighting design concepts and DMX lighting control
• Working knowledge of electricity and electrical circuits, how to work with those systems safely.
• Able to lift a 40lb load.
• Able to climb a ladder safely and confidently.
• A current, valid driver's license.
• A personal cell phone to be used for work related communications (partial reimbursement)
• Computer proficiency with MS Windows and Office, especially Excel, is required to carry out the duties of this position.
• Candidates must be able to follow directions and communicate effectively using and making notes and dimensioned sketches.
• The ability to direct the work of others and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Good problem-solving skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Good mechanical aptitude and superior troubleshooting skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience/training
• 8-10 years of experience in exhibits, theater, architectural or production lighting (or similar field)
• Appreciation of aquatic species, the natural world, and informal learning
• Experience with DMX over ethernet or networked DMX and associated technologies such as sACN and Art-Net.
• Experience with various exhibit lighting types (FL, PC, LED, HID, etc.)
• Ability to take good documentation photos
• Decent sketching ability.
• Understanding of applied math and geometry such as fractions, ratios, percentages, decimal equivalents, metric conversions, right-triangle (Pythagorean) geometry, circle geometry, etc.
• Scissor/Boom lift Certification/experience is highly desirable.
• Good writing skills, Ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct letters, memos, descriptions, etc.
• Experience with a variety of specialty materials like plastics, composites, metals, etc. is beneficial and a good working knowledge of fasteners, adhesives, and coatings is desirable.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (such as Solidworks, Rhino, AlibreCAD, etc.) and/or 2D CAD software (such as AutoCAD, ARES, Vector Works, etc.) is a plus.

Pay & Schedule

• Hourly range ($18.27-24.87) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime
• Premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays
• Shift differential for overnight shifts
• Full Time, On-site at National Aquarium Pier 3 and ACRC locations in Baltimore, MD

Benefits

• Four weeks paid time off
• Six paid floating holidays
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave
• Health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work
• 401(k) plan participation with employer match
• Family membership package and Aquarium tickets