Position: Exhibit Developer
Reports to: Manager of Interpretive Programs
Position Managed: Interns on a project basis
Location: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium as required. Hybrid.
Department: Exhibition and Graphic Arts Department (EGAD)
Scope: Multi - sites as required.
Position Type: Part Time
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade Level: Hourly
Pay Range: $23-$28/hour
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 uniquefoundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect throughwork 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 andpowerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team membersin New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Job Summary:
The Exhibit Developer is an integral member of the Exhibition and Graphic Arts Department (EGAD) at WCS. This position is part of a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely together to create exhibitions at WCS’s four zoos and one aquarium that connect visitors to nature and inspire them to protect wildlife and wild places. Reporting to the Manager of Interpretive Programs, this position develops the stories that we convey through exhibits. Excellent writing skills, the ability to perform research and synthesize information, and strong interpersonal skills are all important elements contributing to success in the role.
Major Responsibilities:- Participate in all aspects of exhibit planning with WCS project teams and outside consultants, including concept development; design development; planning and creation of all multi-media components; and developing and conducting evaluation studies.
- Perform research and synthesize information from websites, books, scientific articles, and content experts to help develop content for exhibits.
- Produce exhibit interpretive plans and development materials; write and edit copy for all exhibit materials.
- Collaborate with appropriate WCS departments including but not limited to Zoo & Aquarium Animal Departments, Digital and Media Production teams, Education, Public Affairs, Marketing, Events, and Global Conservation staff, to develop exhibit stories and strengthen the opportunities for communicating WCS messages in-park.
- Participate in photo research and licensing.
- Adhere to schedules, budgets, and priorities for project implementation and reporting.
- Educate staff, contractors, and partners of WCS in the goals and exhibit principles for all exhibition programs and represent EGAD to other departments on all aspects of project implementation.
- Assist EGAD senior staff on special projects.
- Represent WCS and its mission in professional fora.
Internal Qualification RequirementsExcellent writing and proofreading skills; fluency in written Spanish a plus.
2-3 years of experience writing for diverse audiences, in a science communication or museum context preferred.
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in related field preferred.
Familiarity with biological science and wildlife conservation.
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to understand and demonstrate how a story is achieved through visual tools.
Familiarity with new communication media.
Commitment to WCS mission.
Physical Demands
The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 35lbs.
Workplace Conditions and Environment
The workplace conditions and environment of the role include working indoors, closely with others, and/or alone, exposure to excess noise, and travel to other WCS sites, conferences and global sites.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
