Exhibit Builder- Digital Fabrication Specialist

Exhibit Builder Duties

Participates in maintenance, fabrication, and installation of live-animal displays and provides fabrication, operational and maintenance support for interpretive exhibits, in full accordance with institutional goals and standards. Assists as directed in all facets of this process, including materials/vendor research, purchasing, demolition, on and off-site construction, transport and installation, exhibit lighting maintenance, exhibit graphic maintenance, shop upkeep, and occupational safety duties.

Digital fabrication specialist is the lead or key person on CAD and CAM tasked projects for the Exhibit Fabrication & Operations department. This position exercises discretion and initiative in developing and implementing CAD/CAM solutions and strategies for departmental tasks and projects. The Digital Fabrication Specialist utilizes advanced computer-aided fabrication knowledge and skills for data acquisition and input (laser scanning), CAD surface and solid model creation and manipulation (CAD software operation), and CAM output to CNC machinery and/or 3D printing machinery (CAM software and machinery operation).

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

Exhibit Builder Essential Functions

• Assists in maintaining existing live-display components, including habitat décor and exhibit lighting.
• Participates in fabrication and installation of highly detailed and accurate habitat representations as directed by senior staff.
• Assists in the fabrication and installation of new or renovated interpretive exhibit displays.
• 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.
• Supports daily maintenance of the interpretive exhibits; including, but not limited to, re-lamping of light boxes, graphic replacement, vinyl text application, exhibit cabinetry repair, and moving large items.
• Assists in building scale models.
• 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 work sites.
• Participates in material purchases, maintains accurate financial records of these activities, and works within budget boundaries.
• Maintains accurate records of specific workload activities.
• Gather existing project related data as organized and legible lists, descriptions, dimensioned sketches/diagrams, etc.
• Research materials, fabrication methods, techniques, prototyping and testing, etc., as directed.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Occasional travel for site-visits and installations, as required.
• Additional duties as assigned or required.
  
  

Additional DFS Essential Functions

• Is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of departmental CAD/CAM hardware, software, & machinery.
• Plays a key role in purchase selection of hardware, software, & machinery for CAD/CAM operations.
• Is a key decision maker in establishing CAD/CAM fabrication strategies.
• Provides advice to the project team regarding conventional shop techniques vs. digital output solutions considering material suitability, cost, fabrication feasibility, etc.
• Works collaboratively with staff of other departments (especially 231 “Experiential Design”) to refine designs and develop specific digital fabrication strategies for production of exhibit elements, mockups, models, etc.
• Maintains organized records of CAD/CAM projects, computer files, workspaces, materials, and equipment.
  
  

Exhibit Builder Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Appreciation of aquatic species, the natural world, and informal learning.
• Specialized vocational training or min. 3 years’ practical experience/knowledge in custom industrial/artistic fabrications using a wide range of skills and many different materials.
• Capable of carrying a 50lb load.
• Able to climb a ladder safely and confidently.
• Computer competencies in, but not limited to, MS Windows & MS Office applications. Proficiency in a recent version of AutoCAD software is a plus.
• A valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
• A personal smart phone to be used for work-related communications and exchange of work-related photos/media.
  
  

Additional DFS Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ full-time involvement in some form of digital fabrication.
• A wide knowledge of CAD/CAM hardware, software, machinery, materials & methods, etc.
• Fluency or advanced operating knowledge in at least 2 (at least 1 CAD, 1 CAM) of the following software programs (recent versions):
• AutoCAD
• Solidworks
• AlibreDesign
• Inventor
• Rhino
• RhinoCAM (or any other VisualMILL software from Mechsoft)
• Vectric (VCarve or Aspire)
• Mastercam, Mach3, BobCAD, or similar specialized CNC software
• Functioning knowledge of a Linux distribution and/or a Raspberry Pi (Raspian) single board computer, or similar.
• Functioning knowledge and some experience with Arduino systems and programing.
  

Exhibit Builder 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 (architect’s 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), circle geometry, etc.
  
  

Additional DFS Competencies

• Communicate well; capable of providing clear descriptions, instructions, directions, etc.
• High level of computer proficiency.
• High level of mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent spatial perception; capable of visualizing and defining 3D space.
• Highly organized and self-directed, displaying self-motivation and initiative.
  
  

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.
  
  

Human Resources

This position is not accountable for the administrative supervision duties of other employees.

Human Relations

This position is an internal service-provider for the institution, which requires an attitude of cooperation and teamwork with all other NAB staff and volunteers.