How to Post Jobs
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job
Career Center
Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.
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.
Exhibit Operations Manager
Job Title: Exhibit Operations Manager
Posting Date: April 2026
Job Department: Exhibit Fabrication and Operations
Schedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202
JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Manager (EOM) to be the hands-on manager of assigned Exhibit Operation (EO) spaces, staff, equipment, tasks & projects, and associated budgets. The highest priority for this position is promoting an exemplary guest experience, striving for minimum (zero) down-time or defect in exhibit form or function and upholding the highest standards of "fit and finish" for all exhibit elements and spaces. This includes lighting of interpretive exhibit elements and effects lighting in public spaces, as well as live display lighting (aquariums and animal spaces). Close collaboration and cooperation with animal husbandry staff are critical. The EO effort is also comprised of routine maintenance and cleaning of exhibit elements along with repairs of exhibit elements and occasional installations of the same. The EOM must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure. The EOM must be a highly focused individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The EOM must also be a flexible team player who can exercise discretion, handle complicated logistics, motivate and unite staff, and control project expenses to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. The EOM must have ability to orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include:
Hire, train, and mentor exhibit operations staff.
Manage exhibit operations staff. Includes staff scheduling, work plans, time management and time sheets, as well as resolution of employee relations concerns and performance management.
Oversee all aspects of exhibit lighting, of both, interpretive exhibits, and live displays
Create and maintain documentation for all essential exhibit operation functions, projects, and tasks to sustain the National Aquarium's high-quality standards for all exhibits, exhibit lighting, interpretive elements, and signage in all public spaces (interior and exterior).
Provide clear, concise, thorough, and timely communication and information distribution.
Manage multiple exhibit operations projects simultaneously within the constraints of scope, quality, time, and budget to deliver results consistent with the National Aquarium's high-quality standards.
Select, Hire, and Manage subcontractors when needed to complete exhibit operations projects
Control exhibit operations project expenses to provide value and limit waste, keeping project costs within budget.
Control Exhibit Operations team and maintenance shop operating expenses and keep those expenses within the annual budget.
Contribute to the ongoing development of departmental management methods.
Create and maintain the exhibit operations project schedule, material inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, tool inventory list for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, and exhibit maintenance task lists.
Determine exhibit operations resource requirements, anticipate workload and staffing requirements, coordinating with other team leads on a labor resourcing plan per project.
Provide input on build solutions and communicate appropriately with other exhibit leads and designers, as requested.
Maintain risk management and SDS compliance for the Exhibit Operations group, Exhibit Operations workspaces and Exhibit Operations projects.
Embrace responsibility as the most accountable person for safety in the execution of all exhibit operations projects.
Execute projects in the safest manner possible and ensure staff follow all appropriate safety rules and guidelines.
Maintain the P4 shop (and other) exhibit operations equipment manuals for training and effective use of equipment.
Effectively communicate with exhibits team, contractors, and vendors.
Lead and represent the Exhibit Operations review/feedback efforts as requested.
Contribute to the design and fabrication of exhibit prototypes as requested.
Create SOP and existing operations information packages consistent with organizational need.
Always maintain a professional and positive demeanor.
Always maintain clean and safe workspaces.
Support company mission.
Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned or required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of six years' experience in museum or public exhibit operations and maintenance or the same amount of experience in event planning and execution. Experience should also include knowledge and use of the following:
Table Saw
Drill Press
Miter Saw
Panel Saw
Hand tools such as hammer drill, electric screw-gun driver, hand-sanders (orbital, belt etc.)
Demonstrated or documented knowledge and experience with at least 3 of the following:
Basic Carpentry
Basic Electrical Wiring
Basic Plumbing
Specialized cleaning; materials, methods, & procedures
FRP, Composite, and Plastic Constructions
Adhesive types and applications
Paint and Industrial Coatings
Artistic painting
Three years of supervisory experience
Proven ability to manage multiple workflows and related project expenses
A functional knowledge of computer-controlled lighting systems. DMX knowledge is required (Lutron is a plus).
Strong ability to coordinate tasks and schedules as well as facilitate communication with other departments, contractors, and aquarium partners
High level of software proficiency in, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Experience with project scheduling software is required. (Cloud or Local) Must include Gantt chart generation.
Sufficient competency in AutoCAD, Rhino, or other CAD software (Open files, Basic Draw/Modify, Annotate/Dimension, Save/Save As, and Print)
Current driver's license with ability to pass approved driver criteria for NA (minimal to no driving record violations)
Functioning personal cell phone that can, and will, be used for work purposes
NOT REQUIRED, BUT PREFERRED
Knowledge or experience Parametric Solid Modeling Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Alibre Design), or Rhino
advanced knowledge and/or considerable experience with Microsoft Project (Or other advanced scheduling software, cloud based or local)
Knowledge of, or experience with, Lutron lighting systems
Specialized Safety or Equipment Training (certified)
(Required Degree or work experience in years).
(List all other requirements or preferred experience/knowledge/application/software/best practices in the field).
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
Salary range ($64,700-82,474 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.
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.
Perks
Medical, Dental, Vision, Parking, 401K match, Family Membership, Development Reimbursement, and MORE!!
Salary
$64,700-82,474 Annual
How to Apply
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
The National Aquarium
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 4106594281
Visit our website
Return to All Job Posts
Edit your job posting
General Settings
Title (limited to 100 characters)
Description
Add details about the job itself here.
Experience
Comments
Salary
Category Type
Internship Job
How should a candidate apply?
Job Perks
*
Company Info
Company Name
Address
City
State
Please Select Alberta Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Manitoba Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Brunswick Newfoundland Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Northwest Territories North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Nova Scotia Nunavut Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon
Zip
Company Phone
Company Fax
Company Website
Company Twitter Username
Company Facebook Page
About the Company
Company Logo/Avatar
Submitting your job posting...