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Exhibits Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Additionally,the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife andprotect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governancesustainability, conservation ...

Additionally,the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife andprotect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governancesustainability, conservation ...

Operations Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Exhibits specialist level or higher competency level on all Core Competencies Preferred qualifications: * Strong knowledge of pupil transportation industry processes and regulations * Experience in ...

Graphics Designer, Exhibits Preparator, and Museum Facilities Specialist. * Oversees planning, design, installation, and maintenance of all exhibits, utilizing current museum standards for exhibits ...

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Exhibits Specialist information

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$11

$26

$37

How much do exhibits specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for exhibits specialist in the United States is $26.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exhibits Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exhibits Specialist, you need expertise in exhibit design, art handling, and collections management, often supported by a degree in museum studies, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), conservation materials, and museum collections databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with curators and ensuring the quality of displays. These skills are important because they ensure exhibits are visually engaging, accurately presented, and preserved for public education and enjoyment.

How does an Exhibits Specialist typically collaborate with curators and designers during the development of new exhibits?

Exhibits Specialists work closely with curators to understand the narrative and educational goals of an exhibit, ensuring that display materials and layouts effectively communicate the intended message. They also collaborate with designers to determine the best use of space, lighting, and interactive elements, balancing aesthetics with conservation requirements. Regular meetings, prototype reviews, and feedback sessions are common, allowing for adjustments to ensure the exhibit is both engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. This teamwork is essential for creating compelling and educational visitor experiences.

What are Exhibits Specialists?

Exhibits Specialists are professionals who design, build, install, and maintain exhibits for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other public displays. They collaborate with curators, designers, and educators to ensure exhibits are visually appealing, educational, and safe for visitors. Their work involves selecting materials, constructing display cases, arranging artifacts, and sometimes using multimedia or interactive technologies. Exhibits Specialists play a key role in bringing stories and collections to life for the public.

What is the difference between Exhibits Specialist vs Museum Curator?

AspectExhibits SpecialistMuseum Curator
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in exhibit design and installationAdvanced degrees in history, art, or related fields; curatorial certifications
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, trade shows, event spacesMuseums, historical societies, research institutions
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural institutions, exhibition companiesMuseums, art institutions, archives
Search & Comparison IntentExhibits Specialist vs Museum CuratorExhibits Specialist roles in comparison to curators

The main difference is that Exhibits Specialists focus on designing, installing, and maintaining exhibits, often with technical and logistical skills. Museum Curators typically handle collection management, research, and exhibit conceptualization at a higher strategic level. Both roles work within museums and cultural institutions but have distinct responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Exhibits Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Exhibits Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Exhibits Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exhibits Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Exhibits Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Exhibits Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Exhibits Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Exhibits Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,946 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Exhibits Specialist

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

General Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Animal Facilities, the ExhibitsSpecialist provides day-to-day monitoring, repairs and preventive maintenanceof all animal exhibit/holding/service area features, e.g.  rock work, pools, hot wire systems, exhibitfurniture, plant material, animal enrichment, and animal caging. Additionally,the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife andprotect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governancesustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity,Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions:

Primary Functions:

  • Assist Horticulturedepartment with landscaping and planting projects, as required;
  • Provide seasonal assistancewith landscaping needs and pruning in and around animal exhibits;
  • Provide repair and maintenanceof barriers, caging andfences in and around animal habitats;
  • Install and maintain hotwire systems in animal exhibits;
  • Move, maintain and gradesubstrate to meet animal department needs;
  • Advise and assist withinstallation of new plant material in exhibits;
  • Develop a schedule ofpreventative maintenance for all animal habitats;
  • Maintain a currentinventory of exhibit construction materials and SDS information;
  • Assist with the storage ofchemicals per OSHA requirements
  • Service and maintain departmentequipment, including power tools and yard equipment;
  • Provide training foranimal staff on safe operation of department tools and equipment;
  • Assist Facilitiescontractor with maintenance and construction projects, as required;
  • Provide constructionservices in the renovation of existing exhibits or exhibit features;
  • Provide constructionservices to assist in preparing new habitats for animal and staff use;
  • Maintain certification onpower equipment such as skid steers and back hoes;
  • Assist with pest controlmeasures and wild animal exclusion in and around animal habitats;
  • Advise Animal departmentmanagement on current and new industry safety standards;
  • Assist with snow and iceremoval and storm clean up, as required;
  • Available on call fornights and weekends, as required
  • Perform other duties, asassigned;
  • Adhere to all policies andprocedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

  • Activelycollaborate with all areas of the Zoo to ensure that exhibit management practicesare to the highest standards;
  • Represent the Zoo toguests, media, donors, zoo community associates, and the general public;
  • Answer thepublic's questions concerning exhibit management;
  • Activelycollaborate with the otherdepartments to ensure that exhibit features inpublic areas are maintained in good repair;
  • Attendarea, department and All Staff meetings as required; and,
  • Coordinateexhibit management activities with animal department staff.

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):

  • Recommend,schedule and perform preventative maintenance services for all animal exhibits;and
  • Providerepair/ maintenance service for animal enrichment devices, fences, gates, plantmaterial (in cooperation with the Horticulture Department), rock work, hotwiresystems, exhibit barriers and exhibit substrates.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

  • High school degreerequired, AA or bachelor's degree in art, science, horticulture or mechanics isdesirable.

Experience/Training:      

  • Two to three years ofexperience working in an exhibits/horticultural program at an AZA accreditedzoo or aquarium or related experience in art, horticulture or mechanical field;
  • Validdriver's license; 
  • Experienceusing heavy construction equipment;
  • Fabrication experience;
  • Proficiency with welding,carpentry and concrete construction;
  • Proficiency withlandscaping, pruning, and plant identification;
  • Workingknowledge of industry and governmentsafety standards.

Traits Desirable:

  • Ability to work with awide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Extremelywell-organized; 
  • Excellentcustomer service skills for internal customers; and,
  • Self-directed,collaborative and detail-oriented.

Equipment:

  • Must be able to operate a variety ofmachines and equipment including telephone, two-way radio, motor vehicles,electric golf carts, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools, power equipment,e.g. leaf blower, weed eater, lawn mower, chain saw or power washer andconstruction equipment, e.g. backhoe, Bobcat, farm tractors, large trucks, andwelding equipment.

Working Conditions:

  • Must be able toexert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or anegligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pullor otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those forsedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop,kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be ableto walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
  • Must be able towork in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, includingheat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Ability towork a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be ableto lift and/or carry weights of up to 50 pounds and climb a ladder;
  • Exposure tozoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposure topotential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insectbites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • TB test andphysical required.

Benefits:

  • We offer an excellentbenefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave,and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental,vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:

Thestatements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work beingperformed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore,management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other ordifferent tasks be performed when circumstances change.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME