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Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Seasonal Zoo Educator

Grand Rapids, MI

$14/hr

As a Zoo Educator, you'll facilitate school groups ages K-12 in STEM lessons including Penguineering, Exhibit Design, and provide behind the scenes tours of areas like our Commissary and Aquarium.

New

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management ... John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

Maintains exhibits, public areas, off-exhibit holdingareasand grounds. * Monitors heating systems ... Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

Maintains exhibits, public areas, off-exhibit holdingareasand grounds. * Monitors heating systems ... Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and ...

Thanksgiving Point

Exhibit Designer

Lehi, UT · On-site

Description Exhibit Designer Wage : $DOE Shift: Full time. Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm. Benefits: Free ... Contribute to the design, interpretation, development and creation of cool things, like oversized ...

New

Zoological Society

Interpretation Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

... exhibit design, coordinates and delivers theme day celebrations, and plays an active role in Zoo ... Benefits & Perks This is a full-time, salaried position. Some benefits and employee perks include:

Zoological Society

Interpretation Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

... exhibit design, coordinates and delivers theme day celebrations, and plays an active role in Zoo ... Benefits & Perks This is a full-time, salaried position. Some benefits and employee perks include:

Ohio History Connection

Exhibit Designer

Columbus, OH

$57K/yr

Exhibit Designer Status: Full time, permanent Location: Ohio History Center, Columbus OH Salary ... Design and produce interactive * Ability to communicate complex concepts and data in unique and ...

New

Brevard Zoo

Zoo Communications Coordinator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $22.25/hr

Position: Zoo Communications Coordinator Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt Department ... Experience with photography, videography, video editing, web design, graphic design and other ...

City of Atascadero, CA

Zookeeper I

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

City of Atascadero, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: ZKI 2026 Department: Community Services ... Some knowledge of animals, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in exhibit and zoo ...

Ideum

Exhibit Designer

Corrales, NM

$55K - $75K/yr

The role is focused on the design, integration, and coordination of exhibits and other scenic ... Experience with museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, or other interpretive public spaces is a ...

Exhibitus

CAD Detailer/ CNC Programmer

Woburn, MA

$25 - $30/hr

Exhibitus is a leading exhibit design and experiential marketing company with products and services ... full-time employment). The final offer will reflect the selected candidate's experience ...

Ideum

Exhibit Designer

Corrales, NM · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The role is focused on the design, integration, and coordination of exhibits and other scenic ... Experience with museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, or other interpretive public spaces is a ...

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All JobsZoo Exhibit Design JobsFull Time Zoo Exhibit Design Jobs

Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design information

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$14

$27

$44

How much do full time zoo exhibit design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time zoo exhibit design in the United States is $27.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a full time zoo exhibit designer?

To become a full-time zoo exhibit designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, zoology, or environmental design. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in exhibit design, developing skills in CAD software, and understanding animal habitats are important steps. Building a portfolio and networking within the industry can also help secure full-time employment in this specialized field.

What is the difference between Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design vs Zoo Exhibit Construction Specialist?

AspectFull Time Zoo Exhibit DesignZoo Exhibit Construction Specialist
CredentialsDesign degrees, certifications in exhibit planningConstruction certifications, trade skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, zoo offices, client meetingsConstruction sites, physical installation areas
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, exhibit design firms, consulting agenciesConstruction companies, zoo facilities
Search & Comparison IntentDesign process, conceptual planningBuilding, installation, physical craftsmanship

Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design focuses on creating and planning zoo exhibits through design and conceptual work, while Zoo Exhibit Construction Specialists are involved in the physical building and installation of those exhibits. Both roles are essential in the exhibit development process but differ in skills, environment, and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time zoo exhibit designer?

Success as a Full Time Zoo Exhibit Designer requires a background in architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field, along with knowledge of animal welfare and exhibit design principles. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with building codes and sustainable design practices, is crucial. Creativity, strong communication, and collaboration skills help designers work effectively with zoo staff, engineers, and animal care experts. These competencies ensure exhibits are functional, engaging, and safe for both animals and visitors, aligning with conservation and educational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in full time zoo exhibit design, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in full-time zoo exhibit design often encounter challenges such as balancing animal welfare needs with visitor engagement and operational constraints like budget and space. They must collaborate closely with animal care staff, architects, and educators to ensure exhibits are safe, enriching, and accessible. Meeting regulatory standards and incorporating sustainable materials can also add complexity. Success in this role relies on effective teamwork, creative problem-solving, and adaptability to evolving best practices in animal care and exhibit trends.

How to become a full time zoo exhibit design?

To become a full-time zoo exhibit designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, zoology, or environmental design. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in exhibit design, developing skills in CAD software, and understanding animal habitats are important steps. Building a portfolio and networking within the industry can also help secure full-time roles in zoo exhibit design.

What does a full time zoo exhibit designer do?

A Full Time Zoo Exhibit Designer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of animal habitats and displays in zoos. Their work involves creating environments that are safe and enriching for the animals, while also providing educational and engaging experiences for visitors. They collaborate with zookeepers, veterinarians, architects, and engineers to ensure the exhibits meet animal welfare standards and comply with regulations. Additionally, they consider elements like naturalistic landscaping, sustainability, and visitor flow in their designs. This role requires creativity, technical skills, and a strong understanding of animal behavior and needs.
More about Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Exhibit Design jobs? The most popular types of Zoo Exhibit Design jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design jobs are:
Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Zoo Exhibit Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,220 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exhibit Designer - Kraemer Design + Production

PlayCore

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

PlayCore rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kraemer Design + Production (KD+P) is seeking an mid-career Exhibit Designer to help create imaginative, educational, and highly engaging visitor experiences for children's museums, science centers, nature centers, visitor centers, and family-focused attractions. KD+P specializes in interactive experiential exhibit design and production, supporting projects from concept design through installation, including interpretive environments, graphics, lighting, media, cabinetry, special effects, and hands-on interactive components.
The Exhibit Designer will translate client content, educational goals, and audience needs into memorable, durable, and buildable exhibit experiences. This role is ideal for a creative designer who enjoys storytelling through space, play, physical interaction, visual communication, and collaborative problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for clients
  • Develop exhibit concepts that transform client content into engaging, family-centered experiences with clear visitor takeaways.
  • Create sketches, mood boards, spatial studies, 2D layouts, 3D models, renderings, and presentation materials that communicate design intent.
  • Design hands-on interactives that are intuitive, durable, safe, inclusive, and appropriate for children, caregivers, school groups, and multigenerational audiences.
  • Collaborate with project managers, content developers, graphic designers, media designers, architects, fabricators, engineers, and client stakeholders throughout the design process.
  • Support master planning, concept design, schematic design, detail design, and production documentation phases.
  • Integrate interpretive goals, learning objectives, visitor flow, accessibility, ergonomics, materials, finishes, lighting, graphics, audio, media, and fabrication considerations into cohesive exhibit environments.
  • Prepare design documentation, including plans, elevations, sections, details, material references, interactive descriptions, and fabrication notes.
  • Participate in client presentations, design reviews, charrettes, internal critiques, and coordination meetings.
  • Prototype, test, and refine interactive ideas as needed to improve usability, visitor engagement, durability, and educational impact.
  • Coordinate with fabrication partners to ensure design intent is maintained while adapting to budget, schedule, material, and constructability requirements.
  • Review shop drawings, samples, mockups, and installed conditions for consistency with the approved design.
  • Stay current on museum, attraction, play, learning, accessibility, and interactive design trends.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in exhibit design, industrial design, environmental design, architecture, interior design, themed entertainment design, museum studies, graphic design, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
  • Professional portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, visual storytelling, spatial design, and hands-on or experiential design work.
  • Experience developing visitor-centered environments, exhibits, interactives, themed spaces, educational environments, play environments, or public-facing attractions.
  • Strong sketching, visualization, layout, and presentation skills.
  • Working knowledge of 2D and 3D design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SolidWorks, or similar software.
  • Ability to design within real-world constraints, including budgets, schedules, fabrication methods, maintenance needs, accessibility, safety, and durability.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain design ideas clearly to internal teams, clients, and fabrication partners.
  • Detail-oriented approach with the ability to move between big-picture concept development and practical production documentation.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, respond to feedback, and contribute in a collaborative studio environment.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience designing exhibits for children's museums, science centers, nature centers, visitor centers, aquariums, zoos, libraries, cultural institutions, or family entertainment venues.
  • Understanding of child development, family learning, informal education, universal design, ADA accessibility, and visitor behavior.
  • Experience with mechanical, low-tech, digital, media-based, sensory, role-play, water, air, light, sound, motion, or cause-and-effect interactives.
  • Knowledge of materials, finishes, cabinetry, casework, graphics, lighting, audiovisual systems, and exhibit fabrication techniques.
  • Experience participating in design charrettes, stakeholder workshops, client presentations, and interdisciplinary project meetings.
  • Experience coordinating with architects, contractors, engineers, fabricators, installers, educators, evaluators, and content experts.

What Success Looks Like
  • You create exhibit ideas that are imaginative, hands-on, visitor-centered, educationally meaningful, and practical to build.
  • You can turn complex content into simple, engaging, hands-on experiences that invite participation and discovery.
  • You balance creativity with the realities of fabrication, installation, maintenance, safety, and client goals.
  • You communicate visually and verbally with clarity, confidence, and flexibility.
  • You contribute positively to a collaborative team culture and help projects move forward with thoughtful design solutions.

Work Style and Expectations
The Exhibit Designer should be comfortable working in a fast-moving, project-based studio where ideas are developed collaboratively and refined through feedback. This position requires curiosity, resourcefulness, humility, strong follow-through, and a willingness to solve design challenges at multiple scales-from the overall visitor journey to the touchpoint details of an individual interactive.
Application Materials
  • Resume
  • Portfolio or work samples showing concept development, spatial design, interactive design, rendering, documentation, and completed project experience where available
  • Brief note describing why you are interested in designing interactive family-focused experiences with KD+P

Equal Opportunity Statement
KD+P is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage candidates who bring different perspectives, experiences, and creative approaches to exhibit design.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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