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Zoo Exhibit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fabrication Floor Manager

Corrales, NM · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Our exhibit and touch table clients are world-famous museums, zoos, aquariums, and Fortune 500 ... Maintain clear and regular communication with producers and design leads about project needs, shop ...

Our exhibit and touch table clients are world-famous museums, zoos, aquariums, and Fortune 500 ... Maintain clear and regular communication with producers and design leads about project needs, shop ...

Gardener

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$23.85/hr

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium POSITION POSTING Position Title : Gardener Department: Horticulture ... Maintains indoor and outdoor exhibit area in accordance with departmental policy, disseminates ...

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Develop skills with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support ... zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. Emphasis should be on animal care and maintenance of exhibit ...

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Develop skills with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support ... zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. Emphasis should be on animal care and maintenance of exhibit ...

Experience working in an aquarium or zoo setting highly preferred. * Environmental education ... Ensure care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on ...

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96.30 - $123/hr

Design and install PLC panels, wiring, sensors, transducers, and all other aspects of exhibit ... Experience working with aquarium or zoo life support systems * Experience using AutoCad

Design and install PLC panels, wiring, sensors, transducers, and all other aspects of exhibit ... Experience working with aquarium or zoo life support systems * Experience using AutoCad

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Design and install PLC panels, wiring, sensors, transducers, and all other aspects of exhibit ... Experience working with aquarium or zoo life support systems * Experience using AutoCad

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How much do zoo exhibit design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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.

What is a zoo exhibit design?

A Zoo Exhibit Design job involves creating engaging, safe, and naturalistic habitats for animals in zoos and wildlife parks. Designers must balance animal welfare, visitor experience, and educational goals while considering environmental and sustainability factors. This role requires collaboration with zoologists, architects, and engineers to ensure the habitat meets the physical and behavioral needs of the animals. Tasks may include research, sketching concepts, overseeing construction, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The goal is to design exhibits that foster conservation awareness while providing enriching environments for both animals and visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in zoo exhibit design?

To thrive in Zoo Exhibit Design, you need a background in architecture, landscape design, or a related field, along with knowledge of animal welfare and habitat requirements. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and an understanding of industry standards like AZA accreditation guidelines are typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong problem-solving skills are vital for balancing animal needs with visitor experience and operational constraints. These skills ensure that exhibits are safe, engaging, sustainable, and compliant with professional standards.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals in zoo exhibit design?

Zoo exhibit designers commonly face the challenge of creating environments that meet the complex physical and psychological needs of diverse animal species while also engaging and educating the public. Balancing budget constraints, regulatory requirements, and the integration of evolving animal welfare standards into the design process can be demanding. Designers often collaborate with veterinarians, animal keepers, engineers, and educators to ensure the exhibits are functional, safe, and enriching for both animals and visitors. This multidisciplinary nature requires adaptability and continuous learning to keep up with best practices in both design and animal care.

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What cities are hiring for Zoo Exhibit Design jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Exhibit Design jobs?

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What states have the most Zoo Exhibit Design jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Zoo Exhibit Design jobs are:

Infographic showing various Zoo Exhibit Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 85% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,220 per year, or $28 per hour.

Fabrication Floor Manager

Ideum

Corrales, NM • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Position
Ideum is seeking a skilled and dedicated Fabrication Floor Manager to lead daily operations in our fabrication shop. This full-time, on-site role is essential to maintaining an efficient, clean, and safe facility while ensuring project schedules are met and quality standards upheld. The Floor Manager works under the direction of the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and collaborates closely with exhibit designers, producers, technicians, industrial designers, and fabricators to manage workflows, review production readiness, and support the successful execution of one-of-a-kind exhibit components. In addition, the Fabrication Floor Manager would help streamline the production of two touch table products that are produced in small batches. Our exhibit and touch table clients are world-famous museums, zoos, aquariums, and Fortune 500 companies located around the world.
This position does not regularly create fabrication drawings. Instead, it focuses on reviewing, interpreting, and marking up them, coordinating shop activities, and ensuring that both traditional and digital fabrication tools are operational and ready for use. The ideal candidate is an experienced fabricator with a deep understanding of both analog and digital fabrication methods, and who thrives in a leadership role on the shop floor. This in-person position is at Ideum's studios in scenic Corrales, New Mexico (near Albuquerque and an hour from Santa Fe).
Key Responsibilities
Shop Management and Scheduling
  • Manage daily scheduling of fabrication work based on project priorities and deadlines.
  • Monitor progress and proactively adjust workflows to meet production milestones.
  • Maintain clear and regular communication with producers and design leads about project needs, shop capacity, and scheduling constraints.
  • Ensure all work aligns with the project scope, fabrication drawings, and quality expectations.

Facility and Equipment Oversight
  • Maintain all fabrication shop equipment, including traditional woodworking tools, CNC machines, laser cutters, and hand tools.
  • Ensure the shop is clean, safe, and organized at all times.
  • Schedule preventative maintenance and repairs, and track tool usage and condition.
  • Support safety protocols and enforce safe working practices among all staff and collaborators.

Quality Control and Documentation
  • Review and interpret production drawings for completeness and constructability.
  • Identify fabrication concerns early and work with designers to resolve challenges before production.
  • Ensure adherence to ADA, client, and museum-grade quality standards.
  • Coordinate with shipping and installation teams to support packing and readiness of finished items.

Team Leadership and Support
  • Provide daily leadership on the shop floor, acting as the primary point of contact for fabrication staff during active builds.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level fabricators, sharing best practices in tool use, material selection, and fabrication methods.
  • Support training in both traditional and digital fabrication techniques.
  • Encourage a culture of precision, problem-solving, and accountability.

What You Bring
  • Minimum of 5 years' hands-on experience in fabrication, including both traditional shop practices and digital fabrication (CNC, laser cutting, etc.)
  • Strong familiarity with a range of materials, including wood, plastics, and metals
  • Excellent working knowledge of shop tools and safety protocols
  • Demonstrated experience managing people and coordinating complex build schedules
  • Ability to read and interpret CAD files and fabrication drawings
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams
  • Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment

Bonus Points For
  • Experience in museum exhibit fabrication or custom fabrication for public environments
  • Knowledge of CAD for drafting and tool paths
  • Familiarity with basic AV integration or mechanical systems
  • OSHA certification or safety training credentials

About Ideum
We are a multidisciplinary experience design firm that focuses on using emerging technologies in creative and unexpected ways. We create visitor-centric exhibits that evoke wonder, awe, and surprise, but that also tell important stories about science, art, history, and culture that have a lasting impact. We work with museums, educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and other entities throughout North America and around the world. Our firm provides design services, custom software development, media systems design and installation, and custom fabrication.
Our multitouch tables and touch displays are practical implementations of recent advances in multiple areas of emerging technology. Our hardware products are designed for use in social environments where they encourage interaction and collaboration. We take pride in what we design and build, and we focus on reliability and performance to create products that last. We've been a leader in touch table development for nearly 15 years.
We are located in scenic Corrales, New Mexico (near Albuquerque and an hour from Santa Fe). Please visit our portfolio and product website to learn more about us: http://www.ideum.com.
Benefits and Incentives
Compensation between $65,000 - $75,000, depending on experience
Equal Opportunity & Eligibility
Ideum, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. This application will not be used for limiting or excluding any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Should an applicant need reasonable accommodations in the application process, they should contact a company representative.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
How to Apply
Please include a resume, cover letter, and any relevant work examples.
No phone calls or walk-ins, please. NOTE: *Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.