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Job Title: Exhibit Lighting Specialist
Posting Date: August 2026
Job Department: Exhibit Fabrication & 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 Lighting Specialist to maintain and document all internal exhibit lighting systems. This individual will work on tasks ranging from re-lamping fixtures to DMX programming, topology design, and troubleshooting. A secondary expectation of this individual is to work with the current team of exhibit builders, assisting in the fabrication and maintenance of interpretive (dry, public space) exhibit lighting components as well as live (wet, in-tank, Back of House) installations. This position is paid hourly, and schedule flexibility is important, as early starting times and late after-hours work are occasionally required.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include: Experience with computer-controlled lighting systems setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting is required. Soldering experience is a must. Candidate should have work experience setting up, programing, operating, and maintaining DMX lighting systems. Comprehension of visible light spectroscopy and color theory is essential.
• Assist in maintaining existing live-display components, primarily exhibit lighting but also including some habitat décor and Back of House elements.
• 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.
• Participate in product selection, customization, installation, and maintenance of gallery exhibit lighting.
• Assist in the fabrication and installation of new or renovated interpretive exhibits.
• Assist with the daily maintenance of the exhibits; including but not limited to; cleaning fixtures, soldering wires, re-lamping of exhibit lights/panels/boxes, storage, and inventory. Participate in preventative maintenance, condition assessment, lifecycle planning, and replacement prioritization for exhibit lighting systems.
• May assist in producing working scale models and/or presentation scale models. Bench testing fixtures.
• Adhere to all institutional safety procedures, which pertain to assigned tasks, proper use of shop tools and routine upkeep of shop spaces and related work sites.
• Participate in material purchases, maintains accurate financial records of these activities, and works within budget boundaries.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all systems; including records of specific workload activities, system documentation, fixture inventories, physical locations, control addresses, network/DMX topology, programming information, maintenance history and replacement needs.
• Gather existing site or project related data in the form of organized and legible lists, descriptions, dimensioned sketches/diagrams, etc.
• Research materials, fabrication methods, techniques, prototyping and testing of lighting, etc., as directed by supervisor(s)
• Communication with outside vendors/technicians and technical assistance.
• Participate 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 support in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be safe, organized and practice responsible conduct with all shop spaces, tools, materials, institutional vehicles, and personal safety equipment.
• Participate in departmental SDS accounting and required HAZCOM responsibilities.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
• 3-7 years of experience in exhibits, theater, architectural or production lighting (or similar field)
• Candidates are required to submit documentation and/or photos of previous work along with a cover letter describing interest in the position and any unique qualifications.
• Working knowledge of Macro Programming, ETC EOS, Mosaic Designer or IT Cueserver and other similar software packages.
• A working knowledge of computer network protocols (TCP/IP) and network adapter settings is required.
• Understand lighting design concepts and DMX lighting control
• Working knowledge of electricity and electrical circuits, how to work with those systems safely.
• Able to lift a 40lb load.
• Able to climb a ladder safely and confidently.
• A current, valid driver's license.
• A personal cell phone to be used for work related communications (partial reimbursement)
• Computer proficiency with MS Windows and Office, especially Excel, is required to carry out the duties of this position.
• Candidates must be able to follow directions and communicate effectively using and making notes and dimensioned sketches.
• The ability to direct the work of others and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Good problem-solving skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Good mechanical aptitude and superior troubleshooting skills
PREFERRED:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience/training
• 8-10 years of experience in exhibits, theater, architectural or production lighting (or similar field)
• Appreciation of aquatic species, the natural world, and informal learning
• Experience with DMX over ethernet or networked DMX and associated technologies such as sACN and Art-Net.
• Experience with various exhibit lighting types (FL, PC, LED, HID, etc.),
• Ability to take good documentation photos, Decent sketching ability.
• Understanding of applied math and geometry such as fractions, ratios, percentages, decimal equivalents, metric conversions, right-triangle (Pythagorean) geometry, circle geometry, etc.
• Scissor/Boom lift Certification/experience is highly desirable.
• Good writing skills, Ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct letters, memos, descriptions, etc.
• Experience with a variety of specialty materials like plastics, composites, metals, etc. is beneficial and a good working knowledge of fasteners, adhesives, and coatings is desirable.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (such as Solidworks, Rhino, AlibreCAD, etc.) and/or 2D CAD software (such as AutoCAD, ARES, Vector Works, etc.) is a plus.
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
Hourly range ($18.27-24.87) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About 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.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
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.
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.