Senior Exhibits Technician

Seattle Aquarium

Location: Seattle Aquarium
Salary Range: $32.00 to $34.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Status: Full-time, salaried, benefitted position
Schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend or after-hours work for events or special projects
Reports to: Director of Facilities
Start Date: June 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by April 25, 2025
Requisition ID: 1403

Position Summary

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is hiring a Senior Exhibits Technician to join its Facilities and Operations team. This role is responsible for the fabrication, installation, maintenance, and enhancement of Aquarium exhibits, signage, and supporting visual and interactive components. The position involves hands-on technical work as well as creative problem-solving to ensure the quality and accessibility of the visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibit Maintenance and Fabrication

  • Fabricate and maintain interactive educational exhibits from prototype through completion

  • Construct new exhibits and upgrade existing ones with attention to function, safety, and inclusivity

  • Execute regular walkthroughs of exhibit areas to identify repairs and improvements

  • Collaborate with teams to ensure cultural and sensory accessibility in design

  • Monitor, maintain, and install exhibit lighting (excluding animal life support systems)

  • Work with the exhibits committee, facilities team, and other departments on planning and project coordination

  • Support temporary and permanent exhibit installations

Signage and Visual Communication

  • Maintain and refresh all signage and graphics

  • Collaborate with graphic designers to ensure messaging meets accessibility and visual standards

Data and Systems Management

  • Track and prioritize maintenance needs using the Aquarium’s CMMS

  • Maintain shop inventory, order materials, and manage equipment

  • Ensure tools and materials meet sustainability and safety standards

Safety and Compliance

  • Follow all safety regulations and protocols

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant workspace

  • Operate and train others on tools including scissor lifts and power equipment

Teamwork and Inclusivity

  • Participate in cross-functional collaboration with interpretation, life sciences, and community engagement teams

  • Contribute to inclusive design and community feedback processes

  • Uphold the Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H. values including equity, inclusion, and regenerative practice

Required Qualifications

Experience and skills may come from formal education, on-the-job training, community projects, internships, or volunteer roles. Candidates who meet some (not all) qualifications are encouraged to apply.

  • Minimum of 5 years of combined relevant experience and education

  • Strong fabrication skills with wood, metal, and plastic

  • Familiarity with tools and materials used in exhibit construction

  • Ability to draft and interpret working drawings and schematics

  • Competence in A/V systems, lighting, and computer-based equipment

  • Knowledge of universal design principles and inclusive exhibit design

  • Strong problem-solving and time management abilities

  • English fluency; multilingual or multicultural communication skills are a plus

  • Willingness to become certified in scissor/aerial lift operation (training provided)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, crawl, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs (heavier weights team-lifted)

  • Work at heights (ladders, lifts), in confined spaces, and around water

  • Occasional exposure to outdoor weather, loud environments, and cleaning chemicals

  • Availability for emergency call-outs as needed

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly wage: $32–$34/hour, depending on experience.
Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Employer-funded health reimbursement account

  • Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match

  • Subsidized ORCA transit pass

  • Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership

  • Generous paid time off

Please include salary expectations with your application.

How to Apply

Upload your résumé via our online application portal:
👉 SeattleAquarium.org/careers

We strongly encourage applicants from communities underrepresented in the conservation field, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, people with disabilities, and individuals who may not meet every listed qualification but are passionate about our mission.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process, please email: jobs@seattleaquarium.org.

Note: Background checks are conducted for all final candidates. Conviction history is not an automatic disqualifier. We are a second-chance employer.

About the Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a leader in marine conservation focused on the Salish Sea, Puget Sound, and the world’s one ocean. Our mission is to inspire conservation of our marine environment through immersive exhibits, education programs, inclusive community outreach, scientific research, and advocacy.

We welcome over 850,000 visitors annually and are proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Currently, we are expanding our conservation impact with the addition of the Ocean Pavilion. Learn more about our work and values at SeattleAquarium.org.

Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

  • Priority application deadline: April 25, 2025

  • Interviews completed: Late April 2025

  • Start date: June 2025

To apply for this job please visit workforcenow.adp.com.