Exhibit Fabrication Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Exhibit Fabrication Manager is a hands-on manager of assigned fabrication shop spaces, fabrication shop staff, fabrication projects, and associated budgets. The Exhibit Fabrication Manager must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure. The EFM must be a highly focused individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The EFM must also be a flexible team player who can assemble talented creative teams, motivate and unite staff, and control project expenses to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. The EFM must have the ability to orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Hire, train, and mentor exhibit fabrication
• Lead and manage exhibit fabrication staff. Includes staff scheduling, training, work plans, time management and time sheets, as well as resolution of employee relations concerns and annual performance management reviews.
• Create and maintain documentation for all essential exhibit fabrication functions, projects, and tasks to sustain the National Aquarium’s high-quality standards for all live and interpretive exhibits, as well as signage in all public spaces (interior and exterior).
• Manage multiple Exhibit Fabrication projects simultaneously within the constraints of scope, quality, time, and budget to deliver results consistent with the National Aquarium’s high- quality standards.
• Control Exhibit Fabrication project expenses to provide value and limit waste, keeping project costs within budget.
• Control Exhibit Fabrication team and fabrication shop operating expenses and keep operating costs within the annual budget.
• Participate in establishing fabrication project budgets by providing time and material estimates for proposed projects.
• Determine project labor resource requirements, anticipate workload and staffing requirements, coordinate with colleagues (primarily the Exhibits Operations Manager) to establish, and implement a resourcing plan.
• Successfully oversee multiple fabrication projects
• Manage and execute the design and fabrication of exhibit prototypes and final fabrication
• Contribute to the ongoing development of departmental management
• Provide clear, concise, thorough, and timely communication and information
• Create and/or participate in the creation of design packages for RFQ distribution, as well as the review of resulting submittals.
• Create and maintain the internal shop project schedules, fabrication shop material inventory list, shop tool inventory list, and internal shop task list.
• Provide input on build solutions and communicate appropriately with colleagues and other project team members.
• Research and test new materials and techniques to coach the project team on methodology and best practices.
• Actively engage in risk management and SDS compliance for the Fabrication Shop, Fabrication Team, and Fabrication Projects.
• Maintain the Shop Equipment User Manuals for training and effective use of equipment.
• Effectively communicate with design team, contractors, and vendors.
• Manage subcontracted tasks associated with fabrication assignments.
• Lead the shop value engineering review/feedback efforts.
• Create as-built information packages consistent with organizational need.
• Always maintain a professional and positive demeanor.
• Always maintain clean and safe workspaces.
• Understand and adhere to all Employee Handbook requirements and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of ten-years experience in multi-disciplinary fabrication with a variety of materials, including thorough knowledge of the use and function of the following:
  • Table Saw
  • Joiner/Planer
  • Drill Press
  • Miter Saw
  • Panel Saw
  • Welding Equipment/Plasma Cutters
  • Machinist Equipment
  • Hand tools such as hammer drill, electric screw-gun driver, hand-sanders (orbital, belt etc.)
• Mastery of at least two of the following:
  • Cabinet Building and Carpentry
  • Metal work, Welding, Machining
  • Basic Electrical Wiring
  • Basic Plumbing
  • FRP, Composite, and Plastic Constructions
  • Concrete & Masonry (especially decorative concrete)
  • Adhesive types and applications
  • Paint & Industrial Coatings
  • Artistic painting
• Five years supervisory experience, with an emphasis on fabrication teams.
• Proven ability to manage workflow and project expenses.
• Strong ability to communicate ideas and concepts as well as facilitate communication with “customers” and design team partners.
• High level of computer software competencies in, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Microsoft Project (Or other scheduling software whether cloud based or local), AutoCAD, Rhino, CNC Router and Software (RhinoCam, Aspire or V-Carve) and G- Code (Must be able to manually edit G-Code). Working experience with parametric solid modeling software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Alibre Design) is required.

• Knowledge and understanding of 3D printing materials, methods, and procedures with some hands-on experience required.
• Knowledge and understanding of laser cutting and waterjet cutting materials, methods, and procedures with some hands-on experience required.
• Knowledge and understanding of various 3D scanning methods for digital model creation with some hands-on experience preferred.
• Current driver’s license with ability to pass approved driver criteria for NA (minimal to no driving record violations)
• Functioning personal cell phone that can, and will, be used for work purposes