Description

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Senior Exhibit Content Developer to synthesize complex concepts related to animal wellbeing and wildlife conservation into engaging experiences for diverse audiences of all ages. A seasoned writer and interpretive planner, the Senior Exhibit Content Developer brings expertise and creativity to a collaborative, content-driven design process, working with multidisciplinary teams to realize industry-leading animal exhibits that connect zoo guests to the wonder of wildlife.

Requirements

As the Senior Exhibit Content Developer you will:

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to develop content for animal exhibit projects ranging from small and simple to large and complex.
Create, document, and track exhibit content plans.
Write concise, vivid, and engaging exhibit text, scripts, and other interpretive materials.
Conduct content research in support of exhibit projects.
Develop interactive and hands-on exhibit elements in collaboration with exhibit designers and fabricators.
Conduct and oversee visitor research to support data-informed decision-making.
Represent the Oregon Zoo to external audiences and stakeholders.

Attributes for success:

Skill in written and verbal communication at an advanced level.
Knowledge of best practices in exhibit development, evaluation, and visitor-centered practice in informal learning environments at an advanced level.
Ability to organize, document, and effectively communicate complex ideas. 
Demonstrated presentation skills.
Highly collaborative.
Ability to guide diverse teams towards successful outcomes.
Resilience, flexibility, and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to self-reflect.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, communications, education, social sciences, design, or related field, and
Four years’ professional experience in exhibit development, or
Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in an office environment between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Occasional irregularities can be expected to accommodate activities scheduled for evenings or weekends or to accommodate work-related travel. Minimal physical exertion is required and work typically takes place indoors, but incumbent should expect to spend some time outdoors each week walking and standing in the zoo, to occasionally carry items up to 20 lbs., and to occasionally interact with zoo guests. 

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like-to-have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

Previous experience working in a union environment. 
Previous experience working with Peoplesoft and NEOGOV. 
Proficiency in Spanish.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

Resume
Cover letter
Three examples of your interpretive writing for an informal-learning environment. At least one selection must be an example of exhibit label copy or interpretive signage.

The selection process:

We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

Initial review of minimum qualifications
In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates/interviews
Testing/assessments (if applicable)
Reference check 
Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $ 71,583.17 to step 7: $ 95,992.34. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $ 71,583.17 to the equity range step 4: $ 82,858.80.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580 It is classified as a Senior Visual Communication Designer (Download PDF reader).

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Christina Rentas 

Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

 
Additional Information
 

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
  

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

Government Jobs

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Metro 

As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.