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.

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

Requirements

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. 

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)