ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage everyone in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic science center and lake aquarium committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant, and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, collaboration, and accountability to our colleagues, animals, and guests.

The Exhibit Designer & Fabricator is a service-oriented maker and project manager who thrives on clear communication and team collaboration. This role helps drive the delivery of interactive exhibits by designing using 3D modeling software, fabricating components, managing specialty contractors, and securing building permits. This position also partners closely with the education team to build custom props and oversees the maintenance of the fabrication shop.

The ideal candidate is a diversely skilled fabricator proficient with both traditional and computer-controlled tools, with a track record of delivering safe, durable installations for public spaces. They should bring a sincere enthusiasm for developing interactive STEM experiences and a collaborative, "no-task-too-small" approach to supporting a family-focused museum.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the 3D design and fabrication specialist on a four-person creative team to develop new and improved STEM exhibits.
• Prepare 3D design models in a 3D modeling program, such as SketchUp.
• Fabricate permanent exhibits, educational props, and mobile exhibits using a variety of traditional and computer-controlled fabrication methods, such as woodworking, metalworking, CNC routing, etc.
• Identify and manage specialty contractors, such as makers, tradespeople, and engineers, to support fabrication, fit-out, and install of new exhibits.
• Work with the Director of Programs & Exhibits to engage key stakeholders and drive multiple projects through the stages of the exhibit design process.
• Work with Education team members to fabricate and collaboratively design custom educational props and traveling exhibits.
• Work with Facilities to obtain necessary building permits for exhibit projects.
• Routinely assess ECHO’s exhibits for quality assurance and work with necessary internal stakeholders to address any issues discovered.
• Oversee and maintain ECHO’s fabrication shop.
• Repair exhibit and educational props.
• Support ECHO’s facilities team in troubleshooting permanent exhibits, as needed.
• Work safely at all times, using tools as intended and wearing all required PPE.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years in traditional fabrication (wood, metal, wiring), CNC/laser tools, and 3D design software to create safe, durable public installations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate specialty subcontractors across various trades.