Careers

Graduate‐Level Exhibitions Design Fellowship

Join the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) exhibits team for an undergraduate‐level internship dedicated to the exhibition design and building process. This paid internship is part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services‐funded project, Working Together: Building a Model for Diversity and Inclusion in Small to Mid‐Sized Institutions. The project is designed to engage diverse populations in meaningful museum work and volunteer experiences and address the endemic lack of racial, ethnic, gender, and ability diversity in many of today’s museums. A new JMZ opened in November 2021, and this internship has the rare opportunity to participate during this exciting time! This position will assist with exhibit maintenance and remediation of exhibits that aren’t working as well as hoped. In addition, this position will have the opportunity to prototype and build an exhibit. This is a great opportunity to hone your building and design skills and learn about materials, hardware, finishing techniques, and tools.  

In this role, you will…

• Provide support to the Exhibitions team by addressing remediation projects where exhibits may not be working as planned and need to be tweaked for functionality or to enhance visitor engagement. 
• Prototype, design and build an exhibit under the direction of the Exhibits Director.  

You are a great fit for this role if you are…

• Interested in the exhibition design and building processes  
• Have a basic knowledge of woodworking, metalworking, plastic techniques, and shop safety standards
• Are a maker, an artist, a designer, a builder, or a creator
• Thrive in a team setting
• An excellent problem‐solver
• Detail‐oriented
• Skilled in time management and prioritization  
• Flexible, able to self‐start, and have a passion for creative endeavors  
• Willing to submit to fingerprinting and provide a recent TB test   

When you will work and pay rate…

This position is 25‐40 hours per week during the summer from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the candidate’s schedule. The hourly rate for this position is $16.67.

Ready to join the team? Here’s what to do…  

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio images (min. of 3 projects) or your website address. In the cover letter, please address the following questions: ‐ Why do you feel you would be a good fit for this Working Together internship?   ‐ How does this internship support your professional goals?

Send all materials to Tina Keegan, Exhibits Director, at Tina.Keegan@CityofPaloAlto.org.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Working Together Commitment: The Palo Alto Art Center and the Junior Museum and Zoo are committed to fostering the next generation of arts and science professionals through teen engagement, internships, and fellowships. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, countries of origin, ability levels, religions, and gender expressions. We encourage individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the museum field to apply.  

Accessibility Coordinator for the California Dinosaur Garden Project

Reporting to the Exhibits Director (also the Project Director), the Accessibility Coordinator will manage the activities and schedule for the California Dinosaur Garden project. The Coordinator will provide guidance and counsel on ADA and best practices for accessibility throughout the project. This grant-funded temporary position will be hired as an hourly employee by the City of Palo Alto working 11 hours per week. The duration of the position will be from Sept. 2022 to March 2024. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Engage the Accessibility Advisory Team every 4 months for project duration; Schedule meetings and create agendas; Organize presentations with the exhibits team and other JMZ Staff to elicit feedback from AAT on exhibit planning, prototypes, accessibility resources, Super Family Sunday events, outreach, partnerships, marketing, trainings, policies, and more; Create meeting notes and manage action items

• Organize and attend Super Family Sunday events (10 per year), including marketing, staffing and surveys

• Maintain Constant Contact email database of families and providers for communication on project activities – specifically for Super Family Sunday event and participant recruitment for exhibit prototyping

• Manage & facilitate mini-accessibility trainings at all staff meetings (5-10 min. 2x annually) and additional trainings for guest services staff and volunteers

• Facilitate basic access and inclusion trainings for summer camp staff, new staff and new volunteers on an as-needed basis using developed materials and update training materials as needed

• Recruit participants to test exhibits; Manage prototyping sessions at Super Family Sunday events (2-3) in collaboration with Exhibits team; Working with Exhibits team, determine implementations for exhibit design based on feedback

• Support Exhibits team during the Exhibits Design Development and Fabrication phases by sourcing specialty contractors, specific assistive technologies, exhibit parts and resources

• Manage contractors according to City procedures, including writing project scopes, soliciting bids, maintaining schedule, assisting Purchasing with contract needs, managing payments, and communicating with contractors; Contractors include Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, MWA Insights (evaluator), audio label contractor and potentially others

• Assist with setting up existing assistive listening devices and train staff on use

• Maintain current accessibility resources and new ones as needed or requested

• Write ADA and Accessibility policies or practices as needed

• Respond to ADA grievances; Recommend solutions; Maintain correspondence and documentation of the compliance procedure

• Arrange for special requests for accommodations, alternate formats, etc.

• Working with Marketing Coordinator, manage marketing to the community; Facilitate photography of people with disabilities using new exhibits, resources and participating in events

• Provide expertise on planning and business practices with a lens of access

• Manage Summative Evaluation with input from Exhibits Director

• Write annual IMLS performance report with input from the Exhibits Director

• In collaboration with Exhibits Director and other key project staff, manage dissemination of project, including activities, successes/failures, outcomes, summative evaluation, etc.

Job Requirements:

• At least two years professional experience working with access and accommodations for people with disabilities

• Prior experience working with accessibility issues in a museum, theater, cultural venue/center, educational institution, government agency or service provider

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience with and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility best practices for museums and zoos

• Experience managing projects

• Experience and track record of creating new partnerships in the community

• Experience conducting outreach through email, social media, and websites

• Knowledge of training skills and techniques

• Experience writing, creating and implementing policies

• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented

• Strong written and oral communications skills

• Preference to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on a team

• Excellent customer service skills

• Proficient in MS Office Suite programs and the ability to learn new systems

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as required

When you will work and pay rate…

This position is 11 hours per week. Schedule may be flexible, and some remote work is possible if business needs are met. Some night and weekend work may be required. The hourly rate for this position is $34.00 - $38.58 plus an additional medical stipend of $3.48 per hour. Rate is commensurate with experience.

Ready to join the team? Here’s what to do… Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a relevant writing sample to tina.keegan@cityofpaloalto.org

Exhibit Technician

The Exhibit Technician will maintain and improve existing hands‐on exhibits as their primary responsibility. In addition, the individual will facilitate the construction of exhibits from initial prototypes to completed exhibits for future exhibits. The position requires both collaborative work within project teams as well as independent work. For maintenance, an ability to develop creative and simple solutions to persistent and tricky exhibit problems is required. For exhibit fabrication, an ability to work from schematics, sketches, or verbal descriptions is required. Willingness to work creatively within project constraints is a must. This part‐time position will be 20 hours per week and reports to the Exhibits Director. Schedule will be set with one day on a Monday. Benefits include a medical stipend ($3.48 per hour), sick time, and retirement. Hourly rate is between $28.26 and $34.71, depending on experience.

Essential Duties:

 Inspect existing exhibits weekly and perform repairs,

 Purchase necessary parts and supplies for maintenance, and ensure that back‐up replacement parts and consumable exhibit materials are kept in stock,

 Contribute to and develop systems that minimize downtime for exhibits,

 Be responsible for regular maintenance,

 Contribute to design ideas with the expertise of functionality, building knowledge, and repair,

 Design and build mechanical interactives so they perform functions as specified by Exhibits Director and Senior Exhibits Designer/Developer,

 Source parts and materials for exhibits,

 Create design drawings for custom parts,

 Identify and communicate with potential vendors and fabricators,

 Perform specified purchasing as required,

 During remediation after opening, lead the process for improving functionality of exhibits,

 Adhere to timelines and budgets,

 Assist in workshop tools and equipment maintenance.

Job Requirements:

 Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in science,

art/design, museum studies, engineering, or related fields,

 At least five years professional experience repairing, building, and/or designing interactive, mechanical exhibits for museums, zoos, or a similar profession,

 Creative, inventive, and problem‐solving abilities,

 Advanced fabrication skills; knowledgeable of metalworking, woodworking, plastic techniques, and shop safety standards,

 Advanced design and fabrication skills with an excellent understanding of issues affecting usability, durability, maintenance, and practicality of exhibits in a hands‐on setting,

 Experience in electronics and technology‐based experiences,

 Ability to adhere to budgets and timelines for projects and to proactively communicate expected variances,

 Excellent sense of value and efficiency as expressed in effectiveness of solutions, use of materials, and personal time management,

 Must have the ability to work independently on multiple projects and problems simultaneously with minimal supervision,

 Demonstrated ability for collaboration and effective teamwork,

 Strong organizational skills and detail‐oriented,

 Strong written and oral communication skills,

 CAD or production drawing skills desirable,

 Design skills desirable,

 Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Able to climb ladders. Able to move body: bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel and twist – sometimes beneath exhibits in tight spaces.

To apply:

Send resume, cover letter and 6 photos of things you have built to tina.keegan@cityofpaloalto.org

Exhibit Technician

The Exhibit Technician will maintain and improve existing hands-on exhibits as their primary responsibility. In addition, the individual will facilitate the construction of exhibits from initial prototypes to completed exhibits for future exhibits. The position requires both collaborative work within project teams as well as independent work. For maintenance, an ability to develop creative and simple solutions to persistent and tricky exhibit problems is required. For exhibit fabrication, an ability to work from schematics, sketches, or verbal descriptions is required. Willingness to work creatively within project constraints is a must. This part-time position will be 12 hours per week and reports to the Exhibits Director. Schedule will be set and require work on the weekends. Benefits include a medical stipend ($3.48 per hour), sick time, and retirement. Hourly rate is between $28.26 and $34.71, depending on experience.

Essential Duties:

• Inspect existing exhibits weekly and perform repairs,

• Purchase necessary parts and supplies for maintenance, and ensure that back-up replacement parts and consumable exhibit materials are kept in stock,

• Contribute to and develop systems that minimize downtime for exhibits,

• Be responsible for regular maintenance,

• Contribute to design ideas with the expertise of functionality, building knowledge, and repair,

• Design and build mechanical interactives so they perform functions as specified by Exhibits Director and Senior Exhibits Designer/Developer,

• Source parts and materials for exhibits,

• Create design drawings for custom parts,

• Identify and communicate with potential vendors and fabricators,

• Perform specified purchasing as required,

• During remediation after opening, lead the process for improving functionality of exhibits,

• Adhere to timelines and budgets,

• Assist in workshop tools and equipment maintenance.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in science, art/design, museum studies, engineering, or related fields,

• At least five years professional experience repairing, building, and/or designing interactive, mechanical exhibits for museums, zoos, or a similar profession,

• Creative, inventive, and problem-solving abilities,

• Advanced fabrication skills; knowledgeable of metalworking, woodworking, plastic techniques, and shop safety standards,

• Advanced design and fabrication skills with an excellent understanding of issues affecting usability, durability, maintenance, and practicality of exhibits in a hands-on setting,

• Experience in electronics and technology-based experiences,

• Ability to adhere to budgets and timelines for projects and to proactively communicate expected variances,

• Excellent sense of value and efficiency as expressed in effectiveness of solutions, use of materials, and personal time management,

• Must have the ability to work independently on multiple projects and problems simultaneously with minimal supervision,

• Demonstrated ability for collaboration and effective teamwork,

• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented,

• Strong written and oral communication skills,

• CAD or production drawing skills desirable,

• Design skills desirable,

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Able to climb ladders. Able to move body: bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel and twist – sometimes beneath exhibits in tight spaces.

To apply:

Send resume, cover letter and 6 photos of things you have built to tina.keegan@cityofpaloalto.org

Career Opportunity
The Palo Alto Junior Museum in Zoo (in Palo Alto, CA) is looking for an Assistant Zoological Curator to help run its Zoo!  This full-time position includes both week-day and weekend hours.


The Position
Under limited supervision, this full time position with the management the day-to-day operations of assigned exhibit areas of the Junior Museum & Zoo. Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assigns, coordinates, and reviews the work of animal management staff responsible for the health and care of animals in an assigned area of the Zoo; trains lower level staff in new, revised, and existing animal management procedures/practices, including explaining procedures and resolving operations questions; prepares/monitors operating budget/capital improvement plans for assigned area.
• Plans/designs new/enhanced animal habitat/exhibit areas by researching availability and desirability of animal species in relation to the Zoo's goals/objectives for the animal collection, estimating costs and time frames involved, and communicating project recommendations to other curators, the general curator, and other management staff.
• Observes/monitors the activities of animal management staff in assigned areas to ensure a high quality of care for the animal collection, identify and correct any problems regarding animal health/safety, evaluate the quality and appearance of the exhibits and surrounding areas, and interact with Zoo visitors and staff at all levels.
• Works with the zoo director and other to manage the animal collection in assigned areas, including determining  animal diets, training programs, and collection planning (the need for acquisition, sale, or loan of animals), designing and monitoring the success of Zoo breeding programs, communicating with zoo curators in other Zoos, and contributing to various cooperative programs with other Zoos and conservation groups, nationally and world wide.

To see the full job description, click here.


Ideal Candidate

• Knowledge of established principles and practices of exotic and domestic wildlife exhibition, care, and habitat maintenance.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife collection management.
• Knowledge of the State, Federal, and International laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to the operation of a zoological park.
• Knowledge of the ZIMMS, the International Species Information System.
• Knowledge of exhibit/habitat design, construction, and maintenance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of general zoological classification and veterinary medical terminology.
• Knowledge of the "normal" behaviors of the animals, including feeding/breeding habits and social interaction patterns.
• Knowledge of the behaviors/physical appearance indicative of health problems in the collection.
• Knowledge of natural environments in which the assigned animals are found.
• Knowledge of research principles and practices.
• Knowledge of general management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee training and supervision.
• Knowledge of general budgeting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of horticulture and landscape care.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other Zoo management staff, animal management staff at all levels, animal management staff in Zoos around the world, State, Federal, and International regulatory officials, and the public.
• Skill in developing and maintaining a collection of exotic/zoo animals.
• Skill in animal training.
• Skill in planning/designing animal exhibit/habitat areas.
• Skill in training and supervising employees.
• Skill in preparing operating budgets and capital improvement plans.
• Emergency response team leadership and participation are mandatory. The emergency response team responds to animal related emergencies and includes training and use of capture equipment, to respond to emergency situations in the Zoo as required. Training is provided.

Qualifications
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:
 

• A Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Animal Management, Animal Husbandry, Animal Science, or closely related area and experience equivalent to two (2) years full-time professional level work handling, breeding, and exhibiting an exotic/zoo animal collection. A graduate level degree in Zoology, Animal Management, Animal Husbandry, Animal Science, or closely related area may substitute for one year of experience. 
• At least two years of which involved team-lead responsibilities are preferred.

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Description

Under limited supervision, prepares classes, programs and camp curriculum, presents classes and field trips and provides assignments to Instructor Aides and volunteers.  Requires previous teaching experience.  Requires in-depth knowledge of the disciplines to be taught.  Two years of experience equivalent to that of an Instructor I.  May require lifting up to 15 pounds.

This is an SEIU Hourly (limited-benefits) position that is budgeted to not exceed 1,000 hours per fiscal year. The number of hours per week and schedule will be determined based on assignment.

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Description

Weekend Facility Rental and Birthday Party Facilitators are wanted to assist with rentals and science themed parties for children, ages 3 – 11.  Science parties include hands-on science lessons in zoology, early physics and chemistry, so some experience working with children in an education capacity is required. An interest, educational track, or professional track in science or science teaching is preferred.  Must love working with the public, especially children.  

Hours per week:  4 to 16
Work schedule:  Up to every Saturday and Sunday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.  
Occasional evening work also required.  

This is a Limited Hourly non-benefited position and not to exceed 415 hours per fiscal year (July - June).  The number of hours per week and schedule will be determined based on the assignment.

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Job Opportunity
The City of Palo Alto is looking to fill various part-time opportunities at our brand new Junior Museum & Zoo Building as part of the City's Community Services Department. Individuals in these positions will serve as Zoological Assistants to the Curator (Produce Arts and Sciences) and is responsible for maintaining excellence in all aspects of the care and welfare of the animal collection and associated landscape plants (50 species and 200 specimens).  The animal collection includes, but is not limited to arthropods, marine and fresh water invertebrates and fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Main responsibilities include all aspects of the daily care of the collection of exotic and domestic animals, as well as:

• Actively working to engage each child’s curiosity for science and nature; 
• Providing for the husbandry, including cleaning and feeding of animals in a fashion that encourages naturalistic behaviors while enhancing the well-being of the animals through specific enrichment programs;
• Training animals for the health management of the entire collection as well as regularly scheduled demonstrations;
• Participating with the monitoring and maintaining the established criteria for life support, including temperature and water chemistry.

Job Requirements
All applicants must meet these requirements:  

• Educational Requirement: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, OR a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

• Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the educational requirement above, applicants must have specialized experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as applying biological facts, principles, methods, techniques and procedures necessary for the care, study and management of living, captive and exotic animals.  Specifically, specialized experience refers to knowledge and experience in animal training, maintenance of aquatic life support systems, and/or horticultural practices.  
  • Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 

• Or special needs educational experience: Two full years in the practice of educating students with special educational needs in a way that addresses their individual differences, or related disciplines related to this position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements.

• Or a Combination: Educational and animal care experience may be combined to meet the educational and experience requirements.

Pre-employment and Other Requirements:

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check;
• TB Test;
• Complete a Probationary Period;
• California Driver’s License.   
• Immunizations to guard against zoonotic diseases and is subject to regular medical screening.

Physical Demands: The work requires long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, and crouching, reaching, and lifting items up to 60 pounds.

Working Conditions: Much of the work is outdoors or within support buildings. There is a variety of weather conditions, and there may be exposure to temperature and humidity extremes, animal pathogens and irritants. The incumbent is exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste, and may be exposed to animal parasites and zoonotic diseases. Part of the work is carried out in a typical office environment. Incumbent may travel to meetings and conferences and on animal shipments. Incumbent will be scheduled to work on some weekends and holidays.
 
 

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