Experiential Designer

The Houston Zoo is seeking to add a designer to the Graphics team in our Experiential Design division. An ideal candidate for this position is a motivated, energetic, thoughtful, and team-oriented individual with considerable experience in signage design and implementation.

The Experiential Designer will execute a wide variety of unique and comprehensive signage projects for the Houston Zoo, including branded environments, wayfinding solutions, and exhibit interpretives. This position has the unique opportunity to further the ongoing growth and development of the organization and impact millions of guests, annually.

Our Mission:Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages and executes the aesthetics of signage projects from concept and design to fabrication and installation.

• Possesses a strong ability to translate a brand into an emotional, multi-dimensional experience by integrating messaging, color, imagery, type, and composition into print, built, and digital projects.

• Creates and manages reports, schedules, scopes, and budgets for all projects.
• Prepares CD-level design intent drawings, reviews fabrication shop drawings, prepares production-ready artwork, and ensures quality control of the final product.
• Develops design intent packages that include specifications, materials, details, and locations for designed elements under the direction of the project team.
• Manages fabricators and installers to ensure the integrity of the final signage application.
• Develops and maintains positive and supportive working relationships across all internal departments and works closely with Zoo staff as clients.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water, and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-protecting actions
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• 4-8 years of professional experience in the field of environmental graphic design and production
• Bachelor's degree in environmental graphic design, graphic design, industrial design, or related field
• Strong composition, information design, and typography skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to convey design processes and concepts.
• Proficiency in drawing in scale and familiarity with architectural construction documents, elevations, plans, and shop drawings.
• Has experience in interior and exterior signage design, and a thorough understanding of signage types (wall signs, blade signs, monuments, etc.).
• Has a thorough understanding of materials (aluminum, vinyl, acrylic, stone, interior/exterior lighting, etc.) and construction methods (channel letters, cabinets, etc.).
• Knowledge of production processes, and fabrication techniques of environmental graphics systems
• Skilled in AutoCAD/Revit and SketchUp, or other 3D modeling programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of wayfinding analysis, code compliance, comprehension of architectural plans, and development of scaled drawings of signage and graphic elements is a plus.
• LEED accreditation is a plus.

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care, and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. The Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis. Benefits This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: • Medical and Prescription Drug • Vision • Dental • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid) • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) • Supplemental Life • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account • 401k • Free Zoo Membership • Free Guest Passes • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.