Interpretive Planner
The Watershed Company, a regional leader in science-based and sustainable design, is seeking qualified candidates for an interpretive planner. Successful candidates will work with a multidisciplinary team of accomplished scientists, planners, arborists, and landscape architects in a growing 37-year-old employee-owned company based in Kirkland, WA. For more details about our firm, visit www.watershedco.com.
Our growing interpretive design practice is seeking an experienced interpretive planner, researcher, and writer to support our increasing project load. Our built work consists primarily of outdoor wayside exhibit programs and NAI award winning projects that are focused on environment and sustainability. A successful candidate will demonstrate the competency and interest to lead similar projects and to expand the practice into complementary services. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach to design and our ability to tailor projects to meet each client’s distinct needs. Our work culture promotes flexibility, independent passions, continuing education, and a healthy work-life balance. We offer competitive pay, bonus program, and generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off and holidays; retirement plan with profit sharing; opportunities for ownership; and more.
We are looking for a candidate with notable experience and installed projects, who will be involved in all aspects of interpretive project development, management, production, and marketing. This position requires independent drive, desire to work collaboratively, clear and pro-active communication style, and specialized knowledge of interpretation, visitor experience, exhibit design and planning, research, writing, graphic design, and illustration. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and portfolio featuring relevant focused experience.
Responsibilities:
Management of multiple overlapping interpretive tasks and projects ranging in size and scale.
Oversee and contribute to all stages of project development, from project scoping through manufacturing coordination.
Communicate directly with clients regarding interpretive projects and needs.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to execute project work, including performing quality control of work products and managing expectations and budgets.
Contribute to business development through sales and marketing.
Assist with preparation of general firm marketing materials, including blog posts, collateral, and proposals, by providing desktop publishing, graphic design, layout, and copy.
General Qualifications:
Degree in interpretation, museology, exhibit design and planning, or similar field that supports the role of this position. Substantial experience implementing and managing interpretive projects can substitute for a degree in a related field.
5+ years of experience in interpretation, demonstrating increasing responsibility and complexity.
Excellent writing, organizational, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as attention to detail.
Experience writing scopes of work, project budgeting and responding to RFPs.
Excellent time management, including accountability to expectations and budgets.
Entrepreneurial spirit and interest in firm ownership is a plus.
Background in or career focus in environmental studies and a desire to focus on environmentally-themed content.
Respondents with experience and capabilities related to Watershed’s existing services—including landscape architecture, planning, natural resources, and arboriculture—are strongly encouraged to apply.
Desire to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes both remote and in-office work.
Candidate must be eligible for full time work in the United States and willing to relocate to the greater Seattle-Kirkland metro area upon hiring. Please state willingness to relocate and work eligibility in cover letter.
Interpretation Specific Qualifications:
Portfolio of past work and experience showing examples of research, writing, layout design, and illustration.
NAI Certified Interpretive Planner (CIP) qualification is desired.
Experience with and knowledge of exhibit manufacturing practices and methods, including interactive element design and file preparation requirements.
Experience with universal accessibility as it relates to interpretation is desired.
A record of successful grant writing is desired.
Proficiency in software programs used to execute interpretive projects and common for remote work environments is required, including Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, MS 365, Teams, and Zoom. AutoCAD competency is a plus.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary depends on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical/dental insurance, continuing education, performance bonuses, retirement program with future matched payments, and opportunities for ownership.
The Watershed Company is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Individuals of all cultures, communities, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Send cover letter and resume to Jobs@watershedco.com.
Please include the word “Interpretive Planner” in the subject line.
