Job Description

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!

Calgary's science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada's largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven's Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada's first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.

Position Overview

The AV Specialist will report directly to the Manager, Creative Experience, Production, and is responsible for building and executing Spark products and exhibition experiences with original science flair.? The manager has a passion for developing creative experiences combined with strong leadership in planning and logistics to fulfill the purpose of sharing the wonders of science through world-class programming experiences.

Summary of the Role

The

AV Specialist

balances creative development with technical execution. In addition to guiding content and concept development, this role oversees the

technical operations, installation, maintenance, and enhancement

of interactive and immersive experiences.

The successful candidate will collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure that technical systems--such as AV, lighting, control, networking, and interactive media--function reliably and are maintained to the highest standards. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of

creative technology, project management, and guest experience design.

This role may also support or lead the integration of kinetic and mechanical systems in immersive experiences, including robotics-based attractions or ride-like environments. A working understanding of PLC programming, mechanical design, and ride safety protocols is an asset.

Key Responsibilities

Support aspects of development and implementation of product experiences and the successfully delivery of product experiences at Spark in their assigned portfolio

Continued pursuit of product excellence though ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and enhancements

Actively contribute to organizational planning, and how experience objectives are translated into operationally deliverable guest experiences

Support the development of product experiences and exhibit concepts through ideation and collaborative planning sessions and follow with the execution of operational plans.

Work with all necessary vendors, supplies, contractors, and resources to ensure overall vision of final product experience is achieved.

Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with business and strategic goals of Spark as a whole.

Model high performance, flexibility and kindness in a rapidly changing growth environment.

Other duties as required and assigned.

Collaborate with Spark's AV, Exhibits, IT and Operations teams to install, configure, test, and maintain technical systems for exhibitions and programs.

Diagnose and resolve issues in AV systems, show control systems, and interactive components.

Help curate and maintain documentation of all systems, including wiring diagrams, control system configurations, media server setups, and content deployment workflows.

Oversee software and firmware updates for exhibit-related devices (media players, sensors, lighting controllers, etc.).

Contribute to preventative maintenance programs to track repairs, upgrades, and inspections.

Collaborate with content creators and media producers to ensure smooth content deployment to various exhibit interfaces (media servers, touchscreens, projectors, lighting systems).

Monitor exhibit performance daily and coordinate timely maintenance or repairs as needed.

Ensure all exhibit systems follow best practices for electrical safety, equipment ventilation, and cable management.

Maintain and organize technical spaces such as equipment closets, racks, and service nooks.

Propose and implement guest experience enhancements informed by technical observations and user feedback.

Act as technical lead during load-in, testing, commissioning, and handoff of new experiences.

Assist with prototyping and proof-of-concept installations for future experiences.

Qualifications & Knowledge

Required

A minimum of 3 years of experience in a technical/creative role related to interactive media, museum exhibitions, immersive environments, live events, or themed entertainment.

Strong working knowledge of

audiovisual systems, media servers, lighting control, and interactive technology.

Comfortable with

Q-SYS

,

Dante

, and other networked AV protocols.

Proficiency with

creative coding environments

like TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, or Arduino IDE.

Experience with

PCs, Macs, and Linux systems

for creative installations.

Familiarity with

networking principles

, including IP addressing, VLANs, and multicast protocols.

Ability to troubleshoot and read schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation.

Excellent project implementation, time management, and documentation skills.

Fluency in Office 360 suite and able to use most productivity platforms.

Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data if required.

A proven track record of adding value to an organization's culture and initiatives.

A positive attitude!

Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential.

A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door.

Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

Appreciation for immersive arts, guest-centered design, and science communication.

Preferred/Nice to Have:

Video and Presentation Systems Programming and Operation (Pixera, 7th Sense, RealMotion, PIXILAB, Disguise, Touch Designer, Green Hippo, etc.)

Large LED canvases and projection systems

Advanced knowledge of

TouchDesigner

, Max/MSP, or Unity.

Strong understanding of

PLC systems (Programmable Logic Controllers)

and

industrial control systems

used in kinetic, interactive, or ride-based environments.

Knowledge of

mechanical engineering fundamentals

including actuation, load-bearing structures, pneumatics, and kinetic motion.

Understanding of

fail-safe design, e-stop systems, redundancy protocols

, and general mechanical risk management.

Demonstrated experience in experiential or entertainment operations teams.

A solid understanding of guest facing experiences and interaction

Comfortable reading and interpreting

mechanical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&ID drawings

, and manufacturer documentation.

Programming experience with

Python, JavaScript, C++

, or Node-RED.

Experience with CAD tools (Fusion 360, Vectorworks, SketchUp) and digital fabrication equipment (3D printers, CNC, laser cutters).

Familiarity with OSC, MIDI, and show control protocols.

Ability to administer devices using version control systems like

Git

.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role please apply! An excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $52,000.00-$78,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person