Careers

Intellect Meets Imagination.

About Us

PGAV Destinations designs attractions, exhibits, and experiences that enrich lives. Using intuition, intellect, and imagination, PGAV Destinations help clients create enduring memories in the minds of their guests. PGAV is recognized as the leading master planner and designer of theme parks, zoos, museums, aquariums, heritages sites, destination retail, and brand-based celebrations.

Job Description

PGAV is growing its in-house 3D Visualization team and seeks Junior to Senior level 3D Visualization Specialist to assist in creating 3D renderings, flythroughs, and real-time walkthrough experiences.

It is strongly preferred that you have 2-3 years of full-time 3D visualization experience, preferably within the theme park industry. The candidate must have a strong portfolio and be able to demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in 3DS Max, V-Ray, and Unreal.

You will work closely with seasoned 3D Visualization professionals and contribute your skills to projects that range from traditional architectural renderings and flythroughs to entire theme parks completed in real-time game engines.

A command of technology is essential. You will be an integral part in shaping the future of 3D Visualization at PGAV.

Our projects provide the opportunity to solve some of the most challenging technical visualizations, tell great stories, and illustrate design solutions in new ways. In this position you will be on the front lines helping develop a diverse range of compelling 3D Visualization projects.

You will also be in the trenches helping coordinate and optimize models from multiple programs into 3D Studio Max.

The applicant must also exhibit a proficiency with SketchUp, Rhino, Revit and have a desire to fuse these programs into our overarching 3D Visualization initiative and workflow.

We are looking for applicants with relevant industry qualifications and software experience. If you have demonstrated the ability to create visually compelling 3D content, translate design information into visual reality, and are looking for a meaningful and creative professional experience, this might be the job for you.

To apply, send your resume, portfolio if applicable, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.

About PGAV Destinations

PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now entering its sixth decade, PGAV is recognized as the leading master planner and designer of theme parks, zoos, museums, aquariums, heritage sites, destination retail, and brand-based celebrations. PGAV Destinations’ key clients include industry leaders such as The Smithsonian, Chimelong Group, National Geographic, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Port Aventura, Bass Pro Shops, Kennedy Space Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and many others. www.PGAVDestinations.com

We know that exceptional destinations can only be made by people who possess that rare and unforgettable blend of creativity, professionalism, and experience. We also know that the best destinations are designed on a foundation of diverse perspectives and expertise. Our passionate staff of more than 140 full-time dreamers, thinkers, and makers includes experience designers, strategic planners, architects, brand specialists, earned revenue specialists, interior designers, exhibit designers, graphic designers, landscape architects, artists, writers, media producers, and interpretive planners: all thrill seekers at the drawing board.

Job Description

PGAV Destinations is seeking a proactive recruiting professional to join our mission to identify, attract, and hire future members of our workforce and continue to be the employer of choice in our industry. The Recruiter/Talent Acquisition Specialist will act as the main point of contact for candidates, hiring managers, and leadership throughout the recruitment and hiring process. Key responsibilities include:

Understand PGAV

• Become a brand advocate for PGAV Destinations by:
  • Developing an understanding of our leisure/tourism sectors: Themed Entertainment, Zoo/Aquarium, Museum/Cultural Attractions, Hospitality, and Brand Destinations.

• • Developing an understanding of our design industries and staff types: architecture, interiors, landscape, exhibit design, graphic design, and media production.
  • Developing an understanding of PGAV’s unique culture, differentiators, and value of the work that we do.

Source Candidates

• Provide an innovative approach to recruiting and sourcing.
• Proactively source qualified candidates, ensure a diverse candidate pool, and build networks/pipelines to ensure that critical positions can be filled quickly.
• Identify new and creative candidate sources (to complement traditional/existing sources).

• Cultivate and grow organic pipelines of top-performing candidates through effective sourcing strategies.
• Be a PGAV brand ambassador in the St. Louis and Orlando design/creative community.

• Actively lead, support, and implement PGAV’s diversity recruiting strategies and efforts.

• Provide a world-class candidate experience from application through offer stage with a high-touch engagement strategy.

Communicate with Hiring Managers

• Partner with hiring managers to understand their needs, develop a comprehensive recruitment strategy and facilitate all aspects of the hiring process (including candidate sourcing/screening/communications, interview scheduling, selection, offer presentation, and preliminary onboarding).
• Collaborate with hiring managers to develop detailed and accurate job descriptions and hiring criteria.
• Proactively communicate with hiring managers and candidates throughout the process to ensure a positive candidate experience.
• Develop, maintain, and report on recruiting metrics to company leadership.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional-level recruiting experience is required.
• In addition to the above qualifications, the successful candidate will demonstrate:
  • Strong communication, networking, and consultation skills, including the ability to build relationships and work effectively with peers and all levels of leadership.
  • Strong working knowledge of database applications (FileMaker preferred,) MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel required.
  • Uncompromising integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to work in-office for consistent in-person collaboration with team.
  • Ability to travel occasionally for recruitment or networking events.
  • Skilled in professional social networking (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Drive to engage with and become part of local design communities through non-conventional sourcing strategies (user groups, meetups, conferences, etc.)
  • Prior experience in relevant design industries preferred (i.e. architecture, interiors, landscape, exhibit design, graphic design, media production).
  • Prior experience in relevant leisure/tourism sectors preferred (i.e. Themed Entertainment, Zoo/Aquarium, Museum/Cultural Attractions, Hospitality, Brand Destinations).

To apply, send your resume, portfolio if applicable, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.

PGAV Destinations is seeking a talented Designer/Illustrator to imagine immersive environments at all scales, from conceptual design through detailed design development. This creative designer will work with project teams on new project development and concept design across a variety of project types. The candidate should have exceptional drawing and painting skills, in addition to a comprehensive understanding of the design process.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Masters of Arts degree from an accredited college or university
• 1-3 years of professional experience in a creative environment

Skills

• Great traditional and digital sketching abilities
• Strong understanding of artistic lighting, color, and composition
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhino, SketchUp, ZBrush, and/or 3ds Max (preferred, but not required)
• Basic understanding of Revit, AutoCAD, or other CAD software (a plus, but not required)
• Basic understanding of fabrication methods for immersive, thematic environments (a plus, but not required)

Job Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed
• Function as a teammate with several other interdisciplinary staff members on a project
• Develop immersive environments with a wide range of creative direction
• Report to one or multiple Team Leaders for weekly assignments

To apply, send your resume, portfolio, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.

PGAV Destinations is seeking a self-motivated and highly creative individual with a good understanding of the technical aspects of architecture. The candidate must be able to learn quickly, be collaborative, have a strong work ethic, and be able to execute or work on multiple projects simultaneously as required by Project Leads. Project work will include all levels and phases of design from concept through construction documentation and construction administration.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master of Architecture from an accredited college or university
• 3-6 years of experience in an architectural firm

Skills

• Great hand and digital sketching abilities
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhino, SketchUp, and/or 3ds Max is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Knowledge of Code and ADA with ability to perform code analysis
• In depth understanding of architectural building systems

Job Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed
• Communicate thoughts and ideas with the project team and clients
• Strong ability to coordinate detailed conditions with the consultant team
• Ability to be self-directed at times and problem-solve without continued daily direction
• Licensure preferred but not required
• Ability to lead small-scale projects and an internal team of 1-3 people from Schematic Design thru Construction Administration in collaboration with a Project Manager or Senior Project Architect

To apply, send your resume, portfolio, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.

PGAV Destinations is seeking a self-motivated and highly creative individual with a good understanding of the technical aspects of architecture. The candidate must be able to learn quickly, be collaborative, have a strong work ethic, and be able to execute or work on multiple projects simultaneously as required by Project Leads. Project work will include all levels and phases of design from concept through construction documentation and construction administration.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s of Architecture from an accredited college or university
• 1-3 years of experience in an architectural firm

Skills

• Great hand and digital sketching abilities
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhino, SketchUp, and/or 3ds Max is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Knowledge of architectural building systems

Job Requirements

• Ability to travel as needed
• Function as a teammate with 1-10 other staff members on a project
• Contribute to and sometimes lead coordination efforts with consulting team
• Be a main contributor to documentation efforts from schematic design through construction administration
• Understand ADA and code requirements
• Begin development of architectural details with minimal to no oversight or direction
• Report to a Project Architect or multiple Team Leaders for weekly assignments

To apply, send your resume, portfolio, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.

PGAV Destinations will hire 20 to 30 workers for the new Orlando office. PGAV is finalizing lease negotiations and has not disclosed the studio’s address, but it will be close to Orlando’s theme parks.

We are especially looking to recruit employees early in their careers and graduates of local universities’ theme park design programs.

“One of the great strengths about having an office down there is being able to tap into the strengths and talents that exist in what we consider to be — [and] what’s becoming — the theme park design capital of North America,” said Vice President Ned Diestelkamp, who will run the Orlando office and lead its recruitment efforts.

Our team is looking for a creative summer intern who is excited to learn and work with destinations on all phases of project design, from concept design through construction documents, including construction administration. Applicants should possess a thirst for learning, a love of a team-based environment, and a particular interest in designing alluring destinations, including theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and resorts.

To apply, send your resume, portfolio if applicable, and one-page cover letter (maximum file size 9 MB) to marie.shellenberg@pgav.com.