SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. Were also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We're always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.
As Lead Concept Designer, Creative Development you will be the creative force behind the conceptual vision and design intent for major capital projects across United Parks & Resorts. From blue-sky ideation to production handoff, you will drive the creative intent, ensuring world-class narrative design, placemaking, and attraction development. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Attraction Design & Development, you will play a pivotal role in defining the next generation of guest experiences.
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Core Duties / Responsibilities
Drive Creative Intent – Drive the visual look and conceptual development of new attractions, rides, and placemaking experiences, ensuring alignment with brand values and guest expectations.
Visual Storytelling – Produce design materials using a variety of visual mediums that clarify design intent, including sketches, highly illustrative concept art, mood boards, style guides, animatics, color studies, and storyboards from blue-sky to production to communicate creative intent to senior leadership, stakeholders, and vendors.
Design Development – Define the cohesive visual language for experiences from concept through production, including ride and show design, architectural elements, graphic design, scenic treatments, and environmental storytelling.
Creative Collaboration – Partner with Creative Managers, vendors, and internal departments to clarify, protect, and execute design intent while balancing budget, schedule, constructability, and operational needs.
Mentorship & Leadership – Guide junior designers and interns, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Research & Reference – Conduct in-depth visual and thematic research to support design decisions and enhance narrative authenticity.
Presentation Excellence – Develop compelling presentation packages that communicate vision and inspire buy-in across all levels and departments of the organization.
What it takes to succeed:
A self-motivated, highly driven, skilled design professional whose attributes include:
Visionary thinker with a deep understanding of narrative placemaking and immersive storytelling.
Excellent grasp of color theory, composition, form language, and visual hierarchy.
Strong communication skills — both visual and verbal — to articulate concepts across disciplines.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Proactive, solution-oriented, and adaptable to creative challenges.
Proven ability to translate narrative concepts into compelling physical spaces and guest experiences.
Proficiency in 2D digital design tools including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and at least one 3D software (Blender, Maya, Rhino, 3ds Max, SketchUp, etc.).
Ability to interpret shop and construction drawings.
Familiarity with emotional design and narrative design principles to create meaningful and memorable guest connections.
Professional Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Architecture, Interior Design, Theater/Production Design, or related field.
5+ years of professional experience in themed entertainment, attraction design, concept art, or related disciplines.
Strong portfolio that unequivocally demonstrates expertise in concept art, illustration, environmental design, graphic design, and/or 3D modeling.
Flexibility in schedule for business travel, domestic and international
Preferred Qualifications:
Proven experience creating conceptual architectural or show set drawings for themed entertainment.
Proven experience in graphic design for themed entertainment environments.
Proven experience in scenic murals/scenic art/poster art, for themed entertainment environments.
Experience working on habitat designs for Zoos and/or Aquariums.
The perks of the position:
Paid Time Off
Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401K Retirement plan
Voluntary Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Legal Assistance Plan
EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.
*Out of Architecture Disclaimer
This job listing does not include a disclosed salary range. At Out of Architecture, we strongly value transparency in compensation. However, we are sharing this opportunity as a potential resource for those considering a transition from architecture into a different field—a chance to gain experience and ease into a new career path. Additionally, Out of Architecture is available to support candidates in advocating for fair and equitable compensation during negotiations.
