CURATOR OF GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY 6230

City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Los Angeles seeks a Curator of Griffith Observatory to plan, develop and evaluate all Griffith Observatory public and educational programs, planetarium shows, publications and exhibits; applies sound management and supervisory principles and techniques in building and maintaining an effective work group; represents the observatory; and does related work.

The candidate will lead program development and management for a premier science facility, coordinating with staff, volunteers, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or Planetary Science and at least four years of full-time professional experience supervising staff.
• Experience developing and evaluating public science programs, planetarium shows, or related exhibits.
• Ability to represent the observatory and manage relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and evaluate Griffith Observatory public and educational programs, planetarium shows, publications, and exhibits.
• Apply sound management and supervisory principles to build and maintain an effective work group; supervise staff.
• Represent the observatory and perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public science education

Program development

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or Planetary Science

Job description

$116,238 to $169,942

NOTE:

Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

A Curator of Griffith Observatory is responsible for planning, developing and evaluating all Griffith Observatory public and educational programs, planetarium shows, publications, and exhibits; applies sound management and supervisory principles and techniques in building and maintaining an effective work group; fulfills equal employment opportunity responsibilities; represents the observatory; and does related work.

1. A Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Planetary Science; and
2. Four years of full-time paid professional experience at a public observatory, major planetarium, science museum, or related facility supervising staff involved in developing and implementing astronomy and physical science programs and exhibits for the public.

PROCESS NOTES

1. Applicants who lack six months or less of the required experience at the time of filing may file for this examination. However, they cannot be appointed until the full experience requirement is met.
2. For qualifying work experience in Requirement #2, the term “professional experience” applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered “professional,” qualifying experience must be gained in positions requiring a four-year degree.
3. Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at https://personnel.lacity.gov/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf.
4. Applicants must list their school name and location, the type of degree earned and major in the Education Section of the on-line application. Applicants who fail to provide this information on their application will not be considered further in this examination.
5. Candidates completing the examination process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their qualifying degree or transcripts to their on-line application at the time of filing in the Attachments section.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be received by THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applications submitted during the filing period may be kept on file in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.

Examination Weight:

Training and Experience Questionnaire: 100%

The examination will consist entirely of an evaluation of training and experience, wherein candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge, experience, professional background, personal qualifications, and abilities as they provide knowledge of: physical sciences and astronomical principles; methods and techniques of public science education or interpretation, integrating astronomical content, performance, instrumentation, and specialized resources; program development and management for an observatory, planetarium, or science center; interpersonal and professional skills necessary to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide variety of others, including staff members, volunteers, community organizations, and the public; principles and practices of organization, personnel management, and public relations; fundamental principles and practices of supervision, including Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); the ability to: write in a clear, cohesive, and sound manner; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Training and Experience Questionnaire will be administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the examination will receive an e‑mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps on how to complete the on‑line Training and Experience Questionnaire. Candidates who do not complete the on‑line Training and Experience Questionnaire as required will not be considered further in this examination. It is anticipated that the on‑line Training and Experience Questionnaire will be administered during the period of MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026 to MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2026.

Training and Experience Questionnaires for all candidates who meet the minimum requirements, and in accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2 as stated above, will be submitted to an expert review panel for evaluation. The expert review panel will assign a numeric score to each candidate based on an assessment of each candidate's qualifications, as described on the candidate's Training and Experience Questionnaire. Unsolicited supplemental information will not be submitted to the expert review panel.

NOTES

1. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at https://personnel.lacity.gov/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
2. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
3. A final average score of 70% or higher is required to be placed on the eligible list.
4. In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22, and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.
5. If in accordance with the Rule of Three Whole Scores all candidates are eligible for appointment consideration, the examination will consist entirely of an evaluation of the candidate’s City employment application by Personnel Department staff to ensure that the minimum qualifications have been met.

Notice:

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html