EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

State of California; California; On-site; USD 71,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The CA Science Center is seeking an Exhibit Designer/Coordinator to lead conceptualization, design, and execution of interpretive exhibits. You will support project management, budgeting, and coordinate with curators, vendors, and production partners to deliver engaging, educational experiences.

This role emphasizes designing new experiences and enhancing existing exhibits, under senior leadership, with strong cross-functional collaboration and a focus on accessibility and audience engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in 3D exhibit design, ideally in science centers or museums.
• Candidate preferred with a bachelor’s degree in art, exhibit design or related field.
• Experience designing educational exhibits with interactive/immersive elements.
• Ability to apply exhibit accessibility standards (e.g., ADA) and universal design.
• Experience with all stages of exhibit design from concept to installation.
• Experience collaborating with fabricators, installers, and vendors.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; manage multiple projects.
• Creative problem-solving focused on engaging diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute interpretive exhibits using media.
• Support project management and budgeting for exhibit development.
• Coordinate activities with internal teams and external vendors.
• Design brand new experiences and improve existing exhibits.
• Advocate for fun, memorable designs that meet educational goals while serving a broad public.

Skills

3D exhibit design

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

3D design software

Design for accessibility

Vendor coordination

Communication

Creative problem solving

Multitask/project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in art or exhibit design

Tools

2D/3D design software

Job description

Job Posting

EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

CA Science Center

JC-536322 -

JC-536322 - EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

$6,345.00 - $7,881.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, October 30, 2026, and every Friday thereafter until filled.

This position is located in Los Angeles.

Please read the job bulletin thoroughly to understand application submission requirements.

Please note: All information provided on the STD 678 Employment Application is subject to verification at any time during the recruitment and hiring process, including after an offer of employment has been made or employment begun. Incomplete or vague information may delay the review process or impact your eligibility.

To ensure your application is complete and accurately reflects your qualifications, please include the following information: Detailed Duties: For each position listed, clearly describe the specific duties you performed. Specific Dates: Provide the exact start and end dates (month/day/year) for each job. Hours Worked: Indicate the number of hours worked per week for each position, including part-time work.

While not required, a resume is strongly encouraged to provide additional details about your skills and experience. A resume does not replace the required STD 678 Employment Application or the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).

The California Science Center seeks an Exhibit Designer-Coordinator to fill the role of Exhibit Designer. The Exhibit Designer is responsible for the conceptualization, design, and execution of interpretive exhibits, using all forms of media; supports the project management of exhibit projects; participates in planning and budgeting for exhibit development; and coordinates activities both internally and with outside vendors related to all aspects of exhibit development.

This work includes designing brand new exhibit experiences as well as modifying or improving existing exhibits. Working under the general direction of the Deputy Director, Exhibits and the direct supervision of a Curator, the Exhibit Designer collaborates with a broader team that includes curators, exhibit developers, exhibit technicians, outside vendors, and other 2D and 3D designers. The Exhibit Designer serves as a critical creative contributor by advocating for fun, memorable designs that support each exhibit's unique educational goals while meeting the diverse needs of the Science Center's large public audience.

The Science Center offers an extensive program of hands-on and immersive educational exhibit experiences. We are the proud home of space shuttle Endeavour and are on the verge of opening the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we also display over 200 species of live plants and animals. Guided by our clear mission, members of our exhibit development team work on a wide variety of creatively stimulating, intellectually engaging, and highly rewarding exhibit projects that directly serve the public.

If you are a detail-oriented professional with experience designing interactive or immersive exhibits, coordinating exhibit projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and using three-dimensional design tools, we encourage you to apply for the Exhibit Designer (Exhibit Designer/Coordinator) position.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

PLEASE REFER TO DUTY STATEMENT IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT SECTION.

Minimum Requirements

• EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR $6,345.00 - $7,881.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location

In Office

Telework:

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift

8:30am - 5:30pm

Work Week

Monday - Friday

Department Information

The California Science Center, a prominent state scientific and technological museum, is located south of Downtown Los Angeles at Exposition Park and is open to the public seven days a week, 362 days per year, with free general admission to its permanent exhibit galleries. One of California’s premier family destinations, it features award-winning exhibits that aim to inspire science learning and the permanent home for the Space Shuttle Endeavor.

Mission: The California Science Center aspires to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.

Note: In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Special Requirements

The selected candidate will be required to submit to pre-employment hiring clearances which include the following: Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprint and medical testing for tuberculosis, within three business days of receipt of a conditional offer of employment.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in 3D exhibit design, preferably working at a science center, natural history museum, zoo, aquarium, children's museum, or similar institution.
• A bachelor's degree in art, exhibit design or a related field is preferred.
• Experience designing educational exhibits, preferably related to science and engineering.
• Experience designing interactive exhibits that support visitor engagement and educational objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of 3D exhibit design principles, methods, and best practices, including educational, interactive, and immersive exhibit environments.
• Experience applying exhibit accessibility standards (e.g., Smithsonian guidelines), ADA requirements, and/or universal design principles to 3D design work.
• Experience using industry-standard 2D and 3D design software and digital design tools.
• Experience with all stages of exhibit design, from conceptualization through installation.
• Experience working with fabricators, installers, exhibit technicians and other implementation partners to support the successful development, fabrication, and installation of exhibit designs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Creative problem-solving skills, with a focus on generating innovative solutions.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining design quality and meeting established project objectives; ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to recognize and incorporate diverse audience needs into 3D design solutions that promote accessibility and inclusive visitor experience.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

ELIGIBILITY AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To be considered for the job vacancy you MUST satisfy one of the following requirements:

List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for the classification (see Examination Information section below).

Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

STATE CLASSIFICATION EXAM INFORMATION:

To become 'list eligible' for consideration, interested candidates must successfully pass a civil service exam. You may apply and take the exam online at CalCareers, copy or click on the following link: Exhibit Designer Coordinator EXAM 4763

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS will be verified prior to being scheduled for an interview. Please refer to Minimum Qualifications on the bulletin when applying.

EDUCATION INFORMATION: If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Foreign Degrees: Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org.

Applications with "SEE RESUME" or "SEE ATTACHED" will not be not considered. Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants must provide a portfolio of work in response to the prompt below. The portfolio must be submitted as a separate PDF file with no more than twelve (12) pages and titled "Supplemental Materials" with your name and Job Control (JC) number.

**Failure to submit the Supplemental Exercise conforming to these instructions will disqualify an applicant from consideration. Resumes and/or cover letters may be submitted but do not replace the required Supplemental Exercise. A standard or generic Supplemental Exercise that does not specifically address the requirements listed will disqualify an applicant from consideration.**

Your portfolio of work should feature three (3) case studies of exhibit or design projects that you feel best demonstrate your ability to conceive of, design, and oversee the fabrication and installation of dimensional design projects. For each case study, please include:

(1) A brief description of the project, including where and when it was displayed.

(2) At least one (1) representative photo of the completed project.

(3) A brief description of the key members of the core project team and your role.

(4) A brief description of the approximate budget (if available), project timeline, and your role in managing and/or conforming to these aspects of the project.

(5) Examples of relevant design documents that you produced for the project. Specify which design program(s) or other media were used to produce each item.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.