EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 850,000 - 1,055,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of California's Department of Parks & Recreation is seeking an Exhibit Designer/Coordinator for West Sacramento. You will design, produce, install, and maintain interpretive exhibits, coordinating with curators, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure project success.

Responsibilities include planning budgets, sourcing materials, and overseeing fabrication and installation in historic and public sites. Telework is not available; occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing, and producing interpretive exhibits for museums, cultural institutions, or similar environments.
• Ability to translate themes, stories, and interpretive goals into effective spatial and graphic designs.
• Proficiency using graphic design tools, 3D modeling or rendering software, and visualization methods.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements, interpretive standards, and museum best practices.
• Experience coordinating exhibit projects from concept through installation, including collaboration with curators, designers, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Ability to develop scopes of work, prepare documents for bidding, and manage contracts for exhibit fabrication, installation, and design services.
• Experience overseeing vendor and contractor work, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to project specifications and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Design, produce, install, maintain, and coordinate Capital District interpretive exhibits, especially at the California State Capitol Museum.
• Participate in planning and budgeting for exhibit development.
• Coordinate activities with internal teams and external vendors and stakeholders.
• Ensure safety and proper handling of artifacts and materials.
• Oversee shop and fabrication processes, sourcing materials and managing timelines.

Skills

Exhibit design

Exhibit development

Project coordination

Vendor management

3D modeling

Graphic design

ADA compliance

Budgeting

Tools

Table saw

Drill press

Band saw

Router

3D printer

Latex plotter

Job description

Exhibit Designer/Coordinator

Department of Parks & Recreation

JC-530168

$6,345.00 - $7,881.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 9/16/2026

Job Description and Duties

EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR – CAPITAL DISTRICT / CULTURAL RESOURCES / CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL MUSEUM

The reporting location for this position is Exhibits Shop in West Sacramento, California. This position will work under the general direction of the Museum Curator III.

The Exhibit Designer/Coordinator is responsible for design, production, installation, maintenance, and coordination of Capital District interpretive exhibits, especially at the California State Capitol Museum. Participates in planning and budgeting for exhibit development, and coordinates activities both internally and with outside vendors and stakeholders related to all aspects of exhibit development.

The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.

Occasional travel may be required. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.

This position is designated as not telework eligible.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Working Conditions

• Office Settings: Performs work at a computer workstation, conducts meetings, prepares designs, reviews drawings, and completes administrative tasks in standard office environments. Work may involve extended periods of sitting, repetitive motions, and regular use of computers, printers, and office equipment.
• Workshop / Warehouse Environments: Works regularly in the Exhibits Shop in West Sacramento, which involves fabrication activities using power tools, machinery, and equipment such as table saws, drill presses, band saws, routers, latex plotters, and 3D printers. Requires standing for long periods, bending, and lifting or moving materials up to 25 pounds. Follows safety protocols related to shop equipment, dust, noise, and chemical use (paints, adhesives, solvents).
• Outdoor Conditions: May work at park units across the Capital District where installation or maintenance of interpretive exhibits occurs. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, or uneven ground surfaces may be required. Some bending, carrying, or lifting of materials up to 25 pounds may occur.
• Historic Buildings: Works at the California State Capitol Museum, Leland Stanford Mansion SHP, and other historic structures. These environments may include restricted spaces, temperature-controlled rooms, low-light areas, and the need to follow strict handling guidelines to protect historic materials. May require navigation of stairs, confined work areas, extended standing, bending, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

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: Multiple

Work Location: West Sacramento, California; Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Candidates that believe they meet the MinimumQualifications based on a pattern of education from the classificationdescription (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcriptsand/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for thisposition. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing, and producing interpretive exhibits for museums, cultural institutions, or similar environments.
• Demonstrated skill in creating concept sketches, prototypes, design development drawings, material specifications, and cost estimates for exhibit projects.
• Strong ability to research subject matter and translate themes, stories, and interpretive goals into effective spatial and graphic designs.
• Proficiency using graphic design tools, 3D modeling or rendering software, and visualization methods to communicate exhibit concepts.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements, interpretive standards, and museum best practices related to exhibit design and visitor accessibility.
• Experience coordinating exhibit projects from concept through installation, including collaboration with curators, designers, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Ability to develop scopes of work, prepare documents for bidding, and manage contracts for exhibit fabrication, installation, and design services.
• Experience overseeing vendor and contractor work, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to project specifications and schedules.
• Hands-on proficiency with fabrication equipment such as table saws, drill presses, band saws, routers, latex plotters, and 3D printers, as well as experience working with wood, metal, plastics, foam, paint, fabrics, and similar materials.
• Skill in building models, mockups, or prototypes that support exhibit development and testing.
• Knowledge of safe handling, display, and preservation practices for artifacts and artwork in historic or museum environments.
• Ability to plan and manage project timelines, budgets, materials procurement, purchasing documentation, and exhibit-related administrative tasks.
• Experience maintaining exhibits, troubleshooting exhibit components, and managing tools, equipment, and shop resources.
• Comfortable working in varied environments including offices, fabrication shops, historic buildings, and outdoor settings, with adherence to safety protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain project files, logs, vendor information, and documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead and support staff involved in exhibit development.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
• Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov

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 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 Information

• List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
• 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).

In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position’s assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here.

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