Entry Level Museum Exhibit Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
T he 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.
State housing is NOT available .For further information regarding this position, please contact Emma Silverman at 916-599-0999 or e-mail Emma.Sivlerman@parks.ca.gov.
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 .
Working Conditions
The Exhibit Designer/Coordinator works in a variety of environments throughout the Capital District:
• 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 You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• EXHIBIT DESIGNER/COORDINATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530168
Position #(s):
549-671-2814-001
Working Title:
Exhibit Designer/Coordinator
Classification:
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:
Sacramento County
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.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Special Requirements

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

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. 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.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/16/2026
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).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Attn: Class & Hiring
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento , CA 94296-0001
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Class & Hiring
715 P Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and state holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
• 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.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Emma Silverman
(916) 599-0999
Emma.Silverman@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(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
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.
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-671-2814-001 and the Job Control # JC-530168 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

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