Exhibit Designer/Coordinator

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.  

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 Show phone number or e-mail View email address on calcareers.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 .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.