The East Bay Regional Park District is currently recruiting for an Exhibit Designer in the Creative Design Group located in Pleasanton, CA. The Exhibit Designer maintains, repairs, and retrofits existing exhibits, interpretive displays, and visitor center environments to keep them functional, safe, and engaging for the public, with occasional opportunities to design and fabricate new elements. This hands-on, hardware-focused role blends exhibit repair, fabrication, woodworking, graphic production, and project coordination to keep exhibits in good working order over their lifespan. Most of the work involves troubleshooting wear and damage, replacing components, and adapting existing installations to new needs, while a smaller portion involves conceptualizing and building new exhibits from the ground up. The Exhibit Designer collaborates with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure exhibits remain visually compelling, durable, and accessible. Success in this role requires technical craftsmanship, problem-solving, adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to preserving and extending the life of educational exhibits through careful maintenance and thoughtful repair. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
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Practical, hands-on problem-solver with the ability to diagnose wear, damage, and functional issues in existing exhibits and develop effective, durable repair solutions.
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Skilled in woodworking, carpentry, fabrication, and the safe operation of power and hand tools, with the ability to match materials, finishes, and construction methods to existing exhibit components.
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Familiar with electrical systems, including wiring, LED lighting, and retrofitting exhibit components to extend their functional lifespan.
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Working knowledge of 3D design software (preferably Rhino) and graphic design tools, used primarily to document existing exhibits, plan repairs, and occasionally develop new exhibit elements.
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Detail-oriented and patient, with a commitment to producing high-quality repair and retrofit work through careful testing, revisions, and continuous improvement.
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Adaptable and comfortable managing multiple projects, shifting priorities, and a wide variety of maintenance and repair assignments where no two days are the same.
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Resourceful and innovative, with the ability to reuse and repurpose materials, troubleshoot aging components, and find practical, creative solutions to keep exhibits running.
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Strong communicator who works effectively with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders at all levels, providing excellent customer service.
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Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership over the long-term care of exhibits, and a willingness to learn from challenges, embrace feedback, and continuously improve maintenance practices.
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:
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Deadline for Filing: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 5:00 pm
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Qualifications Review: Early September 2026
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Tentative Date of Onsite Examinations: Week of September 21, 2026
ABOUT US:
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres, 1,250 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
OUR MISSION:
EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.
OUR VALUES:
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Respect – We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
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Resilience – We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
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Relationships – Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
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Responsiveness – We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
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Transparency – We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.
WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?
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Working with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
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A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission.
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Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
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Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
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Free on-site parking.
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Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
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Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
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Develops concepts and recommends the design and content of visitor center exhibits, interpretive panels and publications.
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Prepares detailed structural and mechanical designs, drawings, layout designs, cost estimates, material lists, construction and installation details.
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Takes photographs, researches and collects artifacts and photos for display purposes.
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Constructs, spray paints, installs and maintains models, exhibits, and interpretive panels.
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Produces artwork and graphic designs, detailed illustrations, digital paintings and drawings for exhibits and publications using computer software and traditional media.
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Proofs all projects for text errors and correct color.
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Purchases materials and builds exhibit cabinetry, including mechanical components.
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Operates power and hand woodworking tools.
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Fabricates, repairs, and/or replaces new and existing construction.
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Designs, installs, repairs and/or replaces new and existing electrical components within the visitor center exhibits.
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Acts as a liaison with one or more exhibit design and construction contractors to convey work plans and to coordinate and review work in progress, as needed.
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Coordinates the work of Park District employees assigned to aspects of exhibit construction and installation, as needed.
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Coordinates with the Finance Department regarding purchase order requests and purchase orders.
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Assists in the creation and forecasting of project budgets and parameters.
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Supervises vendors and contractors throughout projects.
OTHER FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:
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Maintains records.
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Keeps the shop neat, clean, organized and well supplied.
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Maintains tools and equipment.
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Stays abreast of technology and new developments in the exhibit field.
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Performs related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fine art, commercial art, graphic or industrial design, or a related field.
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Experience: Two years of experience in the planning, design, fabrication, and installation of natural science, museum, or historical exhibits.
Substitutions: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is a condition of initial and continued employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
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Principles, methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of visitor center exhibits, publications and interpretive panels.
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Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as graphic design, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
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Use a wide variety of hand and power tools.
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Lift and move objects.
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Work on multiple projects simultaneously.
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Fabricate new construction and repair or replace existing construction.
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Design and install new electrical components.
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Repair and/or replace existing electrical components.
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Operate office equipment including computers.
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Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Must be able to pass a Level 1 background check, which includes employment history verification, employee reference check, education verification, and medical and criminal history review.
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Must wear a Park District Uniform.
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Depending on work location and assignment, ability to use a respirator in the performance of work. In accordance with CAL OSHA respirator regulations, Title 8, 5144 (c) (g) (l) (A) (l.), incumbent shall not wear facial hair (e.g. beards, long sideburns, etc.) that impedes the effectiveness of the respirator
UNION AFFILIATION:
AFSCME: East Bay Regional Parks Employees, Local 2428, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and Local 2428. The probationary period for this classification is nine (9) months.
Internal Promotions: Placement shall be made at the first step in the salary range for the new position (Step A) unless the salary rate at Step A of the new position is less than a 5% increase. In such instances, the employee will be placed at a step in the new salary range that ensures at least a 5% increase.
Application materials for this position consist of two (2) required parts:
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A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online, AND
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Completed supplemental questions
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email, generally within two to three weeks after the closing date. You may also sign into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications.
Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing or oral examination/interview. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before or after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.
Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at (510) 544-2154 at least five business days before the test.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
