DUTIES
$116,238 to $169,942
NOTE:
Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
A Curator of Griffith Observatory is responsible for planning, developing and evaluating all Griffith Observatory public and educational programs, planetarium shows, publications, and exhibits; applies sound management and supervisory principles and techniques in building and maintaining an effective work group; fulfills equal employment opportunity responsibilities; represents the observatory; and does related work.
WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the “Apply” icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at .
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026.
SELECTION PROCESS
Examination Weight: Training and Experience Questionnaire: 100%
The examination will consist entirely of an evaluation of training and experience, wherein candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge, experience, professional background, personal qualifications, and abilities as they provide knowledge of: physical sciences and astronomical principles; methods and techniques of public science education or interpretation, integrating astronomical content, performance, instrumentation, and specialized resources; program development and management for an observatory, planetarium, or science center; interpersonal and professional skills necessary to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide variety of others, including staff members, volunteers, community organizations, and the public; principles and practices of organization, personnel management, and public relations; fundamental principles and practices of supervision, including Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); the ability to: write in a clear, cohesive, and sound manner; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The Training and Experience Questionnaire will be administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps on how to complete the on-line Training and Experience Questionnaire. Candidates who do not complete the on-line Training and Experience Questionnaire as required will not be considered further in this examination. It is anticipated that the on-line Training and Experience Questionnaire will be administered during the period of MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026 to MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2026.
Training and Experience Questionnaires for all candidates who meet the minimum requirements, and in accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2 as stated above, will be submitted to an expert review panel for evaluation. The expert review panel will assign a numeric score to each candidate based on an assessment of each candidate's qualifications, as described on the candidate's Training and Experience Questionnaire. Unsolicited supplemental information will not be submitted to the expert review panel.
NOTES:
Notice:
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to:Qualifications
REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):
Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for City of Los Angeles is Damon Oliver.
The history of Los Angeles began in 1781 when 44 settlers from central New Spain (modern Mexico) established a permanent settlement in what is now Downtown Los Angeles, as instructed by Spanish Governor of Las Californias, Felipe de Neve, and authorized by Viceroy Antonio María de Bucareli. After sovereignty changed from Mexico to the United States in 1849, great changes came from the completion of the Santa Fe railroad line from Chicago to Los Angeles in 1885. "Overlanders" flooded in, mostly white Protestants from the Lower Midwest and South.
Los Angeles had a strong economic base in farming, oil, tourism, real estate and movies. It grew rapidly with many suburban areas inside and outside the city limits. Its motion picture industry made the city world-famous, and World War II brought new industry, especially high-tech aircraft construction. Politically the city was moderately conservative, with a weak labor union sector.
Since the 1960s, growth has slowed—and traffic delays have become infamous. Los Angeles was a pioneer in freeway development as the public transit system deteriorated. New arrivals, especially from Mexico and Asia, have transformed the demographic base since the 1960s. Old industries have declined, including farming, oil, military and aircraft, but tourism, entertainment and high-tech remain strong. Over time, droughts and wildfires have increased in frequency and become less seasonal and more year-round, further straining the city's water security.
L.A.’s economy is larger than that of Switzerland. The municipal budget was almost halved for 2021, but in 2020, the City of Los Angeles was the fifth-largest public employer locally, paying out $7.4 billion in salaries to 34,172 full-time employees.
Martin Rivera