Eric,

I see you have already received much good advice on the list. There are a
few things that I might add - see below.

> 1) What is the ideal training/background for a exhibit designer in the
> science and technology field?

Experience can vary greatly in the museum field and a science/technology
background can go a long way in science centers. You may actually have
better luck seeking an exhibit developer position, rather than designer.
Most of the designers I have met have backgrounds in industrial design
(which includes graphic design). Exhibit developers create the concepts,
research, and manage the projects. Sometimes they do the design as well.
(Note: position descriptions vary from one institution to another.)

> 3) Can anyone sum up the design process for a science exhibit?

Check out our Tech Museum Exhibition Process Guide and Tech Museum Exhibit
Development Process Chart in our Resources for Museum Professionals Online
document library:
http://www.thetech.org/rmpo2/techexhibits_/exhibitstandard_/default.htm.

> I have met
> graphic artists and technicians and fabricators, but who researches the
> concepts behind the exhibits?

In our institution, research is done by Exhibit Developers, a Technology
Developer, an Exhibit Developer Assistant, and sometimes others. We also
work with volunteers from industry and academia who provide expertise that
we do not have on staff.

> 4) What should be my first step? Some have told me to start any job within
> the museum just to get in the door, then to network.  Others have
> said that
> once you get a position, its hard to switch.  Are there any positions that
> lead up to exhibit designing?

Volunteer, intern, network at conferences, work in a small museum where you
get to do lots of stuff, etc. At The Tech, we have had many staff move from
one position to another - even from front-line gallery work to exhibit
development. There are so many possibilities ... Yet, the reality is that
there are very few opportunities in this field - especially when you are so
specific about what you want to do. I am a generalist, so perhaps my advice
is not the best for your situation. Take it as you will.

> 5) What salary range should I expect as an entry-level exhibit
> designer? As I become more experienced?

I don't know current salaries for exhibit designers. I can tell you that it
is way less than you would get with a similar amount of experience in the
for-profit sector. Current exhibition job listings on Aviso
(http://www.aam-us.org/cgi-bin/aam/classifieds.cgi) range from $28,000 to
$69,099. None of these appear to be entry level. Location, size of museum,
and discipline impact salary levels. AAM has several salary surveys for sale
in their bookstore:
https://secure.aam-us.org:80/members/web_store.cgi?product=Human&cart_id=691
9491.11140.

Good luck.

Note: The opinions expressed above are entirely my own, not my
institution's.

Susan B.F. Wageman
Evaluation Manager                       [log in to unmask]
The Tech Museum of Innovation            408-795-6303
201 South Market Street                  fax: 408-279-7167
San Jose, California USA 95113           http://www.thetech.org

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