How to hire a show design supervisor

How to hire a show design supervisor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step show design supervisor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a show design supervisor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new show design supervisor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The show design supervisor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A show design supervisor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, show design supervisors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents show design supervisor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Show Design Supervisor	Description	Hourly rate
   Show Design Supervisor		$18-35
   Design Coordinator	A design coordinator is responsible for collating and analyzing designs for construction that meet business requirements and budget limitations. Design coordinators create expenses forecasting by identifying the resources and materials to be used and the estimated duration for project deliverables... Show more	$18-35
   Design Internship	As the name entails, graphic design interns learn about the career in graphic design in a hands-on setting. They have varied tasks and duties, including taking part in every meeting of the design team, conducting client research, assisting with social media and design projects, and working closely with experienced designers... Show more	$15-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Booth Design
   • CAD
   • Corporate Events

   Responsibilities:

   • Fabricate using various types of raw materials/ working with engineers and sales staff to achieve final look and function.
   • Establish architecture process allowing architecture evolution through contributions
   • Establish architecture process allowing architecture evolution through contributions

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your show design supervisor job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A show design supervisor salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, show design supervisors' average salary in florida is 41% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level show design supervisors earn 47% less than senior-level show design supervisors.
   • Certifications. A show design supervisor with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a show design supervisor's salary.

   Average show design supervisor salary

   $54,238yearly

   $26.08 hourly rate

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   Entry-level show design supervisor salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

4. Writing a show design supervisor job description

   A show design supervisor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a show design supervisor job description:

   Show design supervisor job description example

   JOB SUMMARY: Supervises the mechanical, controls, and animation maintenance activities in area of responsibility. Contributes to routine, capital, and expense budgeting and sets direction and priorities of all maintenance functions for the area of responsibility. Manages and leads technical staff to include continuous improvement, personal development, and administration in area of responsibility. Manages the preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance activities within area of responsibility. Facilitates the hiring, training, and scheduling of employees with respective work areas.
   MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   * Supervises all ride maintenance with hands-on involvement. Ensures all mechanical and electrical equipment maintained in like new condition. Responds to attraction interruptions and works to resolve such issues in an expedient manner. Interfaces with Operations counterparts on a regular basis to ensure delivery of quality product and maintaining a high level of positive customer service. Acts as building/area owner (landlord), reporting any issues and maintaining downtime work activities.
   * Oversees the planning and scheduling process for respective work area to include managing preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and part procurement. Analyzes operational performance of the attractions and manages priorities of maintenance activities.
   * Supervises and leads training and development of all direct reports in assigned area. Administers development plans on a regular basis and as required. Manages schedules and personnel records for direct reports. Ensures safety compliance of assigned area of responsibility. Ensures compliance to all Universal Orlando policies and procedures. Ensures safety is the top priority of assigned area.
   * Ensures operational throughput requirements are supported on a daily basis. Executes a preventative and predictive maintenance plan which minimizes downtime. Maintains records of completed maintenance for all work completed. Coordinates work efforts with operational needs of the attractions, working directly with all affected departments to ensure the highest level of customer service.
   * Ensures all areas of responsibility are in compliance with ASTM F-24 guidelines as well as original manufacturer's requirements.
   * Focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring budgets spending is controlled and reported properly. Assists in building mitigation plans for budget overages. Contributes to the building and managing of routine budgets for responsible area to include all expenses needed to achieve goals. Monitors overtime for responsible area, ensuring only used when absolutely necessary. Contributes to the building of capital and expense plans for responsible area as required.
   * Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
   * Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   SCOPE: Manages all maintenance activities for rides, shows, and guest interactive areas for specific area. Manages routine, expense and capital budgets for specific area. Supervises all hourly personnel in specific area.
   
   EDUCATION:
   
   * High school degree or GED is required.
   * Technical school is preferred.
   * Associate's degree (AA) in General Education or Technology is preferred.
   
   EXPERIENCE:
   
   * 5 to 7 years in technical and trade experience are required.
   * 1 to 3 years supervisory experience is required
   * ; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
   
   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: NAARSO level 1 certification is required within one year of service hire date.
   
   Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.
   
   Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.
   
   Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.
   
   Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find show design supervisors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any show design supervisors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level show design supervisors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your show design supervisor job on Zippia to find and attract quality show design supervisor candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit show design supervisors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new show design supervisor

   Once you've found the show design supervisor candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new show design supervisor. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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