Program Specialist (Temporary/Part-Time)

City of Downey • Downey, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Columbia Memorial Space Center brings the wonder and excitement of science and innovation to visitors of all ages. It is a hands-on space museum and activity center that strives to be the most accessible science-based experience in the Los Angeles area. While acknowledging the rich aerospace history of Southern California, the Space Center focuses on the future, working to be the hub of innovative science learning throughout the region by reaching out to all of its communities with activities focused on critical thinking, creativity, technology and science. The Columbia Memorial Space Center is owned and operated by the City of Downey and was built on the site of the former NASA Downey facility. It is named the official national memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia by a joint resolution of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Space Center honors the crew of STS-107 lost on February 1, 2003 – Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark and IIan Ramon. The Program Specialist position is responsible for assisting in the coordination and implementation of one or more specialized activities. The Columbia Memorial Space Center Program Specialist positions are utilized throughout the Space Center to provide oversight and development within the division. The current recruitment is to assist in the oversight and development of the following areas: Floor Operations, Education, Volunteers, Grant Management, Social Media and Exhibits. A dditional positions may be filled based on operational need. Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Work hours are based on programmatic needs with an average of twenty (20) hours per week. Floor Operations Specialist requires two full shifts: 8:30am-5:30pm and a half shift either 8:30am-12:30pm or 12pm-5:30pm. Please be aware that Friday evening shifts are required for events as well, typically 4pm-10pm. Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice. Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey. Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Requirements

• Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.
• Two (2) years of college training in Museum Studies, STEM Education or a related field; OR two (2) years of paid experience working in a museum.
• Knowledge of: Procedures for implementing a variety of activities and programs through community participation; program content for specialized community activities; personnel management principles, practices and techniques including methods for employee selection, supervision, evaluation and training; and common needs of various age groups.
• Ability to: Coordinate, organize and implement programs and specialized events; prepare and publicity concerning new or ongoing activities; train, supervise and evaluate part-time and contract employees; understand community needs in a variety of areas and evaluate activities according to those needs; identify methods to maximize service effectiveness and efficiency; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Due to the performance of field duties, a valid California Class C Driver’s License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions is required.
• California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent’s driving record and Driver’s License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• The desired combination includes: Experience/Education: Two (2) years of college training in Museum Studies, STEM Education or a related field; OR two (2) years of paid experience working in a museum.

Responsibilities

• Organize and schedule activities and programs
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures for programs and events
• Monitor progress, ensure adherence to organizational guidelines and compile performance reports
• Manage particular programs within the Space Center, such as exhibits, Girls in STEM, outreach, volunteers, and/or memberships, etc.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Space Center mission and learning framework by utilizing open-ended facilitation strategies in programs and activities
• Monitor the day-to-day operation of museum programs and activities
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of effective partnerships
• Prepare reports, documents and spreadsheets for administrative staff regarding programming and events
• Provide high quality services to the museum operation including answering questions regarding museum activities and programs, responding to guest inquiries, greeting customers
• Assist in the development of program budgets by tracking program expenditures and ensure resources are used efficiently
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance program delivery
• Assist in the supervision and training of employees and volunteers
• Assist with set up and break down for all programs and events
• Maintains an effective and positive working relationship with all museum staff and volunteers
• Cultivate a strong and positive team atmosphere by actively listening, supporting and recognizing team members
• Maintain a fun and professional demeanor
• Attend staff meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law.
• Enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree