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 Museum Facilitator is responsible for assisting in the coordination and implementation of one or more specialized activities. The Columbia Memorial Space Center Museum Facilitator positions are utilized throughout the Space Center and at programs, and may be assigned to the following areas: Challenger Learning Center, Field Trips, Girls in STEM Club, after school and summer educational programs, Outreach and workshops. The Space Center is currently looking to fill several seasonal positions for off-site, afterschool programs and field trip and tour facilitators. The core responsibility of the Museum Facilitator is to deliver Space Center programs effectively. Museum Facilitators interact with patrons and assists in providing a positive customer experience.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: For off-site afterschool programs, work availability must be Monday - Friday, 2:00pm -5:00 pm. For field trip and tour facilitators, work availability must be Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:15 pm.
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).
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Greet, engage and interact with all guests throughout Space Center and its programs
- Promptly respond to visitor needs and inquiries
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Space Center mission and learning framework by utilizing open-ended facilitation strategies
- Lead and/or assist with Space Center field trips, Challenger Learning Center, and special programs and events
- Assist visitors by providing information regarding museum exhibits, programs, events and services
- Perform museum opening and closing procedures
- Perform setup and breakdown duties for Space Center facility rentals and events
- Enforce Space Center policy and safety procedures in all exhibit and program areas
- Provide exceptional customer service to all guests in person, over the phone and/or via email
- Maintain records of programs and provide feedback regarding program effectiveness
- Maintain inventory of supplies and museum equipment
- Cultivate a strong and positive team atmosphere by actively listening, supporting and recognizing team members
- Appreciate, recognize and mentor volunteers by working cooperatively and modeling best practices
- Assists with upkeep of Space Center equipment, facility and exhibits
- Assist in the development and implementation of programming (outreach, camps, workshops, etc.).
- Attend and engage in staff meetings and trainings
- Stay updated on all Space Center happenings, exhibits, events, programs, policies and procedures
- Provide front desk support
- Maintain a fun and professional demeanor
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. The desired combination includes:
Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the implementation of structured education or museum programs.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Enrollment in an accredited college or university with major coursework in Education, Science, Museum Studies, Engineering or a related field is desirable.
Spanish/English bilingual speaking skills are desired.
Knowledge of: Procedures for implementing a variety of educational activities and programs through visitor participation; common educational and social needs of various age groups; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; principals and applications of the Microsoft Office Applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to: Coordinate, organize and implement specialized events and programs; 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 verbally, written and online; establish and foster partnerships and professional relationships; understand and follow oral and written directions; work cooperatively with others; provide leadership; work with minimum supervision; work independently and part of a team; use good judgment in a variety of situations; problem solve, be resourceful, and take initiative when necessary; manage time for special assignments; research and put into practice teaching and engagement strategies for online and in-person educational programs.
License/Certification: Due to the performance of field duties, which may require operation of a motor vehicle, 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 along with an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to certain positions are 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work may be performed at facilities where there may be extreme temperatures, exposure to sun, dirt and/or dust. Work may also be performed in a normal office environment. Most duties and responsibilities involve sitting, standing, kneeling and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time; safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds in weight.
Selection/Testing Process: All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
The acceptance of your application depends on whether or not you have clearly shown that you meet the Qualifications as stated above. Please fill out the application and supplemental questionnaire completely.
Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by dialing (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.Closing Date/Time: 9/23/2024 5:30 PM Pacific
