JOB
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, off-site programs and early childhood programs. The Space Center is currently looking to fill several positions for on-site and off-site program delivery. The core responsibility of the Museum Facilitator is to deliver Space Center programs effectively. Museum Facilitators interact with patrons and assist in providing a positive customer experience.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: For off-site program delivery, work availability must be Monday - Friday, 2:00pm -8:00pm and Saturday - Sunday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. On-site program delivery availability should be Tuesday – Saturday 9:00am - 2:15pm.
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).
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES 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:
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Greet, engage and interact with all guests throughout Space Center and its programs
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Promptly respond to visitor needs and inquiries
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Demonstrate an understanding of the Space Center mission and learning framework by utilizing open-ended facilitation strategies
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Lead and/or assist with Space Center field trips, Challenger Learning Center, and special programs and events
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Assist visitors by providing information regarding museum exhibits, programs, events and services
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Perform museum opening and closing procedures
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Perform setup and breakdown duties for Space Center facility rentals and events
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Enforce Space Center policy and safety procedures in all exhibit and program areas
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Provide exceptional customer service to all guests in person, over the phone and/or via email
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Maintain records of programs and provide feedback regarding program effectiveness
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Maintain inventory of supplies and museum equipment
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Cultivate a strong and positive team atmosphere by actively listening, supporting and recognizing team members
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Appreciate, recognize and mentor volunteers by working cooperatively and modeling best practices
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Assists with upkeep of Space Center equipment, facility and exhibits
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Assist in the development and implementation of programming (outreach, camps, workshops, etc.).
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Attend and engage in staff meetings and trainings
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Stay updated on all Space Center happenings, exhibits, events, programs, policies and procedures
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Provide front desk support
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Maintain a fun and professional demeanor
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Perform other duties as assigned
SUPPLEMENTAL 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.