Program Specialist (Temporary/Part-Time)

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 and may assist in the oversight and development of the: Challenger Learning Center, Floor Operations, Girls in STEM Club, Volunteer Programs, Early Childhood programs, Exhibits, Outreach and/or Special Events. The current recruitment is to assist in the coordination and implementation of Floor Operations. Additional 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: 8:45am - 5:15pm, and half a shift either 8:45am - 12:15pm or 12pm - 5:15pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

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:

• Organize and schedule activities and programs
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures for programs and events
• Assist in the integration of exhibits in regular programming
• Manage particular programs within the Space Center, such as exhibits, Girls in STEM, outreach, volunteers and/or memberships
• 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
• 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

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:

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.

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 activities and specialized events; prepare and distribute 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

License: 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Physical Tasks, Abilities and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, 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; kneel, sit, stand and walk for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.

The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection/Testing Process : For consideration, an employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed. Failure to complete the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

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 examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: 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.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

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• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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