Reservation Specialist

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 Ilan Ramon.

The Reservations Specialist serves as the first point of contact for all customer inquiries. The position requires the management of the Space Center's booking system, gift store and ticketing system. The Reservations Specialist interacts with patrons and assists in providing exceptional customer service. Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Work hours are flexible with an average of twenty (20) hours per week. Candidates must be able to work full shifts on Saturdays and some evening hours throughout the week, 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. 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 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.

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:

• Create a positive environment for all visitors
• Serve as the first point of contact for all visitors
• Guide visitors through admission options, gift store, classes, workshops, events, etc.
• Process daily sales and records
• Clean, organize and maintain lobby area of the Space Center
• Process bookings and maintain appropriate communication with guests
• Greet, engage and interact with guests
• Promptly respond to visitor needs and inquiries
• Assist in the monitoring of Space Center website
• Assist guests with phone/online reservations and billing processes for memberships, group tours, programs, events and other service needs
• Monitor and utilize Google calendar for the facility
• Understand the internal phone transfer process and departmental structure to efficiently and direct incoming calls
• Operate multiple software systems (Microsoft Office, Active Net, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Space Center mission and learning framework by providing appropriate information on programmatic approaches at the Space Center
• Provide 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 Space Center records pertaining to facility rentals and field trip experiences
• Maintain inventory of Space Center gift store
• 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 facility needs
• Attend and engage in staff meetings and trainings
• Stay updated on all Space Center happenings, exhibits, events, programs, policies and procedures
• 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 customer service experience. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 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; Common social media platforms and best uses for each. Ability to: Coordinate, organize and implement best practices for facility bookings and customer service; understand community needs and make suggestions 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: Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties. 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, 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.