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Job Description
On-Call Events & Programs Assistant Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit science center and observatory dedicated to inspiring and educating learners of all ages about the Universe and planet Earth. Chabot's mission is to spark and engage curiosity, deepen access and inclusion within science education, and provide opportunity for pathways into careers in the sciences. Situated on a beautiful 13-acre campus nestled in the redwoods of Oakland's regional parks, Chabot Space & Science Center includes immersive exhibits, hands-on learning activities, science festivals, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and is home to the official NASA Ames Visitor Center. Chabot's research-level astronomical observatory, featuring three large scale telescopes, is the largest observatory complex free for regular public viewing in the Western United States. At Chabot, we: Conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, maintaining the trust and confidence of our community. Foster a culture of collaboration, valuing the diverse perspectives, ideas, and skills of our staff, volunteers, and partners, recognizing that collective efforts drive positive change. Encourage creativity and innovation, embracing new ideas, and approaches that advance our mission and optimize our impact and promote ongoing professional development, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and continuous improvement, where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute their unique strengths. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, appreciating their unique backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Actively seek partnership and collaboration, recognizing that working together with others strengthens our ability to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Measure our success by the positive impact we make in our community, always seeking ways to address emerging needs, adapt to changing circumstances, and make meaningful and lasting change. We believe that everyone deserves a career they love. We strive to build a diverse team that reflects the people we serve; this is made possible through our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and connectedness.
On-Call Events & Programs Assistant Job Summary:
As a member of the Visitor Experience department, the On-Call Events & Programs Assistant supports the delivery of both public and private events as well as educational programming at Chabot Space & Science Center. This position assists in the execution of daytime, evening, and overnight events, as well as in workshops, field trips, nature hikes, special programs, and teambuilding experiences. Duties may include assisting with hands-on activities, supporting guest experience, providing wayfinding, running preprogrammed planetarium and laser shows, managing basic A/V scenarios, setting up and breaking down event spaces, and ensuring the smooth flow of activities. The On-Call Events & Programs Assistant reports to the Director of Strategic Sales and works closely with Event & Program staff, Visitor Services, Science Education staff, volunteers, and observatory personnel to support the successful execution of Chabot programs and events. Exceptional customer service is essential in this role. The successful candidate must be comfortable interacting with children, youth, adults, educators, clients, volunteers, and guests from diverse backgrounds in a welcoming, professional, and inclusive manner. This position requires regular evening, weekend, and occasional holiday availability. Work schedules are based on Chabot's operational and programmatic needs and may vary significantly from week to week. Shifts are posted for sign-up as opportunities become available, and on-call staff are expected to maintain active status by accepting and working a minimum of three shifts per month. This is an on-call, non-benefited position. Hours are not guaranteed and are assigned based on institutional needs, event schedules, seasonal demand, and staff availability.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of event spaces, including furniture, signage, décor, audio-visual equipment, activity or workshop stations, retail or bar displays, and other event-related materials. Serve as an event host by welcoming guests, providing directions, answering questions, and ensuring a positive visitor experience throughout programs and events. Support the delivery of Chabot's public programs, earned revenue programs, educational activities, and special events, including family programs, adult programs, member events, fundraising events, and community outreach activities. Assist with Cosmic Camp-In overnight programs, including guest check-in, activity facilitation, meal service, overnight monitoring, and morning breakdown and reset. Operate pre-programmed Planetarium and laser shows following established procedures and training. Support food and beverage service, including setup, serving, restocking, and breakdown of bars, concessions, snack stations, meal service, and hospitality areas. Required certifications and training will be provided. Assist event coordinators, facilitators, volunteers, vendors, caterers, and other partners in the successful execution of programs and events. Monitor event and program spaces to ensure cleanliness, safety, readiness, and adherence to Chabot policies and procedures. Inspect facilities, equipment, furnishings, and event spaces before, during, and after events; document and communicate maintenance, safety, inventory, or operational concerns to Chabot Event Manager or Lead. Organize, clean, maintain, and restock program supplies, event equipment, storage areas, office spaces, and inventory systems; communicate supply needs and shortages to supervisors. Assist with merchandise, ticketing, registration, and point-of-sale operations. Perform basic troubleshooting of presentations, audio-visual systems, exhibit components, and event equipment, escalating issues as needed. Support facility resets following field trips, public programs, rentals, and special events to prepare spaces for subsequent operations. Maintain clear and timely communication with supervisors and team members regarding guest needs, operational concerns, incidents, and opportunities for improvement. Follow established safety, emergency response, cash handling, food service, and customer service procedures while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, certifications, and professional development opportunities as required. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
The ideal candidate is a dependable, adaptable, and customer-focused team player who enjoys creating positive guest experiences and supporting a wide variety of events and programs. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, engaging with diverse audiences, and assisting wherever needed to ensure successful operations. They are proactive and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience in events, hospitality, museums, education, customer service, retail, or food and beverage operations is preferred. Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and availability to work evenings and weekends are essential. Passion for science, education, and creating engaging experiences for diverse audiences. Comfortable interacting with children, youth, adults, clients, vendors, and visitors from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. Demonstrates professionalism, strong customer service skills, and a welcoming attitude. Takes initiative and adapts easily in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Possesses strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Exercises sound judgment, remains composed under pressure, and effectively solves problems as they arise. Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Comfortable sharing information with groups from ages 2-18 as well as adults. Comfortable working with people from diverse language and cultural backgrounds and diverse abilities. High level of professionalism and customer service skills when interacting with clients, vendors, and visitors. Ability to take initiative to support education programs and visitor experience in a fluid museum context. Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in team structures. Ability to quickly and accurately identify critical issues when making decisions or solving problems. Composure under pressure.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred. At least one year of experience in events, hospitality, customer service, food and beverage service, retail, visitor services, museums, cultural institutions, entertainment venues, or similar guest-facing environments. Experience supporting special events, public programs, camps, educational activities, or community engagement programs is desirable. Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with diverse audiences. Bilingual or multilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be substituted for the qualifications listed above unless otherwise required by law.
Work Environment:
Must be committed to working in a diverse workforce with dignity and respect, appreciating unique backgrounds and experiences, and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements listed below are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. Ability to lift 25 pounds. Ability to work indoors in environmentally controlled conditions, or outdoors in seasonal temperatures. Ability to work in a sometimes loud and active environments for an extended period. Ability to work in crowded environments.
CHABOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Chabot is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees are people with differing strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for bringing science to the full range of our community - sparking excitement about a universe of possibilities beyond our planet. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one's identity. All our employees' points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility
