Public Programs Assistant

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Public Programs Assistant at the University of Utah supports on-site programs, coordinating volunteers, managing props and supplies, and helping run events to enrich the visitor experience.

The role involves assisting with daily operations, planning educational activities, and delivering excellent customer service to staff, volunteers, and museum guests. Weekend support and flexible hours are required.

Qualifications

• 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience.
• Program Assistant I: Requires little to no related experience.
• Preferences include experience with volunteers, events and curricula development.
• Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement volunteer programs and museum-wide events.
• Support special events with supplies, setup and coordination.
• Assist volunteer floor staff with daily operations.
• Collaborate with community partners for on-site programs.
• Facilitate engaging science-based activities in galleries.
• Manage program props, inventory and materials.
• Coordinate program logistics, setup and teardown.
• Develop informational guides and program content.
• Collect visitor feedback to improve programs.
• Deliver excellent service to staff, volunteers and guests.
• Support accessibility initiatives for guests with disabilities.
• Perform other duties to support Public Programs.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Event planning

Customer service

Public programs

Audience engagement

Spanish (conversational)

Education

Higher education coursework (1 year substituted for 1 year related work experience)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database management

Job description

Details

Open Date 08/06/2026

Requisition Number PRN17309N

Job Title Program Assistants

Working Title Public Programs Assistant

Career Progression Track S00

Track Level S1 - Entry Level Support

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Type Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary? No

Standard Hours per Week 19

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Shift Variable

Work Schedule Summary

• Wednesdays: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (5 hours)

• Fridays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (7 hours)

• Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (7 hours)

• Some evenings and full event weekends are required. Hours well flex when possible.

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00018 - Utah Museum of Natl Hist Oper

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range 15.00 to 20.00

Close Date 09/03/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Public Programs at the Natural History Museum of Utah ( NHMU ) encompass a variety of engaging, on-site activities designed to enrich the visitor experience. These programs complement museum exhibitions and collections, offering memorable opportunities to connect with the natural world and the broader community. The Public Programs Assistant plays a key role in supporting the museum’s Public Programs team. This position involves assisting with daily operations, including volunteer coordination, managing props and supplies, planning special events, and facilitating public programs and events to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for all participants.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Public Programs team and across NHMU department to plan and implement volunteer programs, museum-wide events, and other activities.

• Provide support for special events and festivals, including acquiring supplies, setting up tables and chairs, and assisting during weekend programs.

• Assist and support volunteer floor staff with daily operational tasks to ensure smooth program execution.

• Work closely with community partners to facilitate on-site programs and provide an excellent visitor experience.

• Facilitate engaging, science-based educational activities and demonstrations within museum galleries.

• Manage program props and supplies, including sourcing, maintaining, inventorying, and preparing materials for use.

• Assist with public program logistics, including supply acquisition, setup, and teardown.

• Support the development of informational guides and program content that enhance the visitor experience.

• Responsibilities related to collecting and analyzing visitor feedback to improve programs and enhance guest experiences.

• Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with staff, volunteers, community members, and museum audiences.

• Contribute to museum-wide initiatives, including creating supportive and accessible experiences for museum guests with disabilities or sensory sensitivities.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of Public Programs and the museum’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Program Assistant,, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Preferences

Preferences:

• Prefer candidates who have at least two years of related education/experience.

• Experience working with children in educational, recreational, or museum settings.

• Experience coordinating and collaborating with volunteers.

• Experience working with communities across various roles and levels.

• Experience developing and writing curricula for educational or public programs.

• Proficiency with computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management systems.

• Conversational Spanish skills are highly preferred and considered a strong asset.

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu

**https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/**This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.