What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Associate, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Residency position at The Museum of Flight?
Hourly Pay Rate: $22.50
This is a seasonal position that works to support summer Educational Programming from July 6–August 21, 2026, with the possibility of extending through August 28, 2026. Prep weeks are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
During the 3 Residency weeks, days are approximately 8:00 am – noon
Are you looking for an opportunity to mentor high school students in collaboration with current aerospace and STEM professionals? Become a Program Associate for the Washington Aerospace Scholars! In July and August, 40 high school students per week are invited to one of the WAS Summer Residencies. The Residency is a 6-day experience where participants work with aerospace professionals to plan a mission to Mars. The WAS Program Associate (formerly called an “Assistant Mentor”) offers guidance and support for teams of 10 students in their collaboration and technical research to develop a formal mission presentation, as well as models professional interactions with the teams’ aerospace industry Mentor. Program Associates may also advise and assist in development of small projects to improve the Residency experience for participants.
Summary
The Program Associate, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Residency supports the mission of The Museum of Flight by assisting our WAS Program Summer Residency staff in the success of high school student teams. This person acts as an assistant and role model to guide their teams in communication, research, and decision-making. This person ensures a culture of professionalism and teamwork during programming by demonstrating and developing effective working relationships with industry mentors. Additionally, this person helps to foster a clean and professional workspace and assists with minor logistical issues as they arise.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
Education & Experience
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Museum of Flight offers seasonal employees benefits which include accrued sick leave, paid working holidays, 403(b) retirement plan and a 25% discount at the Museum Store.
Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $22.50.
Important Information
The Museum of Flight is committed to reflecting the diverse community around us. We continue to listen, learn, and implement change so that we can become a more inclusive organization that addresses bias and inequity, and better serves our communities. We highly encourage persons of color, members of marginalized communities, women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA individuals to apply.
Prior to hire and once an initial offer of employment has been made, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The Museum of Flight is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
This is a seasonal position that works to support summer Educational Programming from July 6–August 21, 2026, with the possibility of extending through August 28, 2026. Prep weeks are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
During the 3 Residency weeks, days are approximately 8:00 am – noon
Are you looking for an opportunity to mentor high school students in collaboration with current aerospace and STEM professionals? Become a Program Associate for the Washington Aerospace Scholars! In July and August, 40 high school students per week are invited to one of the WAS Summer Residencies. The Residency is a 6-day experience where participants work with aerospace professionals to plan a mission to Mars. The WAS Program Associate (formerly called an “Assistant Mentor”) offers guidance and support for teams of 10 students in their collaboration and technical research to develop a formal mission presentation, as well as models professional interactions with the teams’ aerospace industry Mentor. Program Associates may also advise and assist in development of small projects to improve the Residency experience for participants.
Summary
The Program Associate, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Residency supports the mission of The Museum of Flight by assisting our WAS Program Summer Residency staff in the success of high school student teams. This person acts as an assistant and role model to guide their teams in communication, research, and decision-making. This person ensures a culture of professionalism and teamwork during programming by demonstrating and developing effective working relationships with industry mentors. Additionally, this person helps to foster a clean and professional workspace and assists with minor logistical issues as they arise.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
- Support and advise student work and collaboration during BASL education programs.
- Assist in the maintenance of program spaces and program equipment functionality.
- Propose and help develop improvements to residency student experience.
- Establish good working relationships and model collaborative and civil behaviors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Completed or actively pursuing a degree in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Aerospace, Technology fields or related field preferred.
- Experience in tutoring or working with students highly preferred.
- One (1) year of customer service experience preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the STEM, aerospace industry is highly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, listening, verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to collaboratively lead diverse student groups through the implementation of programming.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office/365.
- Ability to successfully adapt to changing situations and shifting priorities
- Current CPR certification or may be obtained prior to the first day of programming through the provided Museum certification training or other.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Schedule is set by the supervisor with flexibility for evening and variable hours based on Museum need.
- No travel is expected for this position.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Onsite attendance is essential to fulfill some of the duties of this position.
- Normal office conditions apply including lengthy periods of sitting or standing.
- Ability to occasionally move through physical Museum campus and program spaces.
- Occasionally and properly lift up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance.
- The ability to bend, carry, reach to the side, front and overhead, push, pull, focus, walk, stand, twist, and squat are frequent requirements in an educational program setting.
The Museum of Flight offers seasonal employees benefits which include accrued sick leave, paid working holidays, 403(b) retirement plan and a 25% discount at the Museum Store.
Compensation
The hourly rate for this position is $22.50.
Important Information
The Museum of Flight is committed to reflecting the diverse community around us. We continue to listen, learn, and implement change so that we can become a more inclusive organization that addresses bias and inequity, and better serves our communities. We highly encourage persons of color, members of marginalized communities, women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA individuals to apply.
Prior to hire and once an initial offer of employment has been made, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The Museum of Flight is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Salary : $23