Position Summary
The part-time Educator makes astronomy, Earth and space science accessible for all, sparking interest where there was once apprehension, and building deeper understanding in those who already have a love of science. They bring these topics to life through demonstrations, workshops and hands-on activities. They guide all, from school groups to individuals, through the experience of visiting the Discovery Center, ensuring everyone has a chance to learn something new. They support their team by assisting with exhibit maintenance, cleaning and special events set up and tear down. The part-time Educator is an integral part of the Discovery Center team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Education Programs
- Delivers engaging and accessible education programming to the public, including demonstrations, workshops, planetarium shows, exhibits and hands-on activities such as the observatory and outdoor telescope viewings.
- Provides excellent customer service by proactively approaching and greeting visitors, answering their questions and making recommendations to enhance their visit.
- Actively supports special programming, including Super Stellar Fridays, STEM summer camps, Aerospacefest and outreach.
- Works collaboratively with their Discovery Center colleagues to assist in designing, implementing and reporting on educational experiences and programming.
Operations support
- Assists in the upkeep of exhibits, educational materials and spaces by performing routine checks of exhibits and displays, returning materials to their proper storage areas and keeping all spaces clean, neat and ready for use.
- As assigned, supervise the maintenance of specific exhibits, displays or activities, keeping them in good working order and informing leadership of necessary repairs or replacements.
- Occasionally support private rentals by delivering programming and assisting with set-up and breakdown at after-hours events.
Growth and development
- Maintains an understanding of the current state of astronomy, Earth and space science topics.
- Actively participates in formal and informal professional development and training opportunities.
- Supports volunteer programs by providing mentoring and guidance to education volunteers.
- Supports other functions as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Possesses excellent customer service and communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to build immediate rapport
- Able to make complex topics accessible to the public
- Skilled at presenting both one-on-one, and to small and large groups
- Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about astronomy, Earth and space science
- Comfortable managing ambiguity and learning on the fly
- Skilled at setting up and operating AV technology
Education and experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associates degree or higher preferred
- Valid driver’s license or access to transportation
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Experience working or volunteering in a museum or education setting preferred
- Experience working with telescopes preferred
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
- Able to work a flexible part-time schedule that may include days, nights and weekends
- Able to carry, transport and set up equipment for trainings or materials for activities weighing up to 50 pounds
- Able to work in a museum environment (including exhibit spaces, playground, planetarium) for extended periods
- Able to use computers and the telephone throughout a workday
Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
