At Pacific Science Center, our mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Our colleagues are passionate lifelong learners who live our mission every day. Each of us commits to bring an inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) focus in every aspect of our work. Join our collaborative team and help steward our warm, welcoming, community-learning environment at PacSci.
As part of our ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we’re invested in building teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. If you have some of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and you share PacSci's values and support our mission, we encourage you to apply.
Position Title: Seasonal Maker & Innovation Lab Facilitator (Summer)
Department: Maker & Innovation Lab
Reports to: Innovation Exhibit Supervisor
Pay Class: Full-time Regular
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Seasonal Maker and Innovation Lab Facilitator supports the Pacific Science Center’s mission to spark curiosity and inspire discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking by welcoming guests into an active and creative learning environment. The Maker Innovation Lab serves as PacSci’s hands-on making and activity space, offering unfacilitated tinkering, open-ended facilitated projects, and maker workshops for visitors of all ages. The Maker Innovation Lab Facilitator guides guests through hands-on creative skill building activities that foster making, problem-solving, and critical thinking, offering opportunities to develop maker skills and collaborate across a wide range of programs and community-focused experiences. The position supports visitors as they engage in creative projects by engaging with guests, maintaining tools and materials and ensuring the Maker Innovation Lab remains safe, clean, and welcoming. This fast-paced, guest-facing role is well suited for individuals who enjoy creativity and hands-on problem-solving.
The seasonal makerspace position is a full-time, temporary role that runs from late June to late August. Two shifts are available, Friday- Sunday 9:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M., and Saturday- Monday 9:00 A.M -5:00 P.M.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide warm, attentive guest support by greeting visitors, answering questions and fostering an inclusive, encouraging environment for makers of all ages and skill levels.
- Engage in open-ended facilitation to support guests as they explore iterative design and making processes.
- Lead hands-on maker activities and workshops; deliver clear instructions and adapt guidance to different ages, abilities, and learning styles.
- Monitor supply levels, restock materials, organize tools, and maintain a clean, safe and functional space throughout the day.
- Set-up, break down, and prepare materials for scheduled activities, programs and special events.
- Complete daily exhibit opening and closing procedures assigned.
- Participate in gathering evaluation data from programs and visiting guests.
Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Understanding of iterative, creative, and design thinking processes.
- Strong customer services abilities, including composure under pressure, conflict resolution, and engaging in conversation.
- Awareness of personal bas and a commitment to anti-racist, inclusive facilitation.
- Interest in creativity, DIY, repair, problem solving, art, and other forms of making.
- A working knowledge of safety practices in maker spaces, applying sound judgement and critical thinking.
- Entry-level proficiency in office 365 products (Teams, SharePoint, One Drive). Familiarity with Obsidian preferred.
- Model curiosity, critical thinking, and iterative improvement while contributing to a collaborative, creative, and joyful team culture.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience providing customer services experience in public-facing environment.
- Experience with crafting, building, tinkering, or other forms of creative-problem solving.
- Strong verbal communication and the ability to give clear instructions or guidance.
- Comfortable working in a loud, fast-paced public setting.
- All work must be performed onsite; schedules may include occasional mornings or evenings and includes full weekends.
Preferred
- Prior experience in a makerspace or similar hands-on learning environment.
- Enthusiasm for STEM, creativity, and informal education
- Background in education, art, design, engineering or related creative fields
- Familiarity with makerspace tools such as hand tools, craft materials and simple electronics.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions.
- Manipulate and safely use tools, objects, and controls.
- Reach, crouch, and kneel to retrieve supplies and clean-up spaces.
- Ability to lift 50lbs and stand for extended periods.
- Work in an environment with cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, loud noises, and other common makerspace hazards.
- A uniform is provided and required to be worn while on the job. Includes a cotton shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve, and a name tag.
This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position, and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Compensation
Pay is based on several factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience.
In addition to base salary, all employees receive:
- Employee PacSci Membership
- Commuter Benefits
- 403b Retirement Plan
Full-time regular employees (40 hrs/week) additionally recieve following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, basic life insurance, and disability insurance
- 4 weeks of vacation, 12 floating holidays, and sick pay
- 403(b) Retirement Savings
- Employee Assistance Program
Pacific Science Center stands with those who are courageously fighting against hate, racism, and injustice. We recognize that not being racist is not sufficient. We must be actively anti-racist, and we commit to doing so. We prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in everything we do. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to the dialogue and changes that need to happen.
Pacific Science Center complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at
[email protected].
