Science Presenter & Program Designer - FT

The Science Presenter & Program Designer is responsible for educating the public about various sciences with the use of demonstrations and hands-on activities in an informal setting including large capacity auditorium programming on and off museum grounds, guided tours and presentations, exhibit hall facilitation, and floor demonstrations. The Presenter & Designer role requires individuals who are comfortable speaking in front of large audiences and delivering science instruction to guests of all ages. They will demonstrate a willingness to learn and educate themselves on all topics of science as well as be expected to study curriculum and supplementary materials to gain proficiency in the sciences taught by the institution and improve upon existing content knowledge and teaching/presentation skills.

This specific Science Performer and Program Designer will be responsible for hosting a variety of engaging, computer-based science programs in our Virtual Lab. This includes the design, development, and execution of immersive educational experiences using tools such as flight simulators, virtual reality (VR) platforms, 3D modeling software such as Blender, and game-based systems like Steam. The ideal candidate will be adept at managing interactive sessions on platforms such as Discord, with working knowledge of basic programming and digital content creation.

In addition to leading live programs, the candidate will contribute to ongoing development and refinement of Virtual Lab content, ensuring it remains current, interactive, and scientifically accurate. Regular maintenance of associated hardware, software, and digital security systems is expected.

It is a full-time, benefited position.

Essential Functions

• Engage Science Center members and general public in a professional and welcoming manner about various sciences with the use of demonstrations and hands-on activities across all our exhibit halls, stages, and labs.
• Work with the Manager of Public Programs as the primary content developer and curator for educational programming in a designated exhibit hall, stage, and/or lab.
• Create science content for various purposes including website blogs, social media videos, signage, and event programming.
• Train other team members on programming content related to assigned exhibit halls, stages, and/or labs.
• Work with a high degree of independence on multiple projects in parallel.
• Develop content with a creative approach to new ideas and projects.
• Exhibit exemplary written and oral communication skills.
• Report regularly on project progress and oversee budgets and resource allocations as necessary.
• Solve problems regarding day-of programming with flexibility and demonstrate good judgment in a variety of situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Degree seeking or hold a bachelor’s degree in science education, chemistry, physical science, physics, astronomy, or other related sciences
• Experience speaking in front of a large audience
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Prior experience in educational program design, virtual engagement, and technical troubleshooting
• Must have the ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching either informally or in a classroom setting
• Experience with improv or theater shows including performing and/or stage tech
• Crafting/maker skills including experience with any of the following: woodworking, 3D printing, computer design, textiles, paper crafting, leather working, basic tools, soldering

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Moves throughout the museum.
• Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum.
• Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks.
• Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Understand and distinguish speech and other sounds (machinery, alarms, equipment).
• Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 25 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
• Rarely works in outdoor environments.
• Frequently works in indoor environments.
• Coping with demands and stresses associated with job and work environment.
• Kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling - Occasionally
• Weight Levels – Lift, Push, Pull
  • Up to 25 pounds

Expected Hours of Work & Travel

• This position is full time and primarily works 3 days during the week and 2 weekend days.
• This position must be able to work weekends and after hour events as needed.
• This position may need to alter primary workdays during school break weeks, especially in the summer.

Telecommuting
This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.