About this role
OVERVIEW
The part-time STEMLab Assistant is responsible for setting-up and facilitating educational programs associated with the STEMLab at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. They maintain the spaces where these programs occur. The incumbent contributes to the maintenance and improvement of existing programs, and occasionally helps with new program development.
The Children's Museum is building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives best support our vision and mission.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Facilitates educational programs that occur in the STEMLab, Discovery Lab, Archaeology Lab, and other spaces for families, school groups, and the general public. Reports visitor interactions and attendance of those programs.
- Assists with virtual programs for school groups. This may include presenting to a virtual audience or running presentation equipment.
- Provides exceptional customer service to visitors in both the physical gallery spaces and in virtual settings.
- Provides daily care and cleaning of the STEMLab and Discovery Lab spaces. Reports all maintenance and safety concerns.
- Inventories program supplies and monitor equipment in the STEMLab and Discovery Lab. Assists supervisor in organizing, ordering, and restocking those supplies and equipment.
- Occasionally assists with development and planning of activities, evaluation of programs, and special events that require the STEMLab or Discovery Lab spaces.
- Cares for and monitors living specimens related to science programs.
REQUIREMENTS
- Two (2) years of university-level science coursework (or equivalent experience) preferred;
- One (1) year of experience with teaching children in an informal or formal environment.
- Must be familiar with basic lab equipment, computers, and basic software such as Adobe products, and must be able to explain their use to visitors.
- Must have strong customer service skills and have ability to work as a team member alongside museum staff and other volunteers.
- Ability to share enthusiasm for science learning. Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work with plants and aquatic animals.
- Must have ability to remain calm, solve problems and be flexible. Must maintain positive relationships with museum staff and program participants.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays or Sundays, weekdays, occasional evenings, and holidays.
*Special consideration given to those applicants who are multi-lingual.
ADA REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to observe and supervise children and activities, view computer monitor, and make individual or public presentations.
- Must be able to view computer monitor, computer reports, and technical manuals.
- Must be able to communicate extensively and effectively via face-to-face conversations, telephone/TDD, and public/online presentations.
- Must be able to process paperwork, and model program-related movements for children and family audiences.
- Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb stairs, and reach for extended periods of time. Must also be able to lift up to 30lbs, and move at child's pace. Must be able to negotiate local travel.