Science Communicator, Part-Time

Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Part-Time (Weekends and Evenings)

About the Role

As a Science Communicator on our science communication team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience by providing engaging and relevant science experiences to visitors of all ages. Reporting directly to one of our Senior Scientists, you will engage with guests 100% of the time, using live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and gallery facilitation to bring science to life. Your role will help ensure the organization's continued success in science education and public engagement by driving attendance and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Daily, engage with guests inside the center, providing interpretation of scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining manner.
• Utilize live demonstrations and hands-on science activities to enhance guests' understanding and enjoyment.
• Facilitate science-based activities to encourage an understanding of current science in an informal learning environment.
• Move throughout the center, activating different exhibits and expanding on the material to provide a dynamic and interactive experience.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages curiosity and exploration.
• Assist the team and Senior Scientists on projects to further support high-quality science communication within Arizona Science Center.
• Demonstrate scientific literacy and proficiency to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences effectively.
• Stay informed on current scientific developments and trends within the field.

Requirements

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to be relied upon to be on time.
• Ability to work individually and in a team.
• Ability to present effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage and engage small and large groups in learning activities.
• Ability to engage the audience in higher-level thinking through inquiry-based questioning and discussion.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Experience engaging people in interactive, hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
• Ability to work weekends, particularly Sunday, and evenings.
• Two-year degree preferred and/or equivalent of at least 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with standard computer applications; proficient in Google Suite skills, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Slides.
• Interest in science.
• Ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish, Navajo, or Diné preferred.
• Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand.
• Frequently lift or move up to 30 pounds; occasionally lift up to 65 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Must have necessary keyboard and computer mouse skills and the ability to read a color monitor.

Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• Sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Family membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
• Admission Exchange Program: Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.