Science Interpretation Program Supervisor

Seattle WA

The Pacific Science Center is seeking a Science Interpretation Program Supervisor to facilitate and promote educational interactions between floor staff or volunteers and PSC guests that inspire a lifelong interest in science, math and technology, especially supporting the equipment and programming related to earth and space science education.

Summary: The Science Interpretation Program Supervisor works with the Science Interpretation team to support employees and volunteers in the Science Interpretation and Discovery Corps Programs to deliver consistent, excellent science interpretation. The supervisor’s responsibilities include coordination of daily and seasonal operations, overseeing and conducting training for staff and volunteers, providing educational program support, research and creation of content and materials in a variety of content areas and providing excellent customer service to our staff and guests. This position directly supports the equipment, technology, software and content of the Willard Smith Planetarium.

Organizational Fit:

Reports to: Science Interpretation Program Manager

Positions reporting to this position: Science Interpretation Program employees and volunteers

Peers: Youth & Family Programs Supervisors, Discovery Corps Supervisors and other Supervisor positions

Positions incumbent interfaces with inside and outside organization: all staff and guests

Key Job Responsibilities:

Supervising educators including hiring, training and providing ongoing support.

Maintaining planetarium equipment to ensure smooth operations, including computer hardware, software, and projectors and other educational materials.

Overseeing a variety of science content and activity development and delivery, especially related to earth and space science related content development and content delivery. Specifically, this position works with others to meet grant deliverables for development, content and delivery for earth and space science grants.

Coordinate and deliver training for Science Interpretation staff, volunteers, and Discovery Corps youth, overseeing program quality standards and supporting youth development.

Maintain and update operational systems such as databases, manuals, evaluation processes, budget tracking, and other necessary documents.

Respond to inquiries and effectively communicate with other staff throughout the institution.

Serve as a Performance Interpretive Educator and Science Interpretation Operations Coordinator, meeting the standards and expectations of those roles.

Major Challenges and Special Conditions: Work as a member of a diverse team that includes a broad range of ages and backgrounds; supervise and support adult staff and teen Discovery Corps members, responding appropriately to the varying professional and personal needs of individual youth; maintain friendly and welcoming demeanor in busy and slow times; multitask and prioritize with sound judgment; quickly learn and apply new science content, policies and procedures; create and deliver trainings, field trips and social events; work a flexible schedule including weekends and occasional evenings and holidays; provide planetarium support during off-hours for planetarium emergencies; attend department, division and all staff meetings; assist during emergency and evacuation situations.

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Education, Skills, Experience, Abilities:

Ability to multitask and prioritize with excellent coordination and organization skills.

Smiling team player with high level of energy and enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office required; experience with planetarium software systems including Uniview and Powerdome preferred.

Demonstrated ability to shift between tasks in a fast-paced environment; flexible.

Demonstrated enthusiasm for science and education.

Content knowledge and interest in basic and integrative sciences, especially with earth and space science, and an ability to communicate effectively and accurately about these topics.

College degree in education, science, museum studies or related field is required; astronomy degree or related field is preferred.

Experience working for a museum or non-profit, demonstrably strong presentation skills, experience working with youth, and experience using and/or overseeing planetarium computer and projections systems desired.

Competencies

Enhance Guest Experience—Ensure guests are welcomed and served in a manner that makes their visit positive, memorable and consistent with Pacific Science Center’s mission, vision, and values. Assist guests in maximizing their visit to Pacific Science Center. Be approachable and look for opportunities to enhance the guests’ experience. Enrich the guest experience by offering information about programs, theaters, membership, website, and social media.

Guest Engagement—Be an ambassador of Pacific Science Center. Anticipate and exceed guests’ expectations. Greet, welcome, and assist guests throughout their visit. Engage guests in an array of activities including exhibits, shows, and interpretation. Show guests appreciation, promote continued engagement, and invite them to return.

STEM Literacy—Have knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles and processes with respect to Pacific Science Center’s exhibits and programs. Continuously seek the latest understanding of science discovery and the natural world.

Inspiring—Assist guests in appreciating the relevance of science exhibited at Pacific Science Center and in their daily lives. Appreciate guests for their interest and support of science in a city with many other institutions and programs. Inspire guests through personal stories of science exploration. Invite guests to share stories, observances, and ideas.

For additional information and to apply online: http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/

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