Computer Science Volunteer Summer Jobs in Charlotte, NC

ABOUT US
Discovery Place (DP) brings science, nature, and design together to create transformative experiences that enable our community to understand, enjoy and apply science to their lives. Operating four museums in the greater Charlotte, NC metropolitan area, serving more than 700,000 people a year through Museum visits, interactive in-school educational programming and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1946, Discovery Place is shaping a future where people embrace science to create opportunities, build hope, solve problems and bring positive change for our world. Come science with us!
Description: At Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fuel your passion for science and the natural world by delivering awe-inspiring exhibits and educational programs.
Our immersive experiences captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning. We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope, solving complex problems and driving positive change across the globe.
Summary
The Experience Specialist, Computer Science brings innovation, creativity, and technical expertise to Discovery Place's programs. This role facilitates programs, engages guests, and develops content and exhibits experiences that merge science and technology across Discovery Place Science, the Charlotte Museum of Nature, Discovery Place Kids, and Youth Development programming. Experiences include but are not limited to camps, classes, workshops, fee-based programs, and museum floor activities for learners of all ages.
As an educational institution committed to advancing its mission through exceptional learning experiences and meaningful guest engagement, Discovery Place values programs that inspire curiosity and foster connection. This role ensures that educational excellence and organizational sustainability work together, designing experiences that both inspire guests and help meet participation, attendance, and revenue goals.
The Specialist collaborates with colleagues, early learning teams, and Youth Development teams to connect computational learning in the museum with mentorship and youth leadership pathways. Discovery Place recognizes that STEM and design, character values, social-emotional learning, early literacy, and play are all essential in helping every learner feel they belong, can think critically, and create confidently.
Content Expertise
This position serves as Discovery Place's content expert in computer science, artificial intelligence, and technology-based STEM education, with advanced understanding of computational thinking, coding, digital fabrication, electronics, robotics, and hardware platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D printer, LEGO Spike, Hummingbirds, and similar tools. The Specialist applies design thinking and problem-solving methodologies to guide program creation and guest experiences.
They will integrate STEM education, digital literacy, design thinking, and youth engagement strategies to help learners explore the foundations of computer science and creative technology, ensuring programs and exhibits reflect Discovery Place's commitment to inquiry, creativity, and sustainability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development and Facilitation

• Facilitate programs for audiences ages Pre-K through adult, utilizing Museum exhibits, makerspaces, and digital tools in collaboration with early learning and Youth Development Specialists.
• Adapt content complexity to fit age and interest, fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in all learners.
• Develop programming including camps, classes, workshops, lab units, museum floor experiences, and special projects.
• Incorporate STEM and design, SEL, character values, and belonging throughout all experiences.
• Create experiences that engage visitors and contribute to attendance and earned revenue goals, supporting Discovery Place's educational and financial sustainability.

Exhibit and Project Design

• Contribute to the design and delivery of hands-on, technology-driven exhibits and installations for Discovery Place Science and Charlotte Museum of Nature, including interactive digital installations and Science Buzz stations.
• Prototype and test new exhibit and computer science concepts to ensure safety, engagement, and educational quality.
• Collaborate with fabrication, exhibits, and design teams to integrate creative technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and circuitry.

Collaboration and Mentorship

• Work closely with the Content and Experience, Early Learning, and Youth Development teams to plan and execute computer science initiatives and special projects including bridge experiences connecting family programs, camps, maker pathways, coding clubs, and youth leadership or mentorship models
• Mentor colleagues and volunteers on safe, effective facilitation, tool use, and creative engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with schools, community organizations, STEM partners, and technology educators to extend the reach and relevance of programming
• Support the creation of contracted projects, including curriculum or learning materials for schools, museums, and educational media partners.
• Assist with after-hours programs, adult education, and special events highlighting computer science, digital creativity, engineering, and technology themes

Quality and Evaluation

• Collaborate with the Director of Research and Evaluation to develop and apply evaluation methods to measure learning outcomes, guest engagement, attendance, and earned revenue impact.
• Prototype content and experiences, using data, observations, and learner feedback to refine and enhance digital learning and computer science programming
• Follow established Discovery Place procedures and elevate undocumented situations as they arise.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback to maintain consistency, safety, and high standards across all programs.
• Maintain project timelines and deliverables for efficient, high-quality implementation.

Mission + Sustainability

• Understand and communicate the link between Discovery Place's mission and financial sustainability, ensuring that computer science programs and exhibits inspire learning while strengthening earned revenue.
• Contributes to a culture of innovation, accountability, and operational excellence that sustains Discovery Place's community impact.
• Embraces the role that technology plays in a science museum and is comfortable being a strong advocate for incorporating technology in storytelling, exhibit design, programming, and experiences across all aspects of the museum helping staff and guests build awareness, critical thinking, and responsible use.

Competencies

• Mission & Sustainability Awareness - Understands the connection between educational mission and earned revenue; creates programs that inspire learning, drive engagement, and meet participation goals.

• Innovation - Displays creativity, resourcefulness, and design thinking; integrates cutting-edge technology and computational thinking practices.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - Identifies challenges and addresses responsible use of technological tools, develops effective, safe, and creative solutions.
• Customer Service - Provides exceptional, inclusive, and welcoming guest experiences.
• Adaptability - Adjusts to shifting project needs and embraces emerging technologies to ensure programming reflects the rapidly changing technology landscape.
• Collaboration - Works cross-departmentally, including with Youth Development and Exhibits, to strengthen the computer science continuum.
• Quality & Safety - Maintains professional standards for design labs, fabrication tools, and public spaces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Computer Science, Engineering, STEM Education, Digital Media, or a related STEM discipline; Master's preferred.
• One to two years of experience in computer science instruction, maker education, AI, robotics, engineering camps, informal STEM learning environments, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of coding platforms, digital tools, fabrication technologies, computing hardware, and safe operation of maker equipment.
• Experience in exhibit interpretation, engineering communication, or digital learning facilitation.
• Familiarity with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D printing software, Vernier and LoggerPro, LEGO Spike, or equivalent tools preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills.
• North Carolina Teaching Certificate or equivalent preferred; safety certification desirable.
• Bilingual ability preferred but not required.

Schedule and Expectations

• The schedule alternates to include weekends and occasional evenings.
• The majority of time is devoted to direct delivery of guest experiences and the development of innovative, revenue-generating educational content.
• The Experience Specialist is expected to think boldly, experiment fearlessly, and advance the culture of science and innovation throughout Discovery Place's network.

Work Environment
While performing duties, the employee regularly works in a dynamic museum environment that may include exposure to saws, drills, soldering equipment, and other maker tools. The employee may also work in outdoor or public event settings. The noise level is typically loud and high-energy.
Physical Demands
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and tool use. Clear communication, attention to safety, and responsive guest interaction are essential.
Discovery Place Core Values
Discovery Place employees uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork, and inclusion. We value diversity of thought and create spaces where employees and guests alike feel a sense of belonging.
Employees of Discovery Place should uphold the mission, vision and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, the pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork and inclusion. We value the diversity of opinions and intellectual thought and encourage an environment where employees can share ideas openly.
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of this job. Other duties may be assigned. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.