Exploration Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

MOXI seeks a team of playful, enthusiastic, and STEAM-loving part-time educators to play a critical role in advancing MOXI’s mission. This position is responsible for engaging guests, families, and students at facilitated STEAM programs on the museum floor, in MOXI’s makerspace, and in school and community programs. Educators not only engage visitors in open-ended exploration, but also are instrumental in creating safe and inclusive environments for visitors’ STEAM exploration. The ideal candidate will be passionate about learning in informal environments, engaging and approachable, and interested in STEAM.

Report to: STEAM Education Manager

Pay Rate: $20.50/hour - $21.63/hour

Expected Schedule: The position requires a commitment of 12-29 hours per week. The museum operates seven days a week and may require occasional early morning or evening shifts to support programs and special events. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including availability on weekends and holidays, to meet the operational needs of the museum.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating visitor interactions across museum exhibits and programs, including but not limited to:
• Engaging guests at exhibits + STEAM program carts.
• Facilitating design + maker activities in the Innovation Workshop.
• Supporting field trip programs including Engineering Explorations programs.
• Facilitating on- and off-site community and school outreach programs.
• Supports museum flow and operations:
• Greeting and welcoming guests proactively in a friendly, professional manner.
• Fielding guest requests, complaints, and praises in a positive, helpful manner.
• Collaborating closely with management to ensure readiness for handling building evacuations, guest injuries, and other potential emergency situations.
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive museum environment for guest discovery.
• Attending scheduled training sessions and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications Requirements

• Dynamic, engaging, and energetic, with an enthusiasm for STEAM, tinkering, exploring, and play-based learning.
• Demonstrated experience working with children in a formal or informal setting; ability to maintain positive attitude.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Conscientious and detail-oriented; must have an appreciation of the necessity of following through, record-keeping, and documentation.
• Ability to organize and prioritize varied tasks in a manner that most effectively serves the needs of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be receptive to the ideas of others and able to work cooperatively to prioritize tasks and accommodate many different and conflicting concerns.
• Passion for creating a world-class museum that is recognized as a truly outstanding educational experience.
• Enthusiasm for working in an organization where change is frequent, the structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn new systems and adapt to emerging technologies.
• Awareness of issues relating to access and inclusion and the ability to build inclusive and accessible programs.
• Spanish fluency a plus.

Job Requirements & Expectations

• The museum operates seven days a week.
• The position requires a commitment of 12-29 hours per week.
• Occasional availability required for weekend, early morning or evening shifts to support MOXI programs and special events.
• Candidates must demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including availability on weekends and holidays, to meet the operational needs of the museum.
• Predictable and reliable attendance is an essential function of this role

Education and Experience requirements:

• Previous experience working with youth in formal and/or informal educational spaces, specifically ages 5-12.
• Current or pending degree in related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs and behavioral issues preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, or equivalent certification a plus.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to bend, squat, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Comfortable working with multiple technologies and systems
• Strong ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and adapt in real time
• Must be able to communicate clearly and courteously, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse audience
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Reasons to Apply

• Growth-centered work environment that includes professional development opportunities.
• Fun and creative organization culture.
• Free admission into local museums including MOXI, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, and Santa Barbara Zoo.
• Free ASTC membership for museums across the country.

Benefits

• 40 hours sick leave

About MOXI

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation® is dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone at 125 State Street, the museum is LEED - certified Gold and serves guests of all ages through its hands-on exhibits and education programs. MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by its daily guests, members, facility rentals, and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Who we are

MOXI is a collaborative, creative, and fun place to work. Our team is guided by a set of core values that help create a joyful place where we empower curious minds to explore the world .

We are Playful. We are Collaborative. We are Experimenters – we take risks and embrace failure. We believe that diversity is critical to creativity.

How to apply

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume.

Website: https://moxi.org/careers/

MOXI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.