Science Communication Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Science Communicator

Organization: Arizona Science Center

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Position Type: Part-Time (Weekends and Evenings)

Reports To: Sr. Scientist

Job Description:

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 be responsible for engaging with guests 100% of the time, using live demonstrations, hands-on activities, gallery facilitation, etc. to bring science to life. Your role will help to ensure the organization's continued success in science education and public engagement by driving attendance and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Visitor Experience and Guest Engagement

• 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.
• As needed, assist the team and Senior Scientists on projects to further support high quality science communication within Arizona Science Center

Scientific Expertise

• Demonstrate scientific literacy and proficiency to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences effectively.
• Stay informed on current scientific developments and trends within the field.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Arizona Science Center maintains a strong policy of equal employment opportunity for all Employees and applicants.  We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and dismiss Employees on the basis of such factors as experience, character, ability and skill, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or heritage, age, marital or veteran status, disability, citizenship, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

ACCOMODATIONS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• 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

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish, Navajo, or Dine preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY 

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 

An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is 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.  The employee is occasionally required to stand.  The employee must frequently lift or move up to 30 pounds.  Occasionally, employees must lift up 65 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

This job also requires a computer, which will be placed somewhere in the employee's workspace.  The employee must have the necessary keyboard and computer mouse skills and the ability to read a color monitor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS Include, but are not limited to:

• 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.