Scientific Associate Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Our Organization

Kiewit Luminarium is a next-generation science center that joyfully engages people of all ages and identities in exploring astonishing phenomena and learning through hands-on experiences. Recognized as a crown jewel of the region and a national force in its field, the Luminarium’s interactive exhibits and programs inspire lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Located on The RiverFront in Omaha, our purpose-built, 82,000-square-foot facility is home to a growing team of talented individuals who, together with collaborators and visitors, bring Kiewit Luminarium to life.

Position Summary

The Educational Associate works collaboratively with part-time Luminators (museum educators) and other museum staff to ensure the delivery of engaging and impactful educational experiences for guests. This role primarily focuses on training, coaching, and supporting Luminators as they facilitate guest-facing activities and learning opportunities throughout the museum. The Educational Associate also contributes to the development and coordination of educational programs and resources. Reporting to the Museum Experience Manager and working in close collaboration with the Education Manager, this position provides on-floor leadership and supports day-to-day museum floor operations.

This position primarily follows a Sunday-Thursday schedule and requires flexibility to work occasional Friday and Saturday shifts, along with some evenings and holidays, to support museum operations, staffing coverage, and special events/programming.

Essential Functions

• Provides on-floor oversight of Luminators and ensures safe, effective, and guest-centered floor operations during open hours.
• Trains and supports Luminators in delivering science demonstrations, makerspace activities, field trips, and other educational experiences throughout the museum, with guidance from the Education Manager and Museum Experience Manager.
• Creates and manages the day-to-day museum floor schedule for Luminators, ensuring appropriate staffing and coverage to support operations and the guest experience.
• Assists with the development and refinement of educational programming, materials, and resources with direction from the Education Manager.
• Oversees supplies and space resets to ensure the makerspace, demonstration stations, and other educational areas are ready for scheduled monthly programming updates.
• Supports external collaborators conducting educational programming onsite.
• Contributes to the exploration of partnerships with nonprofits, higher education institutions, government agencies, and STEM-related companies for collaborative educational programming.
• Provides occasional operational oversight of the Welcome Desk, including assisting guests, operating the Point of Sale (POS) system for admissions, memberships, and store purchases.
• May provide occasional support for offsite educational programs and outreach activities at community events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Required

• An associate degree or higher in education, management, museum studies, science communication, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience coaching staff, interns, or volunteers in a teaching or program facilitation context.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating educational activities in a formal or informal learning environment.

Necessary Skills & Characteristics

• Deep enthusiasm for science education and a commitment to creating inclusive, engaging experiences that spark curiosity in learners of all backgrounds.
• Enjoys coaching, mentoring, and supporting others while fostering a positive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team environment.
• Highly organized and attentive to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and informal leadership skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and adapt to change and complex situations.
• Skilled at working cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Cross-cultural fluency and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• English proficiency is required; bilingual skills are an asset (especially Spanish).

Schedule

This position primarily follows a Sunday-Thursday schedule and requires flexibility to work occasional Friday and Saturday shifts, along with some evenings and holidays, to support museum operations, staffing coverage, and special events/programming.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to move quickly through the museum and spend long periods on the floor.
• Ability to move from place to place and lift/carry up to 40 pounds short distances.
• Ability to perform position functions and must be willing and able to work on-site and offsite, in shared indoor and outdoor space with staff and the public.

Compensation

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience: $45,000 to $47,000
• Generous benefits package including paid time off (PTO), health, dental, vision, life, and more
• Employee retirement benefit that starts upon employment (matched 403b contributions immediately)

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and answer a series of application questions via the Luminarium’s employment portal.

Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled, but we will likely close the application period before or on August 17, 2026. Employment start date is flexible, but ideally the selected candidate would start the position by early-mid September of 2026.

Kiewit Luminarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability.