Seasonal Critical Thinking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Seasonal Maker & Innovation Lab Facilitator (Summer)

Department:  Maker & Innovation Lab

Reports to: Innovation Exhibit Supervisor

Pay Class: Full-time Regular

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt               

Position Summary

The Seasonal Maker and Innovation Lab Facilitator supports the Pacific Science Center’s mission to spark curiosity and inspire discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking by welcoming guests into an active and creative learning environment. The Maker Innovation Lab serves as PacSci’s hands-on making and activity space, offering unfacilitated tinkering, open-ended facilitated projects, and maker workshops for visitors of all ages. The Maker Innovation Lab Facilitator guides guests through hands-on creative skill building activities that foster making, problem-solving, and critical thinking, offering opportunities to develop maker skills and collaborate across a wide range of programs and community-focused experiences. The position supports visitors as they engage in creative projects by engaging with guests, maintaining tools and materials and ensuring the Maker Innovation Lab remains safe, clean, and welcoming. This fast-paced, guest-facing role is well suited for individuals who enjoy creativity and hands-on problem-solving.

The seasonal makerspace position is a full-time, temporary role that runs from late June to late August. Two shifts are available, Friday- Sunday 9:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M., and Saturday- Monday 9:00 A.M -5:00 P.M.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities                                                                                                                                       

• Provide warm, attentive guest support by greeting visitors, answering questions and fostering an inclusive, encouraging environment for makers of all ages and skill levels.
• Engage in open-ended facilitation to support guests as they explore iterative design and making processes.
• Lead hands-on maker activities and workshops; deliver clear instructions and adapt guidance to different ages, abilities, and learning styles.
• Monitor supply levels, restock materials, organize tools, and maintain a clean, safe and functional space throughout the day.
• Set-up, break down, and prepare materials for scheduled activities, programs and special events.
• Complete daily exhibit opening and closing procedures assigned.
• Participate in gathering evaluation data from programs and visiting guests.

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Understanding of iterative, creative, and design thinking processes.
• Strong customer services abilities, including composure under pressure, conflict resolution, and engaging in conversation.
• Awareness of personal bas and a commitment to anti-racist, inclusive facilitation.

• Interest in creativity, DIY, repair, problem solving, art, and other forms of making.
• A working knowledge of safety practices in maker spaces, applying sound judgement and critical thinking.
• Entry-level proficiency in office 365 products (Teams, SharePoint, One Drive). Familiarity with Obsidian preferred.
• Model curiosity, critical thinking, and iterative improvement while contributing to a collaborative, creative, and joyful team culture.

QualificationsRequired

• Experience providing customer services experience in public-facing environment.
• Experience with crafting, building, tinkering, or other forms of creative-problem solving.
• Strong verbal communication and the ability to give clear instructions or guidance.
• Comfortable working in a loud, fast-paced public setting.
• All work must be performed onsite; schedules may include occasional mornings or evenings and includes full weekends.

Preferred         

• Prior experience in a makerspace or similar hands-on learning environment.
• Enthusiasm for STEM, creativity, and informal education
• Background in education, art, design, engineering or related creative fields
• Familiarity with makerspace tools such as hand tools, craft materials and simple electronics.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions.

• Manipulate and safely use tools, objects, and controls.
• Reach, crouch, and kneel to retrieve supplies and clean-up spaces.
• Ability to lift 50lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Work in an environment with cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, loud noises, and other common makerspace hazards.
• A uniform is provided and required to be worn while on the job. Includes a cotton shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve, and a name tag.

This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position, and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.