Family Science Night Intern at Whitman College

Whitman College; United States; Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Division III Family Science Night Student Assistant to support faculty in planning and facilitating Family Science Night events at local public schools. The role blends science, education, and event planning to bring hands-on activities to children and families.

Responsibilities include coordinating schedules with schools and partners, preparing activity kits, arranging transportation, and maintaining event data.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Intro Lab Science Course Sequence or General Chemistry.
• Ability to lift 40 lb boxes.
• Willingness to work both day and evening hours.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate Family Science Night events.
• Communicate with public schools to schedule events.
• Coordinate with community partners and activity presenters.
• Produce, organize, and maintain science activity kits.
• Set up and take down events.
• Load and unload science kits and equipment.
• Reserve and drive vehicles for event transportation, as needed.
• Maintain participation and event data.
• Assist with other event-related tasks as assigned.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Volunteer coordination

Lifting 40 lbs

Day & evening hours

Data management

Education

Intro Lab Science Course Sequence or General Chemistry

Tools

Driving certification

Job description

JOB TITLE: Division III Family Science Night Student Assistant
PAY RANGE: $17.13 - $17.13/hour
START DATE: August/September 2026

JOB PURPOSE

The primary job of the Division III Family Science Night Student Assistant will be to support faculty in planning and facilitating Family Science Night events at local public schools. This position combines science, education, event planning, and community engagement to bring hands‑on science activities to children and families. Activities may include making slime, creating “fossils,” exploring microscopes, building model rockets, and investigating fluorescence.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan and coordinate Family Science Night events
• Communicate with public schools to schedule events
• Coordinate with community partners and activity presenters
• Produce, organize, and maintain science activity kits
• Set up and take down events
• Load and unload science kits and equipment
• Reserve and drive vehicles for event transportation, as needed
• Maintain participation and event data
• Assist with other event-related tasks as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to organize and plan events effectively
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Ability to recruit and coordinate volunteers
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in science education and community engagement
• Ability to safely lift and transport boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work both day and evening hours
• Ability to manage data accurately

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS JOB:

This position provides students with hands-on experience in science education, event planning, community engagement, and laboratory-related activities. Students will develop skills in leadership, communication, organization, volunteer coordination, transportation management, and data management while gaining experience bringing science activities to public school communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of an Intro Lab Science Course Sequence or General Chemistry
• Ability to lift 40 lb. boxes
• Ability to work both day and evening hours

DESIRED SKILLS

• Whitman Van/Driving certification or ability to obtain certification
• Independent laboratory experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience with event planning or coordination

SUPERVISOR: Nate Boland, Associate Professor of Chemistry
SUPERVISOR CONTACT: [e-mail]
POSTING DATE: August 21, 2026