High School Museum Explainer — Space & Flight Demos

Smithsonian; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC (with a center in Chantilly, VA) seeks a Museum Aid (High School Explainer) to deliver live, science-based demonstrations that enhance visitors' understanding of aviation and space exploration.

Open to all qualified applicants, this temporary role requires enrollment in a local high school, 16+ years old, and a commitment to a one-year probationary training period with at least 15 hours per month. Training and program support are provided.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years old.
• Actively enrolled in an accredited high school in the DC, Maryland, or Virginia area at the time of application and throughout the period of employment.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and be in good academic standing.
• Available to participate in a one-year probationary training program and report onsite on a monthly basis throughout the training period.
• The selected applicant must maintain active status by working at least 15 hours each month.
• Must be comfortable interacting with visitors from a wide range of cultural, educational, and demographic backgrounds and be able to engage them in a professional and respectful manner.
• Skills in written and oral communication sufficient to deliver educational presentations, explain scientific concepts, and provide outstanding customer service to museum visitors.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and be willing to attend training sessions and independently study scientific topics related to aeronautics and space science.

Responsibilities

• Present routine demonstrations explaining scientific principles to museum visitors.
• Engage diverse audiences with educational, interactive presentations on aviation and space science.
• Maintain demonstration equipment in safe, clean, and working condition.
• Identify damaged or depleted supplies and inform higher-level technicians for repair or replacement.
• Assist with attendance tracking and data collection for program evaluation.
• Provide courteous customer service and help create a positive museum experience.
• Support the museum's mission by fostering curiosity in STEM topics.
• Engage visitors with hands-on activity carts, demonstrations, and programs on flight and space systems.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Public speaking

Customer service

Education outreach

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC (with a center in Chantilly, VA) seeks a Museum Aid (High School Explainer) to deliver live, science-based demonstrations that enhance visitors' understanding of aviation and space exploration.

Open to all qualified applicants, this temporary role requires enrollment in a local high school, 16+ years old, and a commitment to a one-year probationary training period with at least 15 hours per month. Training and program support are provided.