Science Interpreter – Full Time

Arizona Science Center; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Sick time

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life & LTD

Employee Assistance Program

401(k)

Professional development

Family membership

Admission exchange program

Job summary

Arizona Science Center in Phoenix seeks a Science Interpreter to enhance guest experiences by providing engaging science demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the center, reporting to a Senior Scientist.

You will work with visitors of all ages, move among exhibits, run programs, and support on-site and off-site STEM learning, fostering curiosity and inclusivity while promoting science education and public engagement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of student-centered, inquiry-based, experiential learning approaches.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication and reporting.
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to be relied upon to be on time and prepared for programs and activities.
• 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 multitask and adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Experience engaging people in interactive, hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Daily, engage with guests inside the center’s buildings, 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 and a variety of programming 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.
• Facilitate onsite and off-site informal learning STEM programming.
• 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 and CREATE.
• Assist in other areas of Arizona Science Center as needed.

Skills

Student-centered learning

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Punctuality

Team player

Public speaking

Group management

Inquiry-based questioning

Multitasking

Hands-on learning

Evenings & weekends

Education

Two-year degree or equivalent

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Job Title

Science Interpreter

Position Type

Full Time - Non-exempt

Reports To

Senior Scientist

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Position Overview

As a Science Interpreter on the 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 a Senior Scientist, 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’s buildings, 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 and a variety of programming 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.
• Facilitate onsite and off‑site informal learning STEM programming.
• 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 and CREATE.
• Assist in other areas of Arizona Science Center as needed.

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.

Accommodations

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

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.

• Knowledge of student‑centered, inquiry‑based, experiential learning approaches.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication and reporting.
• Skill in problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Ability to be relied upon to be on time and prepared for programs and activities.
• 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 multitask and adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Experience engaging people in interactive, hands‑on, engaging learning experiences.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• A two‑year degree and/or equivalent of at least two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• 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 Diné 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 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

• 21 paid days off annually, including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days.
• 10 days of accrued sick time.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life and Long Term Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• 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.