At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for guests of all ages. We believe in the value of using real scientific challenges through opportunities to invent, design, tinker and create to encourage curiosity and experimentation. The Science Center remains committed to developing informal science education programs that inspire young minds, improve STEM literacy and cultivate the creative, critical thinkers who will shape the future of Northeast Ohio.

Over the last decade, Great Lakes Science Center has repeatedly launched innovative strategic initiatives that received national recognition. In 2013, the organization launched Cleveland Creates, an initiative in collaboration with corporate leaders to change the community’s narrative around advanced manufacturing for diverse middle-school youth and families. This work was recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, who chose the Science Center as the unveiling site for the National Week of Making with Mythbuster’s host Adam Savage in 2016. The Science Center also has been honored to play an important role for national events in Cleveland, including the 2016 Republican National Convention and the 2021 National Football League Draft. As an anchor institution of downtown’s North Coast Harbor, the organization is now looking ahead to the exciting future of lakefront development.

The Science Center was recognized for its initiative, Cleveland Connections, that integrates emerging technologies such as blockchain and industrial internet of things, to educate and empower youth in developing personal and community solutions. The team at the Science Center leveraged their commitment to being a learning organization and used the best scientific research to develop safe operating models, allowing them to continue to serve families and schools during the public health and economic crises that have magnified persistent racial inequities in our community. The Science Center was honored for this work and named a 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist, recognizing their pioneering approaches and deep community partnerships during this difficult time. In 2022, GLSC was voted a top three science museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards.

Great Lakes Science Center embraces and encourages the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. We consider diversity and inclusion essential for institutional excellence and fulfillment of our vision - a community where all people value STEM to inform decision making and enrich lives. We believe our strength lies in the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, ingenuity, self-expression, and unique capabilities. Our employees, volunteers, guests, and partners bring and invest these strengths in their daily experiences at Great Lakes Science Center. We champion an unending commitment to diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our board, staff, and key stakeholders embrace these principles.

Summary:

The Great Lakes Science Center seeks a creative and resourceful Guest Engagement Specialist to work with a dynamic and diverse group of their peers, dedicated to enriching visitor engagement through inquiry-based learning. A Guest Engagement Specialist is expected to deliver high-quality, exciting, and fun programs that include but are not limited to: interpretive programming inside Great Lakes Science Center, NASA Glenn Visitor Center, and on the Steamship William G. Mather, Maker activities and workshops, scientific demonstrations, theatrical shows, activity carts, and other guest experiences. This is a part time position which reports to the Education Operations Manager. Identify primary function categories for the position and describe related duties and responsibilities under each function for the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Delivers programs such as informal visitor engagement, public demonstrations, interactive cart activities.
• Engages guests in traveling exhibitions
• Engages guests on Steamship
• Assists with group greeting
• Demonstrates enthusiastic and positive attitude with willingness to learn
• Models best practices in informal education and visitor engagement
• Actively deliver visitor programs while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry-based and hands-on techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior visitor experience for Science Center guests
• Perform daily operational duties

May represent the Science Center at off-site programs, including but not limited to outreach programs, science fairs, community events, etc. Communicate knowledgeably about current Science Center programs, policies, and procedures to be a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for Science Center programs, exhibits, and mission
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Please note that this position requires working outdoors for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions, frequently climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props. It may also include working with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, hydrogen, and oxygen. Training will be provided. Please also note that this position requires weekend, holiday, and evening hours to meet the needs of Science Center operations. Scheduled hours will vary seasonally; therefore, ideal candidates must be flexible to accommodate needs.

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:
•    High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferably a bachelor’s degree (or pursuing) in science, education, theater or related field of study.
•    Customer service experience helpful but not required

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A):
•    Interpersonal Communication
•    Group Communication
•    STEM Background 
•    Reliability
•    Intrinsically Motivated
•    Eager to Learn

Rate: $15/Hour

Great Lakes Science Center is proud to provide staff members with a benefits program that offers choices designed to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Eligible staff members can participate in the following benefits programs: 
•    Free Parking 
•    Medical 
•    Dental 
•    Vision 
•    Employee Assistant Program (EAP) 
•    Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays 
•    403b Retirement Savings Plan with Match
•    ASTC Membership 
•    Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) Membership 
•    And more! 

COVID-19 Safety and Guidelines:
Great Lakes Science Center is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff (paid and unpaid), and guests. In accordance with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all staff are required to be vaccinated and/or boosted against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations will be made for those who cannot take the vaccine due to health or religious reasons.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 
It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. GLSC complies with applicable state, federal and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.