Employment

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons of the Science Center of Iowa, especially at any special events, to guests or clients. Under guided leadership from the Café Coordinator and the Director of Retail Operations, the Bartender Associate will also be responsible for operational duties as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests, patrons and clients of the Science Center of Iowa.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute bar operations for internal and external events and facility rentals
• Accurately process all cash and credit card transactions
• Consistently check identification of guests to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for alcohol purchases
• Maintain cleanliness of work area
• Maintain optimal food safety practices
• Stock merchandise and inventory as needed
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with tasks and duties related to events
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

•  Must be of legal age to sell alcohol in accordance with Iowa Laws
•  Must have food & beverage service, retail and strong customer service experience
•  Must have a personable, enthusiastic and engaging personality
•  Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
•  Must be able to multi-task and accomplish various duties
•  Must be flexible, open-minded and able to react to guest and organizational needs
•  Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
•  Knowledge of alcoholic beverages
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Must uphold the integrity of SCI

Working Hours: Part-time hours will be assigned to support special events in addition to daily operations. Shifts may include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons visiting SCI’s Food Chain Cafe. Under guided leadership from the Cafe Coordinator and the Director Retail Operations, the Cafe Associate will also be responsible for operational duties, as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests and patrons visiting SCI.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a commitment to excellent guest service in Cafe and all areas of SCI
• Greet and tend to the needs of all guests in a timely manner
• Processing all cash and credit card point-of-sale transactions accurately
• Provide knowledgeable information regarding product offerings and general SCI information for guests
• Accurately check all identification necessary to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for the purchase of alcohol products
• Maintain the cleanliness of tables, floors, counters and windows
• Maintain optimum food safety standards as required
• Stock, merchandise and inventory Cafe supplies and products
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with various tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be of legal age to sell alcoholic beverages in accordance with the State of Iowa
• Must have food service, retail, and/or strong customer service related experience
• Must maintain a professional and polite demeanor at all times
• Enjoy working with people in a public setting
• Have great problem solving skills
• Needs to have accurate and efficient bookkeeping/money handling skills
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Ability to multi-task various duties and projects
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. 
• Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa

Working Hours: Part-time hours varying between the hours of operation for SCI and the Blank IMAX Dome Theater. This may include a combination of shifts during days, nights, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Preschool Director

Position Overview: This position is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with classroom activities
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use
• Meet with classroom teacher to prepare materials for daily use
• Communicate daily with parents on any discipline problems that might arise
• Meet with Preschool staff once a month for planning and activities of the ensuing month
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year, if desired
• Create and design classroom games and materials

Requirements:

• Maintain current first aid, universal precautions, CPR and mandatory peporter credentials
• Pass a physical examination and TB every two years
• Excellent teaching and communication skills
• Love of children
• A desire to work with and teach preschoolers
• Inexhaustible patience
• Must enjoy working as part of the Science Center of Iowa team
• Must be able to pass background checks and DCI fingerprinting

Working Hours: Varied hours; needs to be available during normal school hours Monday through Friday 7:15 am–5:30 pm.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full-Time (Non-Exempt), Seasonal
Department: Education
Reports to: Programs Coordinator
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Maker Education Initiative was established to create more opportunities for all youth to develop confidence, creativity and interest in science, technology, engineering, math, art and learning as a whole through making. We want people to join - and eventually lead - the growing Maker Movement, a community that combines creative ideas and technical skills. This position will develop and share interdisciplinary projects with Science Center of Iowa visitors and the community.

Resident Makers will serve as mentors and role models for fellow makers and visitors during their employment at the Science Center of Iowa. Resident Makers will engage children and families in creative projects that develop problem-solving skills, while gaining experience serving as a community leader. This position will be temporary full-time (40 hours) for the months of May-August/September.

During the month of May, Resident Makers will develop names, descriptions and goals for Family Night workshops and activities for SCI Summer Camps to facilitate between June-August. During the months of May-August, the Resident Makers will be present in the Makers Studio to engage visitors of all ages in maker activities created and facilitated by the Programs Coordinator.

Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Des Moines, Iowa, and be at least 18 years old as of date of applying. Note that the Science Center of Iowa will not cover any addition moving and/or housing expenses.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Programs Coordinator in the execution of maker experiences and projects at various times including nights, weekends and holidays
• Engage visitors, SCI staff and Summer Camps in interactive making activities and explorations
• Contribute towards a shared body of work including: photos, blog entries, written reflections, social media updates and project write-ups related to maker work taking place at the Science Center of Iowa
• Participate fully in evaluation efforts to collect data about the summer program
• Represent the Science Center of Iowa and Maker Movement in a positive manner via attitude, communications and enthusiasm
• Facilitate and develop Wednesday Night Workshops
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Interest in creativity, DIY art and science projects and the Maker Movement
• Passion for educating and the Maker Initiative
• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations
• Able to present a portfolio of Maker-related work
• Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage effectively with visitors of all ages
• Ability to maintain a successful working relationship with the SCI Programs Coordinator, fellow Resident Makers and the entire Science Center of Iowa staff
• Organized; ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• General knowledge of or interest in obtaining skills in using various equipment and tools
• Ability to communicate complex concepts easily
• Able to react quickly to solve problems or contact appropriate support staff
• Upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity

Working Hours: Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday, including events, weekends, nights and holidays

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by Friday, May 17.

Classification: Part-Time
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Director of Learning Experiences
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

The Program Presenter is responsible for delivering presentations of SCI programs for public and group participants. This may include both onsite and offsite delivery, throughout the week, weekend and evenings.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver a varied and changing repertoire of live programs and demonstrations ranging from small to large format presentations
• Provide support with the Program Coordinators on program and project development
• Maintain individual training log on program presentations and demonstrations
• Coordinate with the Director of Learning Experiences to keep schedules up to date
• On-floor supervision of program supplies in experience platforms and work alongside volunteers
• Responsible for daily programs operation troubleshooting
• Report consistent program attendance records and monitor their impact in supporting SCI’s mission and existing exhibits
• Function as a direct representative from the Science Learning Team to the public
• Support exhibit staff; including but not limited to opening and closing of the experience platforms
• Program Department daily operational support including but not limited to printing daily program guides, conducting live programs and labs and orientations for visiting schools/groups, including Outreach presentations
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations
• High school diploma with an interest in the sciences, education or theater
• Experience in program presentation to small and large groups
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun and interesting fashion
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills; engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality and development
• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Willing to travel, if necessary, for Outreach presentations
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Working Hours: Hours will vary based on business needs and will include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.