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Employment

The Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater engages and inspires Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning.

Thank you for your interest in joining our dedicated, enthusiastic staff!

Use the filters below to view full-time, part-time, cafe/event, internship and preschool positions. Once you have identified a position to apply for:

  • Complete SCI’s application materials.
  • Email application materials, including a cover letter and resume, to scihr@sciowa.org or send to 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309.

For more information, contact scihr@sciowa.org.

Positions

  • Guided Learning Manager

    Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
    Department: Guided Learning
    Reports To: Director of Learning Experiences
    Direct Reports: Assistant Camp Specialist, Curriculum Specialist, Camp Educators

    Position Overview:

    This versatile position impacts all areas of the Science Learning division. The Guided Learning Manager will develop, manage and implement the daily camp processes to ensure impactful experiences for all camp attendees and staff. In collaboration with the Director of Learning Experiences, this position will lead and manage a team of staff and volunteers to maximize the opportunities in growing and showcasing SCI's camps and education program as hands-on, student-led experimentation. This individual also will be responsible for creating positive experiences for the SCI participants through presentation of programs for public, schools and adult groups, along with developing new programming and collaborations to SCI. This position also will assist in developing strategies to broaden SCI’s impact to different target audiences. 

    Responsibilities:

    • Direct and manage camp staff including the facilitation and implementation of staff orientation and training
    • Create and manage the camp staffing schedule
    • Manage and maintain all equipment and supplies inventory for camp program operations
    • Manage and collaborate with seasonal camp staff to prepare and write curriculum outlines and activities
    • Manage and collaborate with Camp Educators and SCI departments to facilitate camp programming and programmatic needs
    • Communicate daily and weekly with parents and campers to meet SCI's mission and program guidelines
    • Develop creative ideas to broaden the impact of SCI Camp programs and various family programming, etc.
    • Present a varied and changing repertoire of live programs and demonstrations, ranging from small to large format presentations
    • Participate in new program development, specifically in areas focused to target new audiences
    • Maintain a high level of professionalism in performing duties and responsibilities
    • Program Department daily operational support including, but not limited to, providing daily program information (including digital), conducting programs and labs, orientations for visiting schools/groups including Outreach presentations, opening and closing of the experience platforms
    • Additional duties as assigned

    Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Recreation or related fields
    • Previous management and camp experience working with youth and parents
    • Motivated self-starter that is organized; ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
    • Excellent communication skills: engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker
    • Ability to communicate complex concepts easily
    • Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative
    • Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
    • Enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking, flexible, creative and timely
    • Comfortable with public speaking to children, parents, mentors and supervisors
    • Demonstrates excellent communication and problem-solving skills
    • Engages students and staff in a fun yet mature and professional manner
    • Organized self-starter; ability to work with little supervision

    Working Hours: This position will be full time with a varied schedule, typically Monday through Friday during the summer months, switching to one weekend day during the school year. Some evenings and holidays required. 

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

  • Sales Coordinator

    Classification: Full-Time, Non-exempt (hourly)
    Department: Retail Operations
    Reports To: Sales Manager
    Direct Reports: Part-Time Cashiers

    Position Overview:

    The Sales Coordinator is responsible for assisting with generating top-line revenue by successfully selling the products, services and programs offered by SCI and meeting the specific goals of the institution. This position also will support the entire Retail Operations department.

    Responsibilities:

    • Provide prompt, efficient and friendly customer service in all participant interactions
    • Direct the activities of the Sales Office under guidance of the Sales Manager and Director of Retail Operations
    • Answer incoming calls promptly and provide friendly, helpful service to make the reservation that best suits the participant
    • Must be knowledgeable and well prepared to describe and sell all products, services and programs SCI can offer
    • Responsible for ensuring complete follow-through for all stages regarding reservations or sales
    • Keep accurate and detailed records of all incoming and outgoing calls and messages, including follow-up on sales leads, and effectively communicating them to their applicable departments
    • Partner with other departments to ensure successful visits for school and group attendance
    • Coordinate booking school groups and facilitate effective group scheduling in relation to all areas of SCI
    • Suppor and directly assist as needed in all Retail Operations areas including the Food Chain Cafe, Box Office, A-ha! Gift Store and Blank IMAX Dome Theater
    • Should maintain and demonstrate an adequate working knowledge and use of all required SCI software and databases
    • Maintain the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa
    • Additional duties as assigned

    Requirements:

    • Previous customer service or retail experience preferred
    • Effective problem-solving skills and strong organizational skills
    • Must be able to multi-task and work with great attention to detail
    • Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills
    • Must maintain a professional demeanor
    • Must operate with a sense of urgency
    • Excellent computer skills
    • Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa

    Working Hours: This position will work 40 hour per week. Typically, office hours are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Additional shifts on weekends, holidays and special events are typical.

    To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by November 17.

  • Programs Presenter

    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.

  • Bartender

    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.

  • Cafe Associate

    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.

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