SUMMARY:

The Public Programs Facilitator will work under the supervision of the Public Programs Manager to deliver educational and engaging live science performances across the museum and within the community. Live science performances may include live shows and demonstrations on the museum floor and exhibitions, or out at local schools and community events, and may be related to many fields of science, including health and wellness, astronomy, physics, and biology. The Public Programs Facilitator regularly performs for public audiences both in-person and virtually.

Must be available to work on weekends and holidays. MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adhere to the established policies and procedures of the Museum.
• Deepens participation of guests by delivering dynamic live science shows and demonstrations related to museum exhibitions and Planetarium, including interactive experiments, demos, theater-style shows, participatory games, quiz shows, etc.
• Performs interactive science demonstrations and theatre-style programs 4-8 hours per day. This includes set up and take down of materials, sets, props, and seating; disinfection of materials, gathering audiences; and conducting post performance discussions as needed.
• Supports with daily operations, assisting guests with wayfinding directions and safety instructions.
• Adheres to daily show schedules and other rotational tasks as assigned.
• Performs interactive live science shows and demonstrations at local schools or community events as needed, both in-person and virtually.
• Works with other staff, interns and volunteers to perform shows and demonstrations.
• Reports feedback for live science shows from guests and other staff on a periodic basis to ensure show quality and improve audience satisfaction.
• Aids with the management and troubleshooting of all equipment necessary for supporting live performances. Reports technical problems to AV and Exhibits staff.
• Maintains excellent customer service by maintaining a positive and friendly attitude and through guest interactions by answering questions related to exhibit content, show times, directions, and other general information.
• The Public Programs Facilitator is required to work a flexible and varying schedule that will include weekends, holidays and non-traditional hours (this may include 2-3 evenings per month for special events and programming).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) or 2-3 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Background and/or strong interest in several scientific areas: health, astronomy, physics, biology, etc.
• Theatrical experience and/or demonstrated ability to deliver exciting and engaging presentations a plus.
• Experience working with children, youth, and/or families in informal learning environments is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Must demonstrate strong performance skills and have a demonstrated commitment to delivering scripted material.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills.
3. Knowledge of the museum's mission statement, goals, and policies as per the employee manual.
4. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with creativity, curiosity, integrity and determination.
5. Ability to work under pressure, multitask, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with staff.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively share information across and between multiple disciplines and reach audiences with varied technical and organizational knowledge.
7. Bilingual preferred (Spanish and/or Haitian Creole preferred).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 frequently required to stand for long periods of time as well as talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and use the stairs; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds on select occasions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work time will be primarily spent on the floor delivering programs and require being exposed to the elements such as sun, heat, wind, etc. frequently. Weekend and evening work in alignment with programs is required. Public Programs Facilitators must be available at least one weekend day and two weekdays every week.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Level 2 background clearance as defined by the Florida Statutes/law.
• Drug screening as part of the Drug-Free Workplace Program.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine(s) by the date of hire to be considered for employment unless the applicant is eligible for an exemption pursuant to all applicable laws with the Human Resources Department.