Early Learning Educator

Job Summary: Science City Educators are the public face of Science City (SC, the City), and are a valuable member of the Union Station team. SC Educators help set the tone for visitor interactions and are expected to contribute to a positive, collaborative culture that is conducive to active learning and exploration. Educators work in the City greeting visitors and engaging them in activities, and are required to be approachable, outgoing and engaged with the public while in uniform. Science City Educators assist guests in becoming familiar with exhibits and activities, encourage visitors to experiment, ask questions and provide answers to questions from guests. SC Educators lead activities in Science City and offsite, including creating and delivering educational programs and science demonstrations, facilitating permanent exhibits, developing science content, staffing Science City floor, special events and helping assess overall visitor experience. All SC Educators work together to create engaging learning experiences that encourage a sense of wonder and discovery in children of all ages!
 
Educators are responsible for creating programming with an internal team, on their own, and occasionally in collaboration with community partners. These expectations involve working on the floor of the science center, leading and/or supporting program facilitation, designing imaginative learning experiences, articulating program objectives, and developing learning guides to train volunteers and other collaborators in how to facilitate the programs.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing and delivering Science City programming, for children of all ages, with a specific focus on Early Learners ages 0-6 years old.
• Adapt appropriate, existing Science City programming and activities to fit the needs of Early Learners.
• Conduct professional development/training for teaching staff and parents
• Evaluate existing early childhood programming to ensure they are educationally appropriate for the venue, scientifically accurate and delivered in a manner that meets SC’s high standards for content and program delivery.
• Seek out and engage guests in exploration, experimentation, and conversation.
• Stays current in science and education related to Science City's content and exhibits.
• Engage with guests in a welcoming, courteous, and professional manner.
• Provide excellent customer service throughout Science City and Union Station.
• Ensure safety standards are followed at all times, including careful redirection of guests as needed and assistance with first aid as needed.
• Support the operations of Science City and Union Station including staffing the science center floor, staffing special events, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Assist with the training of new education team members.
• Demonstrates commitment to Union Station’s vision, mission and goals.
• Attends all staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including occasional early mornings, nights and weekends as necessary and follow the daily schedule as assigned.
• Maintain professional rapport with guests and fellow team members
• Other duties as assigned.

• Expertise in early childhood learning/child development, and experience working in informal learning environments with young children is required. The successful candidate must also be able to consider the adult caregiver experience, and be able to translate science and developmental learning concepts into daily experiences to help educators and parents understand how their children are learning.
• Completed a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
• An understanding of, and interest in, science/ STEM concept development in early learning.
• Experience working with families, children and youth from diverse and low-income communities.
• Be a motivated self-starter who works independently in a proactive manner -- without constant supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills -- the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences including guests, co-workers, children, teachers, parents/caregivers, community members and management.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Science City Education team. 
• Be able to react positively to a rapidly changing environment and make good decisions under pressure.
• Passion for teaching science in an informal educational setting.
• Experience designing and leading maker education programming or/hands-on programming for Early Learners.
• Experience working with diverse groups and communities. (preferred)
• Have some experience in customer service. (preferred)

• Learn operation of all Science City exhibits and spaces. The work environment will often be loud, will include working in confined spaces and will include working outdoors on some days.
• Be available to work one weekend day consistently and work occasional holidays, special events, evenings, overnights and additional weekend time.
• Work on one’s feet for long periods of time.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance regardless of assigned shifts.
• Lift up to 25 pounds.
• Conform to required dress code and/or uniform.
• Hold a valid driver's license.
• Pass a drug test