TITLE:   Part Time Interactor  

REPORTS TO: Education & Science Center Manager

STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

HOURS: Flexible; evening and weekend availability a must. 

LOCATION:  Harrisburg based

OPPORTUNITY - About Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Join a team that is passionate about making a difference and helping our community thrive! Our mission is to serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural, and educational activities to enhance the region’s quality of life and economic vitality. 

About the Role

Our Interactors are responsible for working directly with Science Center and/or Innovation Zone guests to facilitate their learning and enjoyment. You'll be responsible for helping guests have a safe, fun, educational AND interactive experience! You also play a key role in monitoring the condition and operation of the science center's and innovation zone’s exhibits and public areas as well as helping keep spaces safe, clean and in good working order. Other responsibilities include serving as a Host to our groups during their visits. If you are interested in working directly with the public and our guests, have experience working with children and can demonstrate the ability to understand STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) topics, we are interested in hearing from you!

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assists guests by working to explain and facilitate the use of the exhibits by being active and engaged on the Science Center floor.
2. Routinely walk the Science Center and reset/cleanup manipulative exhibits after use by guests. 
3. Answer questions from guests and maintain necessary familiarity with exhibits, programs, and amenities of the Science Center, Innovation Zone, and Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. 
4. Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks as identified by the Cleaning Rotation and as assigned. Identify broken, damaged, or malfunctioning exhibits and submit an exhibit repair ticket to request repair. 
5. Open, monitor, and close the Innovation Zone during public hours - as assigned.  This included assisting guests, facilitating use, and sharing information on programs available in the Innovation Zone.
6. Ability to work with minimal supervision, assess situations, and make decisions on the job in order to have a positive impact on guest relations. 
7. Act as a point of contact for the Education Department in the science center during field trips and birthday parties. 
8. Assist in hosting group visits such as field trips, as assigned, to include: greeting groups, orientations, escorting groups from one location to another within the facility, and assisting with departures. 
9. Provide guidance to guests in the Digital Cinema (including 3-D glasses access, usage, and disposal), monitor status (start/stop) of documentaries, and notify the Production staff if issues arise.
10. Attend assigned meetings, keeping informed of ongoing changes in development, exhibits, and programs as needed.  Build and maintain an appropriate knowledge of exhibit- and program-related science concepts by participating in training opportunities and independent study. 
11. Report any concerns to the Manager on Duty and the Education & Science Center Manager.  Maintain familiarity with emergency procedures and assist in implementing them when necessary. 
12. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Managers and Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Excellent interpersonal and guest service skills are required.
2. Interest in working with children and families.  Must be comfortable communicating and enjoy working with families and groups of children. 
3. Must be able to work with a variety of age groups with enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. 
4. Must be flexible, proactive, and team-oriented. Must be a positive influence on group dynamics. Ability to make decisions quickly is essential. 
5. Experience working with children in an educational environment is preferred. Previous work or volunteer experience in a science center, museum, or computer lab is a plus. 
6. Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events. Understanding that weekly hours (15-30 hours) varies based on season and guest attendance. 
7. Must be able to work independently to a high standard of reliability and quality. 
8. Must be able to be a positive, professional representative of Whitaker Center to the community. 
9. Desire to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment and to be part of building the larger Whitaker Center culture and community, particularly with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 
10. Ability to stand for long periods, climb stairs frequently, and lift up to 30 lbs. 
11. Must be able to understand and obey safety rules and operating regulations related to technology, equipment, and chemicals. 
12. Must have a willingness to utilize the newest educational technologies available in all educational programs. 
13. Ability to successfully complete a Pennsylvania State Police Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information obtained by submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Attributes:

• Enthusiastic and Collaborative Team Player
•         Ability to work as part of a high performance team, and be a strong team player.
•         Poised, self-motivated, and a positive influence on team dynamics.
•         Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly.
•         Ability to work independently to a high standard of reliability and quality.
•         Ability to communicate professionally and positively with guests and staff.

• Positive Community and Guest Service Skills
•         Must be a positive, professional representative of Whitaker Center to the community.
•         Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to the general public, co-workers, and volunteers. Positive and                            friendly attitude at all times.
•          Must have good oral communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and project your voice on a daily basis.
•          Desire to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment, and be part of building the larger Whitaker Center culture and community; particularly with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

• Physical Requirements
•           Ability to stand for long periods, climb stairs frequently, and lift up to 50 lbs.
•           Ability to understand and obey safety rules and regulations related to all equipment, materials, and chemicals.
•           Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with legal requirements.
•           Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

EQUIPMENT SKILLS: 

1. Technology literate; demonstrated understanding of Google Applications such as Drive, Documents, and Sheets; and Internet research procedures. 

2. Working knowledge of telephone, computer, printer, copier, and calculator.