Public Programs Presenter
POSITION SUMMARY:
The part-time Public Programs Presenter, reporting to the Public Programs Presenter Specialist, is responsible for conducting informal science education programs with museum guests (for both small and large audiences up to 400+ guests) about various topics throughout the Academy. These programs include informal science education programs for all-age audiences, live animal programs, theater programs, programs for young children and their caregivers, as well as conversations with guests centered around natural history specimens and objects. The Public Programs Presenter is comfortable engaging with guests and presenting on any topic relevant to the Academy and its mission. Weekend and evening work will be required. This part-time Presenter, in addition to their regular weekly shift, will also cover vacation, event and sick time requests.
The California Academy of Sciences welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to build a culture centered on mutual respect, equal treatment, and the opportunity to succeed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
● Deliver highly engaging programs to the public throughout the Academy on various topics.
- Provide general natural history, science and sustainability information for guests in an age-appropriate manner
- Use appropriate interpretive techniques to inspire wonder and guests to take action
- Maintain a high level of enthusiasm while performing repetitive, interpretive programs on a regular basis
● Successfully learn and check out on programs within a predetermined time frame.
● Provide excellent customer service to guests and staff.
● Assist with duties as needed such as program equipment maintenance, program evaluation, program attendance tracking, etc.
● Help to maintain a positive work environment and to work cooperatively within a team.
● Maintain a professional demeanor within the workplace, including consistent attendance, appearance, and appropriate communication both internally and cross-departmentally.
● Follow all Academy safety regulations and complete all HR-assigned trainings.
● Support the Academy’s mission, vision and division-wide initiatives.
● Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The preferred qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
A qualified candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:
● Bachelor degree or equivalent experience (in a related field preferred)
● 1 years’ experience in science education, natural history education, early childhood education, outdoor education, museum education, and/or theater, or related field
● 1 years’ experience public speaking (at a museum or natural science education setting preferred)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
● Excellent presentation skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Excellent customer service skills
● Comfort working with live animals including snakes and insects
● Comfort working with small children (0-5 years old) and their caregivers
● Can make complicated science concepts accessible to general audiences
● Can adapt and maintain flexibility in changing and fast-paced environments
● Can maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing repetitive programs on a regular basis
● Can work well independently as well as in teams
● Can follow tasks through to completion with little supervision
● Can accept feedback graciously and integrate it
● Can effectively work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people
Desired/Preferred:
● Fluency in a second language
● Fundamental knowledge of best practices in interpretation
● Excellent natural history, aquarium and science knowledge and attention to scientific accuracy
● Basic knowledge of children ages 0-18
● Familiarity working in a large, multi-tiered organization
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment 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 the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The position requires frequent visits to the museum public floor (walking on concrete floors, climbing stairs), extensive time standing, sitting on the floor, intervals of time outdoors in varying environmental conditions, tolerance of high levels of noise, and extensive public speaking, sometimes at a podium and sometimes in noisy environments. Must be able to lift 50lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 25% of the time.
This is a mandated reporter designated position. Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law. Mandated reporters have certain specific reporting obligations in the event that they know of, observe or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. The Academy provides mandated reporters with training on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
The California Academy of Sciences will consider for employment all qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For more information visit: https://sfgov.org/olse/fair-chance-ordinance-fco.
The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.
The California Academy of Sciences is a non-smoking facility. There is also no smoking in Golden Gate Park.