Discovery Guide (Part-time)

Discovery Guide positions are open to individuals ages 18+ who are seeking a unique and exciting entry-level position in the museum/science center industry.  This opportunity provides exemplary and engaging interaction and experiences for guests and visitors to bring to life our mission of fun and learning going hand in hand.

Position/Title:  Part-time Discovery Guide

Status:  Part-time, Non-exempt

Hours:  Weekly hours are part-time and will vary based on the individual’s availability, performance, and experience level, as well as operational requirements and the ebb and flow of attendance seasonally.  No set number of hours guaranteed.

Pay:  Starting pay is $8-10/hr. depeding on education and experience.  Pay increase provided after a 90-day introductory period (employee must be in good standing).  Opportunities for additional growth and pay increases with our self-paced Discovery Guide tier structure.

Reports to:  Experience and Operations Coordinator (Floor Supervisor when Coordinator not present.)

Location:  Hands On! Discovery Center (on-site) and occasional travel to off-site outreach programs (mileage reimbursed at federal rate).

WFH Eligible status:  Not eligible

Benefits eligibility:  Not eligible

Essential Functions:

• The most important role of a Discovery Guide is greeting and interacting with HODC guests and visitors to provide exemplary and engaging experiences with programs, exhibits, and events, to make positive life-long memories and encourage repeat visitation and membership.
• Facilitation of interactive exhibit content including with walk-in visitors, field trips, groups, special event attendees, rental attendees, and more.
• Engage in direct instruction of regularly scheduled daily programs (Discovery Lab and Art Studio), pop-up programs, workshops, Homeschool Days programming, summer camps, and special event programs.
• Providing engaging and scientifically accurate Paleontology Tours of the Gray Fossil Site.
• Providing engaging and scientifically accurate Tesla Experience shows with the Tesla Coil.
• Facilitating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathmatics) programs for guests and visitors including for groups, field trips, and birthday parties
• Ensuring each visitor to HODC and the Gray Fossil Site has an exemplary experience
• Facilitating birthday parties as the attendant
• Front desk/cash register operations including welcoming visitors, selling admission tickets, taking payment, counting cash drawers, selling gift shop items, and answering phone calls, being a point person for visitors, etc.
• Assist with special events (large-scale events, rentals, fundraisers, etc.) including some which occur after regular business hours or on days closed to the public
• On occasion, represent HODC in the community at area events, festivals, and outreach programs. (Paid drive time w/mileage reimbursement.)
• Ensure HODC is adequately cleaned and presentable throughout the day by completing daily tidying and cleaning, designated deep cleaning tasks, and other cleaning tasks as assigned and ensuring sign-off of all completed tasks on appropriate checklist(s).  General disinfection, wiping down surfaces, sweeping, mopping, trash emptying, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Ideal Candidates:

• Outgoing, charismatic, and genuine people person who thrives on being around others
• Positive attitude with solutions oriented mindset
• Highly self-motivated and takes pride in work and providing exemplary visitor/guest service
• Highly adaptable and nimble
• Comfortable continually talking with visitors throughout the day
• Comfortable leading and teaching large groups (up to 200 people) of people of all-ages, including children and adults
• Naturally curious about the world around them and how it works
• Life-long learner with growth mindset
• Attentive to detail and continuity in operational effectiveness
• Highly organized with appreciation for tidyness and cleanliness
• Creative mindset
• Prompt and timely, consistently in attendance with little to no missed workdays
• Passion for STEM/STEAM and informal education
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions effectively and accurately
• Abilty to work without constant support or supervision
• Professional and respectful in communications and actions

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and crouch for long periods of time in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces
• Ability to navigate across concrete, tile, carpet, hardwood, soil, stairs, elevators, ramps, and uneven terrain of outdoor spaces including garden and fossil site
• Abilty to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs
• Ability to be in exposed outdoor spaces such as garden, fossil site, outdoor classroom, etc. and in the weather elements such as sun, rain, snow, sleet, wind, etc.
• Visual acuity (with or without correction) sufficient to read tickets, monitor galleries, and identify safety hazards. 
• Ability to hear (with or without correction) and distinguish in-person speech in busy, reverberant or noisy spaces to communicate clearly with the public.
• Ability to speak continuously for extended periods (such as during guided tours or educational programs) and be heard loudly and clearly.

Please email completed applications to: handson@visithandson.org. Clean background check and references required.  No phone calls, please.

Hands On! Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Become a Volunteer

There are many volunteer opportunities are available at Hands On! Discovery Center!  From just a few hours to several times a week. Volunteers can be help in a variety of areas including:

• Child and/or Adult Education and Programs (with clear background check)
• Field Trip Guide
• Discovery Garden
• Cleaning
• Special Events
• Clerical/Administrative
• Exhibit Maintenance
• Facility Maintenance

A background check may be required.  Adults 18+ may volunteer in any of the above areas. Limited volunteer opportunities available for ages 16-17.  Please fill out the volunteer application for review.

Completed applications may be returned to handson@visithandson.org

The Center for Excellence in Paleontology accepts summer volunteers to work during the dig season.  Click here for more information.