We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Outreach Coordinator

Reports To:  Vice President of Education and Exhibits
Status:  Full time with benefits (after 90-day introductory period)
Pay Rate:  $22,500-$28,000/year

The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for Hands On! Discovery Center’s growing educational outreach program in the community.  The position ensures that HODC is delivering educational, energetic, relevant, and dynamic experiences both in the facility and in the community.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for STEM/STEAM education, an energetic and positive persona, and an enthusiasm for life-long learning.  The Outreach Coordinator reports to the Vice President of Education and Exhibits, and must work closely with the Operations Coordinator and the Director of External Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver HODC’s growing outreach education program to schools, libraries, and other community partners
• Work closely with VP of Education and Exhibits to create new content for outreach programs as well as seek out new opportunities to deliver educational programs outside the museum
• Deliver proper execution of daily programmatic features on the museum floor
• Serve as Floor Supervisor as needed and fill in all necessary gaps in daily floor coverage, including lab programs, Tesla shows, Paleo Tours, front desk, and the museum floor
• Ensure proper and transparent communication with co-workers and HODC’s leadership team
• Report outreach and attendance results
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor both on-site and off-site as a representative of HODC
• Additional duties as necessary

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to give concise, yet detailed instructions
• General understanding of classroom management techniques with the ability to manage students of varying ages in a classroom setting and effectively deliver interactive learning content
• Able to quickly and easily learn, thoroughly comprehend, and disseminate new STEM/STEAM-related programmatic content
• General understanding of Tennessee and national curriculum standards
• Comfortable speaking in front of small and large groups of various ages
• Ability to deal with a wide variety of people and personalities
• Organized and attentive to detail while still maintaining big picture strategy and mission fulfillment
• Understanding and dedication to informal science education and HODC’s broader role in the community
• Genuinely positive attitude and flexibility
• Ability to multi-task and adapt quickly and effectively
• Entrepreneurial and self-sufficient mindset

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, experience in educational or science center setting preferred
• Available early mornings, nights, and weekends
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and dependable personal vehicle
• Background check required

Please email resume and cover letter to: heather@visithandson.org. Background check and references required.  No phone calls, please.

Discovery Guide

Discovery Guide positions are open to individuals age 16 and older who are seeking a unique and exciting ground-level experience in the museum/science center industry.  The opportunity will provide experience in guest services, visitor engagement, program delivery, tours, and much more.  Hours will range between 10 and 30 hours a week depending on candidate’s availability and performance.

Essential Functions:

• Greeting and interacting with HODC visitors throughout the day
• Facilitation of science-based interactive exhibit content
• Front desk operations including taking payment, counting cash drawers, selling gift shop items, and answering phone calls
• Giving paleontology tours of the Gray Fossil Site
• Engage in direct instruction of workshops, summer camps, outreaches, etc
• Represent HODC in the community at area events
• Performing science and art programs including Tesla Shows
• Ensuring each visitor to HODC and the Gray Fossil Site has an exemplary experience
• Facilitating birthday parties and group tours including field trips
• Help with special events including some after hours
• Ensure HODC is adequately cleaned and presentable throughout the day

Ideal Candidates:

• Outgoing, charismatic, positive attitude
• Naturally curious about the world around them
• Attentive to detail
• Thoughtful of others
• Creative mindset
• Prompt, committed, and organized
• Passion for science and informal education

Please email completed applications to: keith@visithandson.org. 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
• Art Studio Programs
• Docent
• Field Trip Guide
• Discovery Garden
• Cleaning
• Outreach Assistant
• Special Events
• Fundraising Events
• Clerical
• Exhibit 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 keith@visithandson.org

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