Employment

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Building and Grounds
Reports To: Director of Facilities

Position Overview

This position will perform general maintenance and custodial duties for the upkeep and cleanliness of the facilities, equipment, and grounds of the Science Center of Iowa. Position also performs room setup and tear down as directed for varying events and uses for rentals, special events, meetings and programs.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• General maintenance of facility including drywall, painting, woodwork, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, etc.
• General grounds work including weeding, mowing, snow removal and refuse collection
• Ability to follow a preventative maintenance calendar
• Ability to properly follow all proper procedures including safety guidelines and OSHA regulations
• General custodial work including the cleaning and stocking of public restrooms, shampooing and vacuuming of carpeted areas, washing windows and other glass services, and emptying trash receptacles.
• Set up and tear down tables and chairs for meetings, classes and rentals
• Assist with movement of exhibits as needed
• Operate a variety of power tools and commercial floor maintenance machines
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 2+ years facilities maintenance experience
• Experience with standard maintenance equipment
• Flexible, proactive and positive attitude
• Ablity to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights greater than 10 feet
• Must be able to be flexible on working hours
• Background check will be performed
• References required

Work Hours

Full-time: Includes weekends and some evening hours. Hours subject to change based on business needs.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Exhibits Manager

Position Overview

The Animal Care & Exhibits Coordinator is responsible for wellbeing of SCI’s animal collection and assists with exhibit development, design, construction/fabrication, installation, maintenance/repairs, and theatrical lighting. This position will serve as an audience advocate, and serves visitors by providing and maintaining engaging science experiences.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Responsible the overall health and wellbeing of SCI’s animal collection and provides daily care including feeding and cleaning
• Provide necessary care to ill or injured animals, and seek veterinary care for animals that need professional attention
• Oversee documentation of all animal care records/ files, and maintain permits with the Department of Natural Resources & US Department of Wildlife as well as others as needed
• Acquire new animals for collection, as needed, following SCI’s animal collections policies and documenting the acquisitions as required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
• Maintain appropriate levels of materials and supplies
• Implement approved solutions for improvements
• Collaborate and communicate project progress across departmental teams
• Complete work in a timely manner so projects meet deadlines and within budget
• Participate in the installation and strike of exhibits
• Ensure that identified exhibit goals, objectives and key messages are clearly documented, reviewed, achieved in the exhibits, evaluated and addressed by remediation
• Assist with the prototyping, formative evaluation and fabrication of exhibits components
• Provide support on program and project development
• Work alongside volunteers with some training responsibilities
• Function as a direct representative from the science learning team to the public
• Be an active participant in the visitor experience including some programming and assist with special events and projects
• Please note: this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Equivalent combination of education and experience in animal science, biology, science, High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s Degree desired
• 2 years experience in animal care
• Experience with tools and working knowledge of woodworking tools and shop safety practices
• Experience with and a willingness to learn fabrication techniques with a variety of materials
• Creative, curious, innovative and passionate about learning
• Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun, exciting and interesting fashion; high enthusiasm is required
• Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Organized with the ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• 3-5 years experience in animal care, specifically in the care of reptiles and amphibians
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology or a related field
• Familiarity with Universal Design, Accessibility, and User Experience Design concepts
• Basic knowledge of museum experiences (exhibits and programs), science, technology, engineering and math
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Knowledgeable on evaluation methods and data collection
• Proactively able to identify and improve product quality and development

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be comfortable working at heights and physically able to climb ladders, bend, or crawl into awkward spaces. Must be able to lift, bend, twist, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 75 pounds at a time. Use their hands to grasp, move, handle, control, assemble or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Some travel maybe required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Position Overview

The Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program and other SCI early childhood programs. 

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all customers in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones drop in visits and directing inquiries
• Assist with maintaining SCI’s NAEYC accreditation standards including uploading digital files into the accreditation system
• Teach and direct classroom activities when assigned
• Prepare, clean and maintain classrooms and office space for daily use
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies and timely placement of orders
• Basic office duties such as data entry and organize, file and maintain documents or records
• Attend and assist with parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Manage and organize supplies and teaching materials
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Assist with oversight of children to ensure they are safe and engaged in the programming
• Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
• Plan and carry out other EC programs and activities with in SCI as assigned
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

Preferred

• Clerical and office experience
• Para associate I and II or CDA or AA in Early Childhood

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will require prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the program space. The employee will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Monday through Friday schedule. Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Visitor Services
Reports To: Manager of Visitor Services

Position Overview

This Visitor Services Associate is a Part Time position responsible for assisting the Visitor Services team with customer service, sales, operations, and problem solving. The successful candidate will perform front line admissions and retail sales duties while engaging and supporting visitors to ensure outstanding customer experiences. This position supports visitor services in various operational areas of the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) including the visitor services desk and A-ha! Gift Store.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all visitors in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones and directing customer inquiries
• Assist visitors with admission ticket sales, basic membership sales, Ah-ha! Store merchandise sales and answering questions and providing information about SCI
• Must be knowledgeable and well prepared to offer and sell products, services and programs SCI offers
• Responsible for ensuring complete follow-through for all stages of ticket and store sales
• Keep accurate and detailed records of all incoming and outgoing calls and messages, and effectively communicating them to their applicable departments
• Assist as needed in all areas including, but not limited to, Visitor Services Desk, A-ha! Gift Store and the SCI floor experience
• Ensures accurate transactions by balancing cash register at the beginning and end of shift
• Rings up merchandise and sales: bag, box and wrap purchased items
• Stocks shelves, sets up displays and performs cleaning duties
• Assists visitors in providing information, resolving complaints, locating various products
• Processes returns and exchanges according to organization policy
• Maintain and demonstrate an adequate working knowledge and use of all required SCI software and databases
• Must uphold SCI’s values and commitment to excellence, diversity and inclusion
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Must be dependable and have a history of reliable attendance
• Effective problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing to the team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of and ability to use cash registers, computers, calculators and scanners
• Basic mathematical skills, as needed to make change and process refunds
• Must maintain a professional demeanor
• Deliver superior customer service experiences that “WOW” and delight customers
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Previous customer service experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position also will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Ideal candidate will have Thursday-Sunday availability. Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Preschool Director

Position Overview

This position is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of the Science Center of Iowa preschool program.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Assist with classroom activities
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use
• Meet with classroom teacher to devise daily plans and prepare materials for daily use
• Communicate daily with parents
• Meet with preschool staff once a month for planning and activities of the ensuing month
• Attend and assist with all parent/ preschooler special events during the school year
• Create and design classroom games and materials

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Pass a physical examination and TB every two years
• Excellent teaching and communication skills
• Love of children
• A desire to work with and teach preschoolers
• Inexhaustible patience
• Must enjoy working as part of the Science Center of Iowa team
• Must be able to pass background checks and DCI fingerprinting

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on class schedules. Typically, Monday through Friday 3:00-5:30 PM.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.