Employment

Classification: Full-Time; Exempt
Department: Building and Grounds
Reports to: CFO & Vice President of Retail/Facility Operations
Direct Reports: Custodial Lead

Position Overview: 

The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is looking for an energetic, experienced and problem-solving-minded key team player to manage and maintain the beautiful 110,000 sq ft facility and lead the Buildings and Grounds department. This position manages the day-to-day building operations, landscape custodial services, facility repair and improvements and safety inspections as well as oversees development and management of departmental budget. The Facility Director will work with the CFO & Vice President of Retail/Facility Operations to negotiate with outside vendors for supplies, maintenance, repairs and other required contract activities.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, cleaning and general upkeep of all SCI facilities (owned and leased)
• Manage the Custodial Lead and their work ensuring facility meets established standards; Develop schedule for routine maintenance, and monitor performance to ensure that the schedule is followed and the quality of work meets established standards
• Manage the logistical support for facility rentals (internal and external) including; room prep, seating and tables set up, cleaning, strike and storage of equipment
• Work with CFO & Vice President of Retail/Facility Operations to develop specifications for job estimates, outline scope of work and secure contractors for the maintenance, operation, upkeep and improvements to buildings and grounds, as assigned
• Inspect and approve all work performed by outside contractors
• Work with CFO & Vice President of Retail/Facility Operations to determine needs for major renovations, modifications or new construction
• Primary liaison with fire and police departments
• Serve as a Manager On Duty, as assigned
• Responsible for maintaining green spaces around SCI facilities
• Conduct periodic emergency trainings for employees; Direct the staff and visitors in all emergency situations
• Develop and maintain the facility operations budget; Work with accounting department to prepare a budget for the department and reviews financial reports to be aware of any deviations
• Coordinate safe and efficient operation of building mechanical systems, including those regulated or licensed by city, county or state authority
• Enforce and compile procedures and forms to document injury or liability incidents involving participants
• Coordinate the building security system and procedures for access and egress to building 24 hours a day
• Appropriately represent the management during the weekend operating hours
• Provide support for all regular and special program needs throughout SCI

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• At least eight years’ experience in maintenance or construction
• Must have minimum five-year supervisory/management experience
• Excellent communication and human relations skills to develop a team spirit and cooperative attitude among maintenance workers
• Ability to read blueprints and working diagrams for projects
• Ability to use common computer programs to keep records and prepare reports
• Able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to be flexible on working hours
• Background check will be performed

Physical Requirements:

• Good mobility necessary to inspect all areas of buildings and grounds
• Sufficient visual acuity to inspect buildings and grounds and to read proposals and bids from outside contractors

Working Hours: Full-time; Hours will vary and may include nights, weekends, holiday and also be available for “on call,” as circumstances warrant.

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

Classification: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: Community Engagement Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Facility Rental Coordinator executes the day-to-day venue rentals for event clients, in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager. This person works with venue clients, caterers, vendors and guests, creating exceptional customer service throughout the partnership with the clients. This position coordinates internal and external communication with the clients and internal staff. This person also educates clients about offerings, enforces the facility rules and regulations and secures the needed resources and locations in the building.  

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates facility rental events from pre-event, event and post-event phases
• Researches, schedules and conducts sales calls and schedules appointments that promote the range of facility rental options SCI has available, including follow-up on all facility rental inquiries
• Successfully interacts and serves as the point-of-contact for external clients, caterers, wedding/event planners, vendors, service providers and guests to ensure excellent and high quality guest experiences at the Science Center of Iowa
• Actively engages and responds promptly to venue clients, vendors, service providers and guests along with communicating their concerns to the Community Engagement Manager
• Provides guidance and assistance for event setup based on agreed upon layout specifications between client and Community Engagement Manager, while overseeing vendor set up, teardown and cleanup of event spaces
• Ensures total compliance with the Science Center of Iowa contracts, rules and regulations
• Effectively anticipates and responds promptly to the needs of all guests and vendors
• Maintains knowledge of Science Center of Iowa programs and events to better serve guests
• Manages multiple short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner in the execution of successful events while understanding the balance of day-to-day museum operations and priorities for facility use
• Stays informed about competing and complimentary facility rental options in Des Moines and in the region in order to maintain competitive edge for the Science Center of Iowa
• Assists with reporting of facility rental revenue and expenses while keeping accurate detailed records for each event
• Demonstrates creativity and innovative thinking with respect to maximizing facility rental options beyond those already included in the current plan
• Other duties as assigned by Community Engagement Manager

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field is preferred
• Minimum of one year experience in an events-related function at a cultural attraction or in a corporate environment
• Event planning or hospitality services experience preferred
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry and monetary transactions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized solutions
• Ability to coordinate both big picture and minute details, both in the short and long term
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' license preferred

Schedule and Working Hours: Full-time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon Science Center of Iowa events and administrative needs. Typical schedule is Tuesday through Saturday.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by August 27.

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Director of Exhibits
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Exhibit Preparator for the Science Center of Iowa is responsible for implementing and maintaining an excellent exhibit experience. The ideal candidate will have experience and/or skills in: exhibit concept creation, prototyping and exhibit construction/fabrication. This position will serve as an audience advocate, striving to create exhibit experiences that make science engaging.

Responsibilities:

• Coordination of exhibit materials and supplies
• Develop creative and innovative solutions for improvements to existing exhibits
• Engineer and problem-solve exhibit experiences
• Collaborate with staff and advise educators to apply current academic standards
• Collaborate, communicate progress and coordinate work with cross-departmental teams
• Timely completion of work so projects meet deadlines and within budget
• Participate in installation and research and design of exhibits
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe work environment; observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
• Ensure that identified exhibit goals, objectives and key messages are clearly documented, reviewed, achieved in the exhibits, evaluated and addressed by remediation
• Prototyping, formative evaluation and fabrication of exhibits components
• Be an active participant in the visitor experience, including some programming, and assist with special events and projects
• Stay current in industry best practices and research
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience in industrial design, engineering, art, theatre or specific trade/skill, Bachelor’s degree desired
• Experience with tools and shop safety practices
• Technical skills or aptitude for coding/computer science, electrical, theatrical lighting and A/V
• Experience with and a willingness to learn fabrication techniques with a variety of materials
• Organized with the ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible and dependable
• Basic knowledge of drafting and design software such as Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUP
• Basic knowledge of museum experiences (exhibits and programs), science, technology, engineering and math
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Creative, curious, innovative and a passionate learner
• Project management skills
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality
• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Able to lift 50-75 pounds

Working Hours: Variable schedule may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

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

Position Overview:

The Programs Assistant helps and supports materials and content related to seasonal project and programs. This position carries out prepping, packing, delivering, organization and retrieving of materials for teacher professional development and other programs as needed. This includes email communication, planning of materials and organization for preparation for programs. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching, this position will focus on supporting exhibits, programs, camps and preschool through materials management, data collection, evaluation and project management. The position is also responsible for delivering materials for programs to various locations outside the museum.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain database of program information
• Survey visitors, analyze and report data
• Provide support, planning and implementation of SLT programs
• Schedule workshops, trainings and travel for SLT staff
• Manage materials and supplies for SLT programs to support seasonal demand
• Develop, administer and process evaluations that support SLT programs
• Communicates, written and verbal, in a clear professional fashion to help coordinate the organization of materials
• Support other SCI programming and education components when necessary
• Track and manage the growth and development of SLT successes and achievements
• Drives to deliver and retrieve materials throughout the season
• Participate in educational workshop opportunities as available or needed
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BA or BS degree in Education, Science Education, or related fields preferred
• Must have experience with Excel and other data management products
• Must have excellent communication and organization skills
• Must be organized and able to work with little or no supervision
• Must be able to drive a 15-passenger van
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Must uphold the values, commitment to excellence and Visitor Bill of Rights of the Science Center of Iowa

Working Hours: This position will require some flexibility but will work a 40-hour week that may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Overnight availability is also a requirement due to some travel.

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

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons of the Science Center of Iowa, especially at any special events, to guests or clients. Under guided leadership from the Café Coordinator and the Director of Retail Operations, the Bartender Associate will also be responsible for operational duties as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests, patrons and clients of the Science Center of Iowa.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute bar operations for internal and external events and facility rentals
• Accurately process all cash and credit card transactions
• Consistently check identification of guests to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for alcohol purchases
• Maintain cleanliness of work area
• Maintain optimal food safety practices
• Stock merchandise and inventory as needed
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with tasks and duties related to events
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

•  Must be of legal age to sell alcohol in accordance with Iowa Laws
•  Must have food & beverage service, retail and strong customer service experience
•  Must have a personable, enthusiastic and engaging personality
•  Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
•  Must be able to multi-task and accomplish various duties
•  Must be flexible, open-minded and able to react to guest and organizational needs
•  Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
•  Knowledge of alcoholic beverages
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Must uphold the integrity of SCI

Working Hours: Part-time hours will be assigned to support special events in addition to daily operations. Shifts may include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

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