STEM Engager in Jersey City, New Jersey at Liberty Science Center

The Role

Liberty Science Center (LSC) is looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic part-time STEM Engager. In this role, you'll deliver exciting and interactive science experiences, engaging guests of all ages in meaningful and memorable ways. If you love bringing science to life and enjoy performing for an audience, this is a fantastic opportunity to combine your passions!

You will:

• Lead hands-on activities at our "Touch Tank" to provide a hands-on educational experience, allowing visitors to learn about marine life through direct sensory engagement
• Present engaging STEM programs, including live science shows, animal presentations, and seasonal activities
• Collaborate on developing new public programs with the STEM Education team

This role reports to the Manager of Public Programs.

What You’ll Bring

You will bring an interest in education and excel at captivating audiences and transforming scientific knowledge into interactive, entertaining, and inspiring programs. You are a creative, insightful, and optimistic team player with a passion for education, science, and technology. If you have a flair for performance and enjoy connecting with diverse groups, you'll thrive here.

What You’ll Do

The essential functions of your day-to-day role will include some combination of the following:

• Delivering dynamic presentations such as live science shows, animal programs, and Seasonal Demonstrations

• Facilitating engaging interactions at the Touch Tank experience

• Presenting a variety of on-site STEM programs for all ages, including special weekend programs and evening events like LSC After Dark, Members’ Night, and Community Evening

• Engaging adult audiences in interactive experiences and contributing to the development of "After-Dark" programs

• Collaborating on new programmatic initiatives and enhancing existing educational content

• Flexing when needed to support the delivery of other School and Public Programs

• Creating a learning environment that is an encouraging and supportive environment for diverse audiences

• Ensuring all programs align with LSC’s science communication standards

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of various scientific or technical fields, with a willingness to learn new areas
• Exceptional ability to engage diverse audiences, including those with varying needs
• Skilled at presenting complex content in an entertaining and easy-to-understand manner – a talent often homed in theater or performance
• Strong project and time management skills, including the ability to multitask effectively
• A collaborative spirit, capable of working with diverse personalities and capabilities
• A personal commitment to fostering a multicultural and diverse organization
• Ability to work independently and creatively solve problems

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Currently pursuing or holding a BA/BS in a STEM-related major. An advanced degree is a plus
• Experience in delivering educational experiences in a fun, dynamic way
• Interest in handling a variety of animals (invertebrates, reptiles, and marine animals preferred)

Classification & Schedule

This is a part-time, non-exempt position that is eligible for overtime pay. LSC is open on weekends, most major holidays, and some evenings, so flexibility is a must. You will consistently be scheduled to work weekends. On average, you will work 4 days per week, with shifts ranging from 6-8 hours. Evening events like LSC After Dark, Members’ Nights, Community Evenings, and facility rentals are also part of the schedule.

This is an on-site position at Liberty Science Center located in Jersey City, NJ, and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

Travel

Off-site program delivery may be required to travel throughout the NJ Tri-State area (up to 140 miles from LSC) when supporting School Programs.

Physical Demands

The STEM Engager role will require working with guests of all ages, often standing, for extended periods while delivering programs. This role requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and work in a variety of settings. This role will involve handling live animals and artifacts, as well as frequent, long-term hand exposure to cold salt water. This role may involve walking on concrete floors, maneuvering through crowds, climbing stairs, bending or stooping to work with children, carrying/lifting/pushing equipment or teaching aids up to 45 pounds, tolerating high noise levels, and extensive public speaking. This position also requires traveling via a vehicle to off-site locations in various weather conditions.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse

LSC prides itself on fostering a workplace culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to our guests and one another.

Our Environment

Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Not only is Jersey City easy to get to from any point in Northern NJ and Manhattan, but it also holds the title of the most diverse city in the United States. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. In addition, all employees have access to a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Compensation & Benefits

The Part-Time STEM Engager position is compensated at a rate of $21.50/hr. Liberty Science Center also provides perks for all eligible part-time employees, including:

• Paid time off

• 25% discount for staff in the LSC store

• 15% discount in on-site cafeteria

• LSC Family Membership

• Free Parking