About Arizona Science Center

Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults’ Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you’ll never forget.

Arizona Science Center is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As the Senior Scientist, Environmental and Earth Sciences at Arizona Science Center, you will provide exceptional on-the-floor guest engagement for people of all ages. You will work closely with and oversee the Staff Scientist, Environmental and Earth Sciences, creating engaging, relevant science content. Notably, the Nature Exchange will be a substantial component of your responsibilities. This position is also committed to fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment. Reporting directly to the Manager, Guest Experience you will ensure the delivery of hands-on science experiences that directly correlate with current and future exhibits. In this managerial role, you will be a driving force in elevating the Arizona Science Center's impact in Environmental and Earth Sciences. Your advanced education and extensive experience uniquely position you to lead a team that delivers captivating and strategically aligned science content that drives attendance and improves guest satisfaction, ensuring the organization's continued success in science education and public engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Visitor Experience and Guest Engagement

• Daily, engage with guests inside the center, offering high-quality science communication
• Facilitate environmental and earth science activities to encourage an understanding of current science in a hands-on learning environment
• Provide exceptional guest engagement for the Nature Exchange Program teaching guests about the natural world around them through the exchange of information and natural artifacts.
• Stay informed of advances in the field of earth and environmental science to provide up to date information-to-guests 

Strategic Content, Program Development, and Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance the overall visitor experience for the Nature Exchange, Forces of Nature, Solarville, Mission Future, and in other areas of Environmental and Earth Sciences
• Identify innovative approaches to convey complex concepts in Environmental and Earth Sciences that align with new programming and new and future exhibits for guest engagement
• Design engaging and educational activities for the Nature Exchange that align with local and non-local flora, fauna, rock, fossils, and other natural objects found in nature.
• Develop, implement, train, and deliver special events and programming, such as National Bird Day, Severe Weather Awareness Week, World Water Day, Citizen Science Month, Earth Day, National Environmental Education Week, World Oceans Day, Solar Month, Sustainability Month, etc.
• Work closely with exhibits to help create content for traveling exhibits related to environmental and earth sciences, including activity guides, facilitation, and evaluation.
• Ensure staff training for content execution for traveling exhibits related to Nature Exchange and Environmental and Earth Sciences
• Continuously assess scientific content to verify its alignment with the latest scientific advancements.

Leadership and Oversight

• Oversee the Staff Scientist, Environmental and Earth Sciences, providing high-level guidance in engagement, program development, training, demonstrations, and exhibit creation
• Set strategic goals for advancing science education initiatives for the Environmental and Earth Sciences
• Monitor expenditures and maintain financial records to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

• Knowledge of Pre K-12 educational systems.
• Knowledge of indigenous ways of knowing.
• Knowledge of Arizona College and Career Ready Standards.
• Knowledge of student-centered, inquiry-based, experiential learning approaches.
• Knowledge of community organizations.
• Skill in planning and coordinating activities.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication and reporting.
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in adapting program content and complexity to the ages and interests of students and program participants.
• Ability to be relied upon to be on time and prepared for programs.
• Ability to work individually and in a team.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to present effectively with diverse audiences. Ability to manage and engage small and large groups in learning activities. Ability to speak clearly and project voice across a classroom.
• Ability to engage the audience in higher-level thinking through inquiry-based questioning and discussion.
• Ability to multitask and adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff.
• Experience engaging people in interactive, hands-on, engaging learning experiences
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree preferred and/or equivalent of at least four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience with standard computer applications; proficient in MS Office skills, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working in a field of environmental or earth sciences

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish, Navajo, or Diné preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 30 pounds. Occasionally, employees must lift up 65 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

BENEFITS include, but are not limited to:

• 21 paid days off annually including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days
• 15 days of accrued sick time
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Family membership to Arizona Science Center and 600 Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
• Admission Exchange Program - Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.