Operations Lead

At Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fuel your passion for science and the natural world by delivering awe-inspiring exhibits and educational programs.
Our immersive experiences captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning. We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope, solving complex problems and driving positive change across the globe.

We’re looking for driven, talented individuals who share our passion for making an impact and having fun while doing it.

General Summary: 

Facilitates guest and customer experiences, including paid programs such as camps and classes, Tier I and II shows, other educational activities, and performs admissions-related operations.  May also serve in the role of Manager on Duty (MOD) as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitate programs, presentations, demonstrations, and lead educational activities in a variety of settings
 

• Facilitate Tier I and II public shows, programs, and activities (Tier II shows are defined as more complex in content and delivery and may have elevated risk in executing)
• Handle a variety of animals, including types classified by Living Collections as Tier I, II, and III
• Engage museum visitors using informal educational approaches, including pre-designed and impromptu activities
• Teach camps for grades Pre-K to 8^th
• Adapt content and complexity to ages and interests of children and their families
• Select and assemble materials to be used in daily demonstrations and programming
• Conduct inventory and purchase departmental supplies as requested
• Lead special event days
• Prototype experiences upon request
• Teach Early Childhood and/or Lab classes for visiting schools, as booked
• Display a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and positive behavior to museum guests
• Evaluate success of experiences through feedback provided by guests

Serve as a MOD to Lead Museum Operations
 

• Ensure all Discovery Place processes and standard operating procedures are executed as defined and done so in a consistent manner
• Address challenges related to customer service and provide solutions to achieve positive outcomes
• Take ownership of the museum experience and strive to exceed guest expectations
• Shift staff to meet daily needs
• Perform all company-defined cash handling processes and procedures for supervisors
• Accurately report information as required and notify Accounting of any discrepancies
• Oversee the security of the company’s monetary assets related to front line operations (e.g. safe, deposits, cashier bags, comp tickets, etc.)
• Assist front line staff by working at the entry/exit operations as needed
• Review programmatic responsibilities with staff
• Make sure certain programs are executed on time and done so in a high-quality manner
• Shift programs to meet customer demands and daily needs where appropriate

Work as a front-line customer service representative at the admissions desk

• Greet guests as they enter the museum
• Check in guests and sell retail items through the point-of-sale systems at the front desk
• Accurately perform admissions transactions/reporting and follow cash handling procedures
• Conduct group orientations
• Inform guests of daily and special programming, learning opportunities, membership, and special events
• Provide input to management on feedback and information from customers
• Monitor inventory levels of consumables at the front desk and within the museum and proactively notify management of needs
• Process membership sales

Monitor the museum exhibits, activities, and environment to ensure safety

• Perform exhibit checks and either correct problems or report them to management
• Enforce safety and other policies/procedures within the museum
• Assist in emergency response procedures
• Perform daily housekeeping routines for museum activities and exhibits
• Provide detailed cleaning, sanitization, and organization of exhibits and areas during down time
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment

Uphold the four pillars of the organization in all aspects of work
 

• Science guides us
• Equity inspires us
• Innovation fuels us
• We create positive change in our communities

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in science or education field, two years related museum or teaching experience/training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Fluency in Spanish preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed herein are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, and also seek continual improvement in each area:

Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in all situations; Adapts language and response to audience (e.g. children, adults, etc.); Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills.

Cost Conscious - Conserves organizational resources.

Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with change, delays, or unexpected events.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
 

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.                                

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Noise Level - The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Climate – Must be able to work outdoors for moderate amounts of time.

Highly Occupied Space – Must be able to work in extremely crowded spaces with many people  (number of guests allowed in a museum or space may vary based on dynamic circumstances related to health in the community such as pandemics or other similar situations).

Physical Demands:

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to manipulate objects, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Must be able to talk and hear.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of this job. Other duties may be assigned. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.