What are the responsibilities and job description for the STEM Engager position at Liberty Science Center?
STEM Engager (Part-Time)
The Role
Liberty Science Center (LSC) seeks a STEM Engager for our STEM Education team. The part-time STEM Engager serves as one of Liberty Science Center's primary public-facing science communicators, delivering engaging live science experiences that inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong appreciation for STEM. This role combines science education with live performance and requires exceptional presentation skills, stage presence, and the ability to engage audiences through storytelling, audience participation, and interactive demonstrations. STEM Engagers present a diverse portfolio of science programming, including live science and stage shows, Touch Tank experiences, animal presentations, seasonal demonstrations, and special events for guests of all ages.
Success in this role requires enthusiasm, adaptability, creativity, and the ability to communicate scientific concepts in dynamic, accessible, and memorable ways. STEM Engagers are expected to confidently and consistently deliver presentations and facilitate experiences, adapt to diverse audiences, and create welcoming learning environments that encourage exploration and discovery.
The STEM Engager reports to the Manager of Public Programs.
What You’ll Bring
You are an engaging communicator with a passion for creating memorable learning experiences through science. You thrive in front of an audience and bring energy, confidence, and authenticity to every presentation, using storytelling, audience participation, and dynamic demonstrations to make complex scientific concepts accessible, entertaining, and inspiring for guests of all ages. Curious, adaptable, and collaborative, you think on your feet, adjust your presentation style to connect with diverse audiences, and enjoy learning across STEM disciplines. You are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment while delivering exceptional guest experiences that spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong appreciation for science.
What You’ll Do
On a daily basis, you will perform a combination of the following essential job functions. Please note it is not an exhaustive list, as essential functions may shift as business needs require.
Performing high-energy live science shows featuring demonstrations across a wide range of STEM disciplines
Leading interactive experiences at LSC's Touch Tank, helping guests discover marine life through hands-on exploration
Present live animal programs while promoting respect, conservation, and scientific understanding
Presenting a variety of on-site STEM programs for all ages, including stage shows, special weekend programs, and evening events for family and adult audiences
Collaborating on new programmatic initiatives and enhancing existing educational content
Flexing when needed to support the delivery of other STEM programs
Ensuring all programs align with LSC’s science communication standards
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong showmanship and public speaking skills with the ability to engage audiences of all ages
Ability to communicate scientific concepts through interactive demonstrations, storytelling, and audience participation
Adaptability and confidence to think on your feet and adjust presentations in response to audience engagement
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, guest-focused approach
Curiosity and willingness to learn and present a variety of STEM topics
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for guests and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor's degree (or currently pursuing one) in a STEM-related field, education, theater, communications, or a related discipline
Experience presenting, performing, facilitating, or entertaining live audiences
Background in theater, improv, museums, science centers, aquariums, zoos, camps, education, public speaking, or live entertainment is highly valued
Comfort with or experience handling a variety of animals (invertebrates, reptiles, and marine animals preferred)
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events
Supervisory Responsibilities
The STEM Engager will have no supervisory responsibilities.
Classification, Schedule, and Location
This role is classified as a part-time, non-exempt position. 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 to 8 hours. Evening events like LSC After Dark, Member 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
This role may require travel throughout the NJ Tri-State area (up to 140 miles from LSC) for off-site program delivery, professional development, conferences, and other work-related duties.
Physical & Environmental Demands
NOTE: Candidates for this position must be able to perform the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
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 walking on concrete floors, maneuvering through crowds, climbing stairs, bending or stooping to work with children, carrying/lifting/pushing equipment or teaching aids weighing up to 45 pounds, tolerating high noise levels, and engaging in extensive public speaking. This position may involve traveling via a vehicle to off-site locations in various weather conditions.
Additional exposure to environmental conditions, including but not limited to frequent long-term hand exposure to cold salt water, strobing lights, and loud noises, will also be required. This role involves handling live animals and artifacts and exposure to allergens, including but not limited to shellfish, nuts, and legumes.
LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. 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, not only to our guests but also to 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 an on-site café and a terrace with stunning NYC views.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for this position is expected to be $21.50/hour. Liberty Science Center also offers generous perks for all eligible part-time employees, including:
Paid Time Off
Free Parking
25% LSC Store Discount
15% On-Site Cafe Discount
LSC Family Membership
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter highlighting why this role is a good fit for you, and complete the required questions (on the LSC Careers Page).
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Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.
Salary : $22