Public Programs Lead

The Public Programs Lead, reporting to the Public Programs Assistant Manager, is responsible for conducting informal science education programs with museum guests. These programs include informal science education programs for all-age audiences, live animal programs, theater programs, programs for young children and their caregivers, virtual programs, as well as conversations with guests centered around natural history specimens and objects. Leads assist with a variety of projects such as program evaluations, inventory and maintenance, and updating program outlines. Leads provide guidance and coaching to Public Programs Presenters and function as daily coordinators on the museum public floor. Leads are comfortable engaging with guests and presenting on any topic relevant to the Academy and its mission. Weekend and evening work will be required. Leads spend a minimum of three days per week on the museum floor interacting with guests.

ORGANIZATION CULTURE:

Come join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every ­one of the qualifications for the position.

The position is on-site and can change as business needs warrant. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving a booster shot, as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver highly engaging programs to the public throughout the museum
• Provide natural history, science, and sustainability information for guests of all ages
• Use appropriate interpretive techniques to inspire wonder and guests to take action
• Maintain a high level of enthusiasm while performing repetitive, interpretive programs
• Support and help guide the Public Programs Presenter Team
• Help to develop and maintain a positive work environment in which staff work well together within their team and across the institution
• Assist with daily operational duties, such as opening and closing procedures, and submitting operational work orders
• Aid Presenters with daily challenges on the museum public floor and serve as primary point of contact on radio
• Serve as a mentor and role model for Public Programs Presenters
• Help train and coach Presenter staff on programs
• Fill open shifts when other Presenters staff call out sick
• Assist with program development, administrative tasks, and special projects
• Assist with the creation of new programming by writing or updating program outlines, acquiring and preparing program materials, prototyping programs with museum guests, and training Presenter staff on program delivery and background information
• Organize and maintain props, specimens and equipment used for programs
• Coordinate and implement program evaluations and visitor assessments
• Assist in the planning and coordination of special programs and events
• Maintain knowledge of Academy programming spaces including equipment storage, AV systems, and appropriate usage
• Follow all Academy safety regulations and complete all HR-assigned trainings
• Support the Academy’s mission, vision and division-wide initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• At least 3 years of experience in public speaking (at a museum or natural science education setting preferred)
• At least 3 years of  experience in science education, natural history education, early childhood education, outdoor education, museum education, theater, and/or related field Excellent public speaking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Comfort working with small children (0-5 years old) and their caregivers Comfort working with live animals including snakes and insects
• Can make science concepts accessible to general audiences
• Commitment to high standards of scientific accuracy
• Can adapt and maintain flexibility in changing and fast-paced environments
• Can work well independently as well as in teams
• Can follow tasks through to completion with little supervision
• Can manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Can accept feedback graciously and integrate it into practice
• Can effectively collaborate across departments
• Can effectively work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people

Desired/Preferred:

• Excellent knowledge of science, natural history, and conservation topics Excellent knowledge of best practices in interpretation
• Excellent knowledge of best practices for working with children ages 0-18 Familiarity speaking on a microphone in front of large, noisy groups
• Familiarity working in a large, multi-tiered organization
• Fluency in a second language

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to safely work in both outdoor and indoor environments that may include stairs, uneven paths, ladders or lifts, and secure access areas.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use a computer, and communicate on the phone, in person, and online meetings/calls. Must be able to lift 50lbs

Must be able to perform repetitive motions 25% of the time This position requires extensive time on the museum public floor which includes: frequent travel across concrete floors and bark while transporting materials, intervals of time outdoors in varying environmental conditions, extensive public speaking often in noisy environments, and exposure to high levels of noise.

This is a mandated reporter-designated position. Academy employees whose duties include direct contact and supervision of children are deemed mandated reporters under California Law. Mandated reporters have certain specific reporting obligations in the event that they know of, observe or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. The Academy provides mandated reporters with training on their rights and obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 14, 2022, 5:00pm. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The California Academy of Sciences welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to build a culture centered on mutual respect, equal treatment, and the opportunity to succeed.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, place of birth, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, height or weight, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

The California Academy of Sciences is a non-smoking facility. There is also no smoking in Golden Gate Park.

How to apply:

Apply through our external application  HERE.