Museum Experience Assistant

ABOUT THINKERY

Thinkery is where children and their families come to enjoy play based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. As a trusted children's museum, community and learning hub, and educational leader, we believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for all children, regardless of means, to develop problem solving skills, critical thinking and curiosity about the world around them.

At the Thinkery Meredith Learning Lab located in Mueller, we proudly offer innovative, interactive museum exhibits and activities and early childhood education through our Little Thinkers preschool, and led by our STEAM Learning Institute, we provide research backed, community based professional development programs and trainings for educators - all cultivating a love of learning and encouraging exploration and understanding of the many facets of STEAM and its ability to inspire confident, creative thinkers. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Museum Experience Assistant (MEA) works with the Museum Experience Team to provide exemplary customer service and playful engagement with guests. They hold a significant responsibility to enrich the guest experience by creating a positive atmosphere that fosters joy through play and learning. MEAs ensure the guest experience is a pleasant one from start to finish through clear communication, efficient service and educational activation of galleries. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Engage in and promote excellent customer service to create a safe and fun experience
• Interact with museum guests, both children and adults, from diverse backgrounds with an energetic, friendly, positive, and professional demeanor. 
• Support museum operations including:
  • Opening and Closing procedure
  • Check in and POS transactions for Admissions and Retail
  • Monitor and maintain a safe and clean environment including cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and gallery spaces, props and exhibits
• Facilitate inquiry-based STEAM education activities for children and their caregivers on the museum floor. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedules and availability reflects that the organization is a 7 day a week operation. Staff are expected to work weekends and holidays. Periodic duties outside of/in excess of regular work week schedule during seasonal high-volume times. 
• Actively practice Thinkery's health and safety protocols.
• MEAs are expected to work a minimum of 2 days a week, including one weekday.
• Candidates must have consistent availavility at least 1 of the following weekdays every week:
  • Tuesdays - shift options are: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and 3:30 pm to 8:00pm
  • Fridays - shift options are: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• Candidates must have consistent availability at least 1 of the following weekend days every week:
  • Saturdays - shift options are: 7:30 am to 11:00 am, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Sundays - shift options are: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 5:30pm.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Problem solve and react positively to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, varied and demanding work environment.
• Excellent communication skills including listening and comprehension skills.
• Must be hands-on, team-oriented, and attentive to detail

COMPETNENCIES 

Community Focus: Building strong community relationships and delivering community-centric solutions

Ensures Accountability:  Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments

Collaborates:  Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives

Values Differences:  Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

Nimble Learning:  Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder

Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1+ years of experience in customer service
• Experience working with children and families
• Spanish fluency a plus
• Knowledge of ASL a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

This position is very active.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and respond to the needs of guests, staff, and community partners.
• Move throughout the museum
• Manipulate and move exhibit components weighing up to 25 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level
• Clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces and props of various sizes at various heights.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone. 
• Identify and respond to safety hazards
• Work in outdoor environments
• Operate a cash register and computer efficiently and accurately

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.  Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required.  This job description may be updated as needed.

The Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.  All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.