Senior Scientist, Computer Science and Technology - Arizona Science Center

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 a Senior Scientist, Computer Science and Technology, you will be crucial in developing and delivering onsite demonstrations, workshops, and daily guest interactions within the CREATE space and on the floor at Arizona Science Center. The primary focus of this role is to enhance career readiness in the technology sector and improve the guest experience inside the CREATE Zones and floor engagement in the center. The Senior Scientist, Computer Science and Technology position requires a deep understanding of various technical domains, including engineering, coding, 3D printing, woodworking, welding, and laser cutting. In this role, the individual will collaborate directly with the Public Programs team and closely with the Senior Manager of STEAM Diversity and Inclusion. The primary focus is developing and implementing high-quality STEAM programming to actively engage guests in the CREATE space and across the Arizona Science Center floor to drive attendance and improve guest satisfaction. If you are a tech enthusiast passionate about education and hands-on learning experiences, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to contribute to empowering individuals with the skills needed for success in the computer sciences and technology sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Visitor Experience and Guest Engagement

• Daily, engage with guests in a combination of the CREATE space and inside the center, offering high-quality science communication.
• Facilitate tech-based activities to encourage an understanding of computer science and various types of technologies in a hands-on learning environment
• Stay informed of advances in technology and computer science to provide up-to-date information to guests 

Computer Science and Technology-Centric Program Development

• Collaborate closely across the Blue Crew and CREATE teams to design and deliver innovative onsite, activities, workshops, and daily guest interactions.
• Facilitate skill-based learning activities and workshops focusing on technical skills and career readiness in the technology sector
• Develop, implement, train, and deliver special events and programming such as National Inventors Day, World Radio Day, Engineers Week, National Battery Day, World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, Pi Day, International Day of Mathematics, Digital Learning Day, Nano Days, Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, National Robotics Week, Manufacturing Day, World AI Week, National STEM Day, Computer Science Education Week, etc.
• Ensure staff training for content execution of programming related to computer science and technology

Exhibit Content and Collaboration

• Develop new, innovative, and hands-on programming and activities surrounding technology and computer science that aligns with current and future exhibits 
• Responsible for high-quality, engaging content in My Digital World, Under the Hood, Craft Labs, and CREATE Zones
• Continuously assess scientific content being presented to verify its alignment with the latest scientific advancements.
• Responsible for working with the makerspace team to incorporate technology into Craft Labs. 

Technical Expertise

• Familiarity with graphic design software, such as CorelDRAW, to teach guests about the latest advancements in technology
• Possess knowledge and proficiency in operating equipment, such as 3D printers, woodworking tools, welding equipment, and laser cutting machines.

Leadership and Oversight

• Oversee the Science Interpreter and the Science Communicators providing high-level guidance in engagement, program development, training, demonstrations, and exhibit creation
• Set strategic goals for advancing science education initiatives for Computer Science and Technology
• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Knowledge of Arizona College and Career Ready Standards.
• Knowledge of technology applications and integration in K-12. 
• Knowledge of student-centered, inquiry-based, experiential learning approaches.
• Proficient in operating and building 3D printing machines.
• Familiarity with graphic design software, particularly CorelDRAW.
• Certification in CompTIA A+ is advantageous; additional certifications in relevant areas are a plus.
• 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 youth and adults
• 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 a voice across a room.
• Ability to multitask and adjust quickly to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• 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 computer science or technology

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.