Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To act as a source of information and assistance to visitors and participate in the interpretation of exhibits in the exhibit halls and at public programs. To deliver demonstrations, workshops and programs and contribute to development, presentation and evaluation of science programs.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the leadership and administrative direction of Manager of Hosts and technical supervision of Senior Hosts, the position:

1. Presents pre-developed demonstrations, workshops and programs to the public including:

- Adapting presentation e.g. language level and examples to meet audience special needs (physically and/or intellectually challenged, hearing or sight impaired, etc.);
- Encouraging audience participation as appropriate;
- Attending training to maintain relevance and currency of established demonstrations/workshops/exhibit extensions by incorporating new developments and ideas.

2. Hosts visitors in the exhibit halls by:

- Exciting visitors about science, provoking questions, stimulating thought and arousing curiosity;
- Making people aware of how science is involved in and affects their daily lives;
- Maintaining an environment and atmosphere within the Centre conducive to an enjoyable visit e.g. meeting and greeting visitors at the entrance and in the Great Hall, crowd control, preparation and resupply of visitor interaction areas /experiences / materials; giving attention to “regular” visitors, assessing needs and responding accordingly;
- Acting as an effective public relations resource for the Centre to the public and media;
- Providing feedback on the operation of exhibits and programs, including visitor comments, to the supervisor and other staff members.
- Greeting / orienting and answering visitor's queries at assigned locations including designated Information locations.
- Participating in the general security of the building and exhibits e.g. ensuring exhibits are operated safely, acting as a deterrent in the exhibit halls against vandalism;
- Providing aid to visitors in cases of emergency.

3. Performs other duties as required or assigned such as:

- Presenting demonstrations, workshops, programs at locations outside the Ontario Science Centre (e.g. participating in off-site programs Flemingdon Park, Variety Village, etc.);
- Researching materials for presentations/exhibit extensions under supervision of Senior Hosts and in collaboration with science programmers, teachers, researchers and other Centre staff (including topics for programs, equipment, props, identification of appropriate audio-visual material), as required. etc.;

Staffing and Licensing :

Standard First Aid & CPR. Work schedule includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Occasional travel to off-site locations.

Knowledge :

Job requires broad interest in/knowledge of science and technology topics and current research developments/trends as related to existing exhibits, programs, demonstrations and workshops offered to the public. Job also requires knowledge of techniques/apparatus used in demonstrations/exhibit extensions to demonstrate specific scientific and technological concepts. Job requires knowledge of related health and safety requirements and knowledge of how to troubleshoot routine technical difficulties encountered during presentations.

Job requires demonstrated knowledge of the principles of public/visitor interaction/care and demonstrated understanding of informal education and presentation principles/techniques to deliver engaging, exciting, dramatic and interactive presentations, demonstrations and activities which effectively interests and educates visitors of different ages, education and needs.

Job requires knowledge of exhibitions/exhibits, films and events to answer questions from visitors and OSC members.

Skills :

Job requires strong public speaking/drama skills including skills to adapt presentation content, language level, style and pace to meet diverse audiences' needs so that information is understandable, relevant and accessible e.g. groups of different sizes, ages, gender, culture, interests, academic backgrounds and special needs and to suit various spaces where programs are held e.g. exhibit halls, auditorium, etc.. Job requires interpersonal, problem solving and technical troubleshooting skills to respond immediately with self awareness, empathy and a positive attitude to questions and other unexpected situations arising during interactions with visitors wherever they may occur in the Centre as well as at presentations e.g. special needs, equipment malfunction.

Collaboration and team work skills.

Freedom of Action :

Job works under the administrative direction of the manager and daily supervision of the Senior Hosts who ensure the position follows established OSC/department visitor care and customer service standards and follows training instructions on pre-developed demonstration, workshop and program content and safe operation of equipment, apparatus and interactive exhibits. Senior Hosts are readily available on a daily basis to coach, monitor and provide technical assistance on all aspects of the position's functions.

Freedom exists to modify the style, language level and pace to meet audiences' diverse needs. Freedom also exists to take immediate action to deal with unforeseen problems e.g. defusing potential difficult situations, troubleshooting technical/mechanical equipment malfunctions during demonstrations, rendering immediate aid until Protective Services arrives on the scene, etc., referring unresolved problems to Senior Hosts and/or manager.

Hosting and presentations are reviewed for overall effectiveness, quality and visitor satisfaction.