Job Specification
Position Title:
Presenter, Science Education
Job Code:
02922 - Museum Assistant 1
Purpose of Position :
To present prepared curriculum linked science programs and workshops to booked client groups including students (primary through senior levels), occasionally teachers and the general public at the Ontario Science Centre. To assist Science Educators with research related to updating and/or developing curriculum linked science and technology programs.
Duties / Responsibilities :
1. Presents a variety of prepared curriculum linked science programs and workshops developed by Science Educators to school groups, including special education students, occasionally teachers and the general public in theatres, workshops, exhibit areas and laboratories by:
• Presenting educational programs and workshops on a variety of science and technology topics in theatres, laboratories and exhibit halls
• Adapting presentation e.g. language level and examples to meet audience needs (gifted, physically and/or intellectually challenged, hearing or sight impaired)
• Researching for additional background information/examples to develop a comfort level with topics covered in presentations
• Collecting, assembling, operating, cleaning and minor repair of laboratory equipment/apparatus (lasers, pouring/peeling acrylamide gels, using micro-pipettes, thermal cyclers, electron microscope, microscopes and computer controlled models) and audiovisual aides used in programs
• Troubleshooting during school program presentations/workshops, if unable to resolve problem(s) referring to the Resource Officer, Lead Science Educator for that program and/or Manager
• Referring to the Resource Officer for ordering and/or purchasing program materials, e.g. plants, foodstuff etc. maintaining current knowledge of developments in education and science in terms of presentation techniques, science curricula, new discoveries by reading, courses etc.
2. Under direction, assists Science Educators by:
• Assisting with writing, editing and producing support materials for teachers e.g. teachers' guides, exhibit question sheets, school kits etc.
• Assisting with research of curriculum related material as directed
3. Participates in other prepared educational activities as required, such as:
• Participating in prepared special activities and demonstrations e.g. Spring Break, Discover the Science Centre Day, weekend and evening programs as required
• Presenting prepared programs for Sleepovers, OSCAMP, holiday programs as required
• Assisting school bookings staff with program scheduling, questions and any associated problems
• Answering telephone inquiries and providing information related to education programs, disseminating requests and referring to appropriate persons when necessary
4. Performs other related duties:
• By assisting with weekend and weekday facility rentals with the presentation of a program or tour
• By assisting in the organization of events such as science fairs, held at the Science Centre
• By participating as a member of the project teams in the Science Education Branch
• As assigned
Possible weekend and/or evening work
Staffing and Licensing :
n/a
Knowledge :
Job requires knowledge of presentation principles and techniques to deliver engaging, exciting, dramatic and interactive presentations, demonstrations and activities which effectively interests and educates school groups of different ages and needs.
Job requires knowledge of science and technology concepts, principles, practices and current research and developments and trends as related to existing educational programs and workshops developed by Science Educators. Job also requires knowledge specific methods, techniques, related scientific/lab equipment and apparatus used in presentations to demonstrate specific scientific and technological concepts such as (including health and safety requirements and knowledge of how to troubleshoot routine technical difficulties encountered during presentations).
Job requires knowledge of presentation software such as PowerPoint, web-based research techniques and administrative software including Microsoft Office, File Maker Pro (bookings software), First Class e-mail sufficient to word process scripts, read schedules and communicate with colleagues.
Job requires knowledge of the education program offerings at OSC and links to school curriculum to take calls and answer questions from teachers.
Skills :
Job requires excellent communication and presentation 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. auditorium, studios, laboratories, exhibit halls. Job requires interpersonal, problem solving and technical troubleshooting skills to respond immediately to questions and other unexpected situations arising during presentations e.g. special needs, equipment malfunction (involving classroom teacher where necessary to handle behavioural problems). Organization skills are required to ensure presentation materials are on hand, equipment set up and tested before presentation begins.
Flexibility is required to adjust to program scheduling changes e.g. program cancellations and/or substitutions. Creativity, initiative with well-developed research and writing skills. Collaboration and team work skills.
Freedom of Action :
Job works under the general direction of the manager within relevant OSC/Branch policies and visitor service standards. Managers, Science Educators and/or Recreation & Family Program Leaders provide training and are available to explain science concepts, curriculum links, equipment/apparatus related to the pre-developed programs workshops, laboratories and other activities.
While the position presents pre-developed programs, workshops, laboratories, activities etc. freedom exists to vary the content, style, language level and pace to meet audiences' diverse needs. Freedom also exists to take immediate action to deal with unforeseen problems during presentations e.g. troubleshooting technical/mechanical equipment malfunctions, calling on Protective Services to handle injuries, involving the classroom teacher etc., referring unresolved problems and complaints to Resources Officer, Lead Educator, and/or manager. Presentations are reviewed for overall effectiveness, quality and customer satisfaction.
Job participates as directed in updating and/or developing program components and/or related materials for curriculum linked school and other informal science education programs.