Student Host

Join the Ontario Science Centre as we implement a new strategic plan and prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2019. As one of Canada's most visited cultural attractions and a world-renowned learning institution, we inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery. It hosts up to a million visitors each year, and offers hands-on experiences and insights into science and technology that help visitors of all ages understand and contribute to the world around us.

The Ontario Science Centre seeks engaging, outgoing, and enthusiastic individuals to become part of the front-line team of Students Hosts, providing visitors with exceptional experiences.

Please note that these positions are irregularly scheduled for 0-36.25 hours per week with no guaranteed minimum. Student Hours are scheduled on an as-needed basis during official school breaks (Summer, Winter Holidays, Family Day Weekend, March Break), in accordance with Ontario Science Centre's operating hours. Due to the nature of our business, we work when others play in an attraction that is open 364 days of the year, closed only on Christmas Day, December 25.

Note: The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• Enthusiastically and proactively engage visitors, exciting them about science; provoking questions, stimulating thought and arousing curiosity
• Invite visitors to explore how science can and does affect their everyday lives, initiate experiences to inspire visitors to understand and participate in science
• Provide excellent visitor care/customer service, anticipating and seeking to meet or exceed visitor needs
• Encourage visitors to participate, collaborate, and create opportunities for discovery
• Facilitate adult and youth visitors in making and tinkering experiences on the exhibition floor
• Maintain an environment and atmosphere within the Centre conducive to a safe and positive visitor experience

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

•You must be 15 years of age or older as of the first day of employment.
•You must be a resident of Ontario.
•You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Students are also required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) upon being hired.
•You must be enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution or are within six months of graduation on the first day of employment.
•Minimum Summer availability – weekends, holidays, and at least two weekdays.
•Winter Break Availability (December 21, 2019- January 5, 2020)

Customer Service Skills

• Proven ability to deliver enthusiastic customer service and visitor care, customizing visitor experiences and proactively meeting the needs of the visitors, especially families and/or children
• Strong interest in and knowledge of science, technology and education, and/or in tinkering/making

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills to proactively cater to small and large audiences, with sensitivity to cultural diversity and diverse learning needs and styles
• Ability to communicate clearly, diffusing difficult situations (managing lineups, etc.)

Leadership Skills

• Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility
• Demonstrated capacity for initiative and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and requirements
• Ability to work independently and to be an effective part of a team
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure while managing multiple facets of the visitor experience in a fast-paced environment.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, January 17, 2019 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.