Student Host

The Ontario Science Centre seeks engaging, outgoing, and enthusiastic individuals to become part of the front-line team of Student Hosts, providing visitors with the best possible Science Centre experience.

Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for science centres around the world. It is a venue for public dialogue about science and society, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet.

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 Science Centre's operating hours. The OSC is typically open 7 days a week during these peak periods.

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
• Maintain an environment and atmosphere within the Centre conducive to a positive visitor experience
• Amplify and reinforce expectations around safety measures like physical distancing and mask wearing and manage expectations around experiences with limited capacity.

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 through July and August.
• Winter Break Availability (December 18, 2021 - January 3, 2022)

Customer Service Skills

• Proven ability to deliver enthusiastic customer service and visitor care, customizing visitor experiences and proactively meeting the needs of the visitors.
• Knowledge and curiosity about science and technology.
• Proven ability to work in a science/education/cultural enterprise or recreational program.

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
• Grace under pressure.

OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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, November 25, 2021 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.