Host

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

Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors, with an interactive approach that has become 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. Hours are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Work on weekends and holidays is required, in accordance with Science Centre's operating hours and special events schedule. 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. Occasional off-site community engagement work and occasional evening hours may be assigned.

Note: The number of positions to be filled: up to 12 Hosts

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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Enthusiastically and proactively engage visitors, exciting them about science; provoking questions, stimulating thought, sparking creativity and curiosity
• Initiate experiences that inspire visitors to understand and participate in science, learn through play and making experiences
• Encourage visitors to participate and collaborate by creating meaningful opportunities for discovery
• Provide excellent visitor care/customer service by anticipating and seeking to meet or exceed visitor needs
• Present/facilitate pre-developed theatrical presentations, demonstrations, workshops and programs to the public, as assigned and trained, adapting to meet the needs of diverse audiences
• Facilitate adults, children and youth visitors in making and tinkering experiences on the exhibition floor
• Apply your knowledge of child development and early childhood learning in informal learning environments for children and their caregivers
• Demonstrate initiative by tabling ideas for new ways of engaging visitors
• Maintain an environment and atmosphere within the Science Centre conducive to a safe, positive visitor and employee experience

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
• A minimum of three (3) days availability, which must include one weekend day for the duration of the contract

Customer Service Skills

• Proven ability to deliver dynamic customer service and visitor care, customizing visitor experiences and proactively meeting customers' needs, especially with families and/or children
• Strong interest in and knowledge of science, technology, and education
• Facilitation experience with children and/or families in a hands-on making or artistic environment
• Ability to facilitate imagination, role-play, exploration, construction, manipulation, investigation, experimentation, to support engagement with our youngest visitors
• Some experience in a science/education/cultural enterprise, and/or as a tinkerer/maker

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills to cater to small and large audiences, with sensitivity to diverse learning needs and styles
• Keen observation and communication skills with young children
• Capacity for adapting sometimes complex content for audiences in a way that is accessible, informative, and engaging
• Proven ability presenting dynamic, interactive demonstrations such as public performance experience and presentation or workshop delivery experience

Leadership Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship skills
• Demonstrated flexibility, maturity, initiative, and ability to multi-task
• 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 Monday, February 5, 2024 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.