Coordinator of the Visual World Investigate Lab

Description

Primary Purpose of Position:
The Coordinator of the Visual World Investigate Lab assists the lab manager in the operation of the Visual World Investigate Lab (VisLab), an interactive hands-on science and technology laboratory area designed for museum guests and student participants. The position will primarily interact with the public on a daily basis, teaching them about lab programs and engaging them when they have questions on matters pertaining to science and current technology.

Key Responsibilities:
Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assisting museum guests during public hours
• Assisting in the development and instruction of hands-on science/technology-based classes to school groups and public audiences
• Assist with the maintenance of the VisLab
• Scheduling and training of temporary staff, volunteers, and interns
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required
• Typical work schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday with 1-2 weekends a month, and evening hours as needed and assigned.

Section/Unit Description:
The Education Section develops and provides engaging, accessible, and inclusive experiences and resources that enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of science and the natural world and inspire its conservation. Our programs emphasize the use of real objects, live animals, and the outdoors as we provide our audiences, from infants to seniors, with experiential learning opportunities. The section champion’s the Museum’s mission and advances operational plans. It provides cross-sectional collaboration to support the network across the State and contribute to total quality management.

Division Description:
The state’s museum devoted to science and nature, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in central Raleigh, is the largest institution of its kind in the Southeastern United States and, with over a million visitors a year, the state’s most visited museum. Its 300,000 square foot downtown campus is augmented by Prairie Ridge Ecostation and satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville, and Contentnea Creek. Together, they provide a variety of curriculum-focused classes onsite, offsite, outdoors, and online for pre-kindergarten through graduate students across the state.
 
As a museum of nature, we integrate the dual concepts of illumination and inspiration with the work we do and the many stories we tell. In a time of unprecedented environmental challenges, nothing could be more critical. This nexus of ideas makes us unique. Across three vibrant floors of laboratories and exhibitions, our Nature Research Center provides an unparalleled opportunity to see science in action by watching museum researchers studying the natural world in real time. In the Nature Exploration Center, exhibits and live animal displays reveal North Carolina’s rich natural habitats, wildlife, and geology from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.

Department Information:
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ (DNCR) vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our mission is to improve quality of life by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature throughout North Carolina. The Department works to stimulate learning, inspire creativity, preserve the state's history, conserve the state's natural heritage, encourage recreation and cultural tourism, and promote economic development. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history by expanding engagement with diverse individuals and communities. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. 
 
Qualified candidates must have or be able to:

• Experience in public engagement with adults and children of all ages and backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience in and/or knowledge of computer programming
• Valid NC driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment

Management Prefers:

• At least two years of experience in teaching STEM related educational programs.
• Experience utilizing social media to spread STEM related topics.
• Experience with software and hardware technologies such as GIS, 3D modeling, 3D printing, building circuits or video editing.
• Ability to learn new software and hardware technologies.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History, or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of museum or related work

-OR-

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.