Internship Opportunities | Saint Louis Science Center

The Saint Louis Science Center appreciates your interest in our internship opportunities. We strive to attract a diverse group of qualified students to join our team.

Interested students should submit their cover letter and resume to tjamerso@slsc.org or by mail to:

Saint Louis Science Center
Attn: Trebor Jamerson
5050 Oakland Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Summer internships are available for the following positions:

Activity Developer (unpaid)

Ecology and Environment GAllery

QUALIFICATIONS

The Ecology & Environment Gallery (E&E) seeks to recruit multiple interns for Summer 2013. These internships will function as an Education Activity Developer in the E&E Exhibit Gallery specifically to assist in the design and delivery of activities associated with archaeology, history other aspects regarding Egyptian history. Junior, Senior or graduate student majoring in Archaeology (specializing in Egyptian studies), Museum Studies, Education, History or related area. Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiastic about helping people learn. Prefer some experience working with children or with a wide range of ages.

TIME

Approximately 12-15 hours per week (flexible schedule), some weekday mornings or afternoons and approximately 4-5 hours on some portion of a Saturday or Sunday are preferred. Schedule is negotiable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interns will become familiar with the E&E exhibit gallery and with the Science Center’s inquiry-based, informal learning philosophy. Initial training will involve observation and practice of visitor interaction strategies and techniques, learning education activities with visitors. Interns will then develop an educational activity to support our upcoming special exhibition focusing on Egyptian history and archaeology. Research and development will be in collaboration with the Gallery Director and/or other staff and delivery of the education activity with visitors will be at the conclusion of spring semester. Activities will become incorporated into the summer special exhibit

QUALIFICATIONS

Junior, senior, graduate student majoring in Archaeology, Museum Studies, Education, History or interested in teaching, informal education and/or museum education. Possess good verbal communications skills, close attention to detail, familiarity with internet and Microsoft Word and is enthusiastic about informal science education.

TIME COMMITMENT

Approximately 12-15 hours per week (flexible schedule), some weekday mornings or afternoons and approximately 4-5 hours on some portion of a Saturday or Sunday are preferred. Schedule is negotiable.

RESPONSIBILTIES

Become familiar with the Ecology and Environment galley exhibits, as well as the Science Center’s inquiry-based, informal learning philosophy.
Present gallery related table-top demonstrations and activities to visitors.
Work with Gallery Director or other staff to research, design and deliver new hands-on experiences to be used in the gallery and upcoming special exhibit.

AMAZING SCIENCE DEMONSTRATION ASSISTANT (UNPAID)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE GALLERY

QUALIFICATIONS

Prefer Junior-Senior level student pursuing Science Education, Museum Studies, or related field. Must possess an understanding of physical and/or life science, be a self-starter capable of researching and working independently, be able to work cooperatively with other staff members, be organized, and be creative. Must be enthusiastic and possess excellent interpersonal skills and be capable of attracting and engaging an audience for a large-scale demonstration.

TIME COMMITMENT

Available for approximately 10-15 hours weekly. Intern recruitment will occur for Summer Flexible schedule- weekday mornings or afternoons and able to participate 3-4 hours weekly on some portion of a Saturday or Sunday.

RESPONSIBILITIES

During the course of this internship, the intern will learn and present Amazing Science Demonstrations to the general public, assist with behind-the-scenes tasks relating to Amazing Science Demonstrations, assist with evaluation of Amazing Science Demonstrators, research topics for new Amazing Science Demonstrations, and develop his/her own demonstration.

Specific duties include:

Assist staff with the preparation and presentation of Amazing Science Demonstrations
Support Amazing Science Demonstrations by assisting with behind-the-scenes duties including inventory and ordering of materials
Present Amazing Science Demonstrations with a focus on enthusiastic, exciting, engaging, and educational show presentation in a timely fashion
Research and develop an Amazing Science Demonstration, including…

Research topic for science demonstration
Determine materials needs and costs associated with the demonstration
Practice demonstration and develop written training materials
Train staff members (paid and unpaid) on the presentation of the science demonstration

Assist in the evaluation of demonstrators and demonstrations
Assist in training staff members to do Amazing Science Demonstrations

COMPUTER SCIENCE INTERN (UNPAID)

EDUCATION, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS DIVISION (EEP)

SUMMARY

The Cyberville gallery at the Saint Louis Science Center seeks to recruit one Computer Science Intern (Unpaid) for Summer 2013. This intern will develop demonstrations and educational programming to be used with the public in the Cyberville gallery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Cyberville intern will research and develop programming designed to enrich and excite interest in the field of Computer Science. The Intern will also collaborate with the Cyberville Gallery Leader to prototype the developed program in the gallery, with the public.

This internship pertains to summer; however, the intern is certainly invited and encouraged to participate in the implementation of the programming depending on his/her availability.

ACADEMIC MAJOR

The successful candidate will have a background in Computer Science. We seek a Junior or Senior level student who has completed some upper division computer science coursework. A graduate student will be considered if one’s undergraduate degree is in Computer Science or related area.

OTHER NECESSARY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Applicable computer science knowledge and skills. Self-directed, thorough, organizational and coordination skills, interpersonal skills. Cordial, enthusiastic, conscientious and dependable.

TIME COMMITMENT

The intern must be prepared to participate approximately 12-15 hours weekly for 11 weeks, from a mutually agreed upon start date until a mutually agreed upon concluding date. The intern can schedule flexible hours on site within Monday – Saturday between 9 am – 5 pm. If the intern is able to participate in the implementation phase, that would be ideal.

Discovery Room Facilitator-Internship (unpaid)

or WORK STUDY

Qualifications

Sixty or more hours of college level coursework is required, preferably in the areas of teaching, early childhood education and/or science. Related work experiences are desirable. Ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be enthusiastic about working with children and families in group and individual settings. Knowledge of basic science is helpful.

Time Commitment

Approx. 12-15 hours per week for 8-10 weeks. Hours are flexible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support visitor experiences in the Discovery Room, an early education venue, by exhibit interpretation, facilitating interactive learning, aiding hands-on learning experiences, and assisting in large group presentations.

The Science Center’s informal learning environment provides experiences, largely self-directed, that are enhanced by staff abilities to stimulate interest and help facilitate engagement in active science exploration using gallery exhibits, tabletop activities and demonstrations. Inquiry-based interaction is a key visitor contact strategy.

EXHIBIT DESIGNER Intern (unpaid)

QUALIFICATIONS

The Design department seeks to recruit two interns for summer 2013. The interns will function as Exhibit Designers. The position requires Senior or graduate students majoring in Design, museum studies or related area. Interns are expected to have excellent interpersonal skills, and a high level of drawing ability is required. Interns should possess good verbal communications skills and close attention to detail. It is important for all applicants to have an interest in informal education and some experience working with children or with a wide range of ages.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The interns will become familiar with the Science Center galleries and inquiry-based, informal learning philosophy. They’ll develop an understanding of exhibit content educational activity topics in collaboration with the Design Project Manager to revitalize and create new hands-on engaging experiences in the galleries. The initial learning will involve the development of exhibit/visitor observation skills. Our interns will create all stages of exhibit design drawings. The intern will produce concept drawings, working shop drawings and finished exhibit CAD drawings for prototyping, fabrication and fund raising by the conclusion of the internship.

They will need access to a computer and software including the free version of google sketchup.

TIME

Approximately 12-15 hours per week. Most work will be by telecommunications (email and internet drop box). The schedule is negotiable.

LIFE SCIENCE LAB ANIMAL CARE INTERN (UNPAID)

SUMMARY
The Life Science content area at the Saint Louis Science Center seeks to recruit an individual to serve as an Animal Care Intern (unpaid) to help to care for the animals in the Life Science Lab as well as provide education and interpretation of the live collection to the general public. The Life Science Lab offers visitors to the Saint Louis Science Center an authentic science experience where they can experiment and engage in life science topics. This internship is available for Summer 2013 and continuing thereafter. Interns will be recruited each semester.

TIME COMMITMENT
Candidate will work approximately 10-15 hours weekly for approximately 8-10 weeks (one semester) with an option of extending to two semesters. Flexible schedule – daily mornings or afternoons during Science Center building hours (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform animal care duties such as feeding and cleaning for our living collection including rats, salamanders, birds and fish
Assist in the regular delivery of Atrium programming as it relates to our animals
Provide interpretation of the Pacific Coral Reef Aquarium for visitors in the Life Science Classroom
Assist in the regular set up and delivery of Lab Classroom programming, as it relates to the Life Science Lab’s animals
Have the opportunity to develop new educational activities that focus on the Life Science Lab’s animals

ACADEMIC EMPHASIS
Any level of college/graduate student pursuing science, science education or zoology. Prefer applicants with some experience working with animals, especially aquatic animals, in a laboratory setting and presenting programs to children.

NECESSARY SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES
Self-starter, organized, loves learning, comfortable working as a member of a team, has excellent communication skills, thorough, looking for an opportunity to participate in an innovative, creative enterprise. Possessing some knowledge of national and/or state science education standards (Missouri or Illinois) would be helpful.

LIFE SCIENCE LAB CLASSROOM INTERN (UNPAID)

SUMMARY
The Life Science team at the Saint Louis Science Center seeks to recruit an individual to serve as an unpaid intern to help to develop and deliver life science programming in the Lab Classroom of the Life Science Lab. The Life Science Lab offers visitors to the Saint Louis Science Center an authentic science experience where they can experiment and engage in life science topics. This internship is available for Summer 2013 and continuing thereafter. Interns will be recruited each semester.

TIME COMMITMENT
Candidate will work approximately 10-15 hours weekly for approximately 8-10 weeks (one semester) with an option of extending to two semesters. Flexible schedule – weekday mornings or afternoons during Science Center building hours (9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop one Lab Classroom activity on a life science topic of their choosing
Assist in the regular set up and delivery of Lab Classroom programming
Lead certain Lab Classroom activities

ACADEMIC EMPHASIS
Any level of college/graduate student pursuing Science Education. Prefer applicants with some experience developing and presenting programs to children.

MARKETING INTERNSHIP (UNPAID)

SUMMARY
Interns will be primarily involved in acting as the face of the Saint Louis Science Center by distributing promotional materials within the St. Louis metropolitan area and generating excitement at promotional events. Promotional materials pertain to traveling exhibitions, OMNIMAX® films and other venues at the Science Center. Interns will have the opportunity to foster new and existing client relationships, participate in event marketing; interact with members on-site at Membership desk and occasionally on the telephone. Assist team with membership processing and fulfillment operations and learn about other department-related functions. They may also assist in generating radio trade agreements, fulfilling promotional business mailings and other marketing tasks as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Represent the Science Center by participating in event marketing on and off site
Build relationships with promotional partners at sites displaying Science Center literature
Assist membership staff with on-site sales efforts and fulfillment operations
Assist with special projects and research
Maintain detailed status reports
Perform compliance checks
Other duties as assigned

TIME COMMITMENT

Approximately 12-24 hours per week for approximately 12 weeks
Scheduling is flexible, but reliability and dependability of interns is obligatory (2-3 weekdays, mornings or afternoons, some weekend events)

When possible, interns will use a Science Center vehicle to distribute promotional materials and to attend off-site events; however, they may be required to use their own personal transportation from time to time. We ask that interns maintain a schedule of their visits and keep a mileage log. Mileage will be reimbursed. Interns must have a valid driver’s license, with a safe driving record. Driving records will be checked and verified.

ACADEMIC INTERESTS
Preferably Sophomore, Junior or Senior who is interested in Marketing, Promotions/Advertising.

OTHER ATTRIBUTES

Cordial, customer service oriented. Individual(s) must be organized and possess a willingness to jump in and help when needed. Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism and attention to detail required. Familiar with road system in the metropolitan St. Louis area is helpful but not mandatory.

MEMBERSHIP MARKETING INTERN (UNPAID)

MARKETING-COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

QUALIFICATIONS

Seek Junior/Senior college level student majoring in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Sales Management or related field. Possess excellent oral and written communications skills; outgoing personality; pay close attention to details; demonstrate enthusiasm, sensitive to customer needs, and keen ability to deliver excellent customer service.

TIME COMMITMENT

Primarily weekdays; 3-4 hours may work more in morning and/or afternoon. Participate 12-15 hours weekly and dependably for entire semester—spring, summer, and fall. Capable to work flexible schedule upon request (i.e., portion of the weekend and possibly a weekday evening from time to time)

RESPONSIBILITIES
Interacting with members via telephone, email, and postal service. Involved with membership processing and fulfillment operations. Copywriting and editing for member publications. Creating, editing, distributing and maintaining on-site marketing and promotional needs.

PALEONTOLOGY-PREP LAB INTERNSHIP (UNPAID)

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND GALLERIES

QUALIFICATIONS

Junior, Senior, Graduate student majoring in Geology, Paleontology

COMMITMENT

Fall, Spring, Summer semester, approximately 12-15 hours per week for 14 weeks, flexible schedule of some weekday and weekend hours

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop familiarity with all exhibit galleries, especially Earth-Environmental galleries
Learn Prep Lab procedures and lab techniques
Learn informal learning strategies and visitor interaction techniques
Learn to present interpretation of paleontology as a discipline and interpret fossil and dinosaur artifacts to visitors
Prepare and offer presentation to the public about some aspect of the field of paleontology

PHYSICAL SCIENCE GALLERY ASSISTANT – WORK STUDY

PHYSICAL SCIENCE GALLERY

QUALIFICATIONS

SCHEDULING

Available for approximately 10-15 hours weekly. Recruitment will occur for Summer, Fall, and Spring. Flexible schedule- weekday mornings or afternoons and able to participate 3-4 hours weekly on some portion of a Saturday or Sunday.

RESPONSIBILITIES

During the course of this work study, the student will learn and present Amazing Science Demonstrations, assist visitors with the safe and enjoyable use of the Energizer Wheel in the front lobby, present tabletop activities at the Math Cart and in the Structures Gallery, and assist with exhibit interpretation in galleries as needed. Work study staff will learn how to present and explain scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way for people of all ages.

Specific duties include:

Assist staff with the preparation and presentation of Amazing Science Demonstrations
Present Amazing Science Demonstrations with a focus on enthusiastic, exciting, engaging, and educational show presentation in a timely fashion
Assist visitors using the Energizer Wheel in the front lobby with an emphasis on safety
Present small-scale tabletop activities to the general public, assisting the inquiry process with visitors
Interpret gallery exhibits in a way that helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the scientific content
Provide excellent customer service and way-finding support to visitors
Other duties, including the possibility of developing new activities to present, depending on specific gallery needs and/or interest

PROGRAM FACILITATOR ASSISTANT (UNPAID)

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER

QUALIFICATIONS

Primarily seek Education major, preferably with interest in or emphasis in science
Combined interest/major in Education-Aerospace/Space Sciences
Some education-related experience is highly desired
Seek Junior, Senior, and Graduate level student
Require good communications skills
Outgoing personality
Some familiarity with the current Space program

TIME COMMITMENT

Participate 6-12 hours weekly. Weekdays TBD and depending on student’s availability. Participate approximately 8:30 –11 am and/or 12-2:30 pm for entire semester, approximately 14 weeks Summer, Fall semester, Spring semester. Internship seeks to recruit one intern each semester, possibly two interns. Must be dependable and able to work hours as scheduled.

RESPONSIBILITIES

During weekdays, the intern will assist with conducting simulated space missions and other space science education programs at the Challenger Learning Center for students in kindergarten through eight grades. Featuring a replica orbiting space station and Mission Control Center, the Challenger Learning Center enables participants to engage in a simulated space mission during which they participate in activities similar to those performed by NASA astronauts, scientists, and engineers. The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is a partnership of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis.

CONTACT: Tasmyn Front, Director, Challenger Learning Center @ tasmyn@clcstlouis.org; please send current resume and cover letter detailing your interest.

PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN (UNPAID)

DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

Sophomore, Junior, and Senior applicants who are studying Public Relations, Communications, English, Marketing or closely related study. Must be earnestly interested in learning and working in the field of Public Relations, Communications and Marketing. Must be cordial, strong customer-service orientation. Poised and well-groomed, professional appearance and demeanor. Self-directed, well-developed interpersonal skills, organized, willing to assume leadership role on projects, dependable, possess excellent telephone skills, close attention to detail.

TIME COMMITMENT

Must participate regularly and dependably approximately 12-15 hours weekly for entire semester…approximately 14 weeks. Scheduling weekdays…Mondays through Fridays, flexible mornings, afternoons, full days negotiable. Requires absolute reliability and dependability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Internship is available for Fall, Spring, Summer. Intern will assist the Public Relations Manager and other members of the Marketing-Communications team with public relations and marketing efforts such as:

Optimize and distribute news releases via online channels
Help maintain Saint Louis Science Center presence in local calendar listings (print and online)
Maintain a coverage grid of all Saint Louis Science Center mentions in print, broadcast, and online outlets
Complete writing assignments, such as media advisories, news releases and messaging documents, in proportion to level of experience
Make pitch calls to local media outlets about Saint Louis Science Center events and other news
Staff special events as needed
Other public relations and marketing projects as needed

SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN (UNPAID)

STARLITE EVENTS at the

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

SUMMARY

This person will report to the Director and Coordinator of Sales at Starlite Events. Teamwork, patience and strong organization and communication skills are the key factors needed to be successful in this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Junior-Senior level student pursuing an Event Management Degree
Majoring in Communications, Event Planning, Hospitality Program
Enthusiastic, poised, customer service oriented, professional appearance and demeanor, self-directed, organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, good communications skills, conscientious, capable of handling follow-through on tasks, creative
Patience, team work and great people skills are a must for this position

TIME COMMITMENT- SCHEDULING

Fall semester, Spring semester, Summer

Participate approximately 15-20 hours weekly and through the entire semester. Position requires a combination of weekday mornings and afternoons (4-8 hour shifts), between 9am to 5 pm. (Director can be somewhat flexible to coordinate with individual's school/personal schedule). Candidate must be available to work specific evening hours on weeknights and weekends for event set-up and event execution (average of 3-4 per month).

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Event Department seeks to recruit Event Planning Interns that have the desire to become full service event planners. This person will have the opportunity to learn the SLSC Facility Rental and the Starlite Events Catering process from initiation to closure. This begins with training on our booking system, Caterease, that we use to reserve function space for our internal and external clients. This event intern will be asked to receive incoming department phone calls and emails from our internal clients as well as rental inquiries via telephone and web/email. They will be conversing & communicating with those individuals to better qualify the client needs. They will participate in preparing client files, managing event proposals and contracts, assisting in the scheduling and conducting of site visits with potential clients, will learn how to be a valuable resource to clients, will learn the internal logistics needed to successfully execute a detailed Run-of -Show for events and to be able to assist in the facilitation of event set-up, event execution and event breakdown in a timely but friendly and efficient manner. Opportunity to assist with marketing.

Contact: Maggie Lohmeyer,maggielohmeyer@kmssa.com

VISITOR STUDIES INTERNSHIP (UNPAID)

RESEARCH & EVALUATION DEPARTMENT

SUMMARY

The Visitor Studies Internship is supervised by the Associate Director of the Department of Research and Evaluation (R&E). This department conducts audience research to provide systematic information for use in decisions relating to exhibits, programs, and institutional operations.

Under the guidance of full time R&E staff, the intern will be involved in various aspects of visitor studies projects such as development of data collection tools, data entry, project coordination, data analysis and reporting. The projects may relate to Science Center exhibit and program evaluations, and/or marketing research.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This internship will consist of two aspects:

1) Supporting on-going department projects by:

Conducting data entry and analysis of data collected through program feedback comment cards.
Conducting data collection interviews for the department’s seasonal Topical Visitor Survey;
Distributing visitor satisfaction rating cards according to a specified protocol.

2) Conducting in-depth visitor studies work on one or more discreet evaluation projects. Activities may include:

Participating in team meetings to coordinate data collection and analysis;
Conducting interviews and/or observations of Science Center visitors according to specified protocols, including writing field notes;
Conducting literature searches via internet and libraries;
Conducting traffic pattern surveys and observations in Science Center galleries
Entering data into spreadsheet computer packages;
Conducting statistical analyses on quantitative data;
Coding qualitative data;
Writing reports to summarize findings.

Other anticipated duties & responsibilities:

Attending scheduled department & institutional meetings;
Assisting department staff with project administration;
Maintaining positive interactions with Science Center visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to conduct interviews/observations and record responses according to set protocol with a high degree of reliability and accuracy;
Experience interacting with the public in a pleasant, courteous, and productive manner;
Attention to detail so as to accurately and efficiently conduct data entry according to established procedures;
Would be especially desirable for intern to have had some experience with data entry into and general usage of spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel and/or statistical analysis software, such as SPSS.
Prefer intern to have had some college/university-level classes in marketing research, social science research, survey research, statistics, and/or museum studies.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to speak English clearly so as to be easily understood by visitors.
Strong writing skills to prepare project reports based.
Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions given both verbally and in writing.
Ability to accurately and legibly record visitors’ verbal responses to survey questions.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Basic arithmetic calculations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to stand/move freely around exhibit galleries for possibly a 4-5 hour data collection period.

TIME COMMITMENT

15-20 hours per week, primarily Mondays through Fridays. May include occasional weekends, scheduled in advance. A regular weekly schedule will be determined through mutual agreement between the intern and the supervisor, but will generally consist of two full days and one half day per week.

Youth Exploring Science Program intern (unpaid)

Department of Educational Outreach

QUALIFICATIONS

Under graduate through graduate level college students pursuing degrees in education; science disciplines; engineering; technology; museum studies, etc. Desirable: Successful completion of 9 credit hours of science at college level and experience as an instructor, teacher, etc.

Must have a valid driver license, with a safe driving record and be capable of operating Science Center owned vehicles for programs purposes. Must be comfortable presenting to students and families at the Saint Louis Science Center, schools and community organizations. Must be willing to teach using inquiry methods. Must be comfortable working with diverse teenagers in our YES Program (See youthexploringscience.com.)

TIME COMMITMENT

Able to work 40 hours weekly for approximately 8 weeks during the summer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, prepare, and present various informal science learning activities to a cohort of teens in the Youth Exploring Science Program. Supervise teens and mentor teens. Contact: Marlynn Chambers, mchambers@slsc.org or 314-535-0104.