Program Presenter I - Buhl Planetarium

This Part-Time position is eligible for many of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s Benefits. 

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate. 

This is a union position.

The Program Presenter I is responsible for performing science programs, both large and small in format, in certain, select locations in the Science Center. Other responsibilities may include assisting the public in the use of exhibits, conduction demonstrations for groups, leading hands-on programs, conducting group orientations, or performing formal theater presentations. This position assists the public throughout their visit to Carnegie Science Center (CSC) to ensure maximum enjoyment by answering questions about CSC and ensuring audience control.  

 QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Prefer background in science/education/theater/communications.
• Strong presentation and customer service skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to handle assorted demonstration equipment which may include Van de Graaff Generator, Tesla Coil, liquid nitrogen, kitchen equipment, chemicals, live animals, various sporting equipment, large scale simulators, planetarium systems, lasers, LED lighting, and assorted audiovisual equipment.
• Must have ability to learn and communicate science content in both formal and informal presentations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for periods of time longer than 30 minutes.
• Some placement areas include repetitive bending while securing sport equipment harnesses, and ability to climb a 25ft rock wall.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Learn and perform science programs, both large and small in format, in certain, select locations in the Science Center to ensure quality presentations. Communication of accurate information, and an enjoyable visit by the public, including assisting the public in the use of exhibits, conduction group orientations, or performing formal theater presentations (which in some circumstances may include creating optical designs and effects for laser shows at the planetarium, working with the Van de Graaff Generator, Tesla Coil, liquid nitrogen, kitchen equipment, chemicals, live animals, various sporting equipment, large scale simulators, planetarium systems, lasers, LED lighting, and assorted audiovisual equipment ).  
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors by assisting with problem solving and crowd control.
• Maintain equipment/animals/supplies in the area of assigned duties.  
• Maintain excellent working relationships with other staff including volunteers. Be aware of and adhere to CSC mission, vision and values.
• Be the front-line source of action by contacting the appropriate people when medical or other emergencies occur (security, managers, etc.), knowing where emergency equipment is stored and being familiar with proper emergency procedures.
• Stay current with new exhibits and programs in the Science Center, and their associated science content by doing background reading and attending training seminars.
• Assist assigned team in generating new program ideas.
• Play an active role on assigned team by attending and positively participating in meetings and working closely with other team members to ensure high quality programming.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.