OMSI Early Childhood Education Internship

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is seeking an Early Childhood Education Intern. This is an unpaid position which may be completed for school credit. It offers the successful candidate a unique opportunity to learn more about informal science education for young learners at one of the nation's leading science museums. This position is available immediately, and will remain open until filled. Interns are currently needed for Sundays and Thursdays.

Internship summary:
The Science Playground and Discovery Lab are OMSI's areas where children ages six and under and their families are able to learn and explore in fun, educational settings. Interns in this area assist staff in the planning, development and presentation of activities and maintenance of the space; assist parents and children in experiencing the activities and exhibits; and help to ensure the safety of our youngest visitors and their families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Interact with visitors to help them explore and learn from exhibits and lab activities.
* Share accurate science and museum information with guests.
* Assist in the development, presentation, maintenance, and clean up of daily hands-on educational activities.
* Maintain a safe and secure environment for visitors and staff.
* Be prepared to be trained and work in other science halls or labs as needed.
* Assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Hall Educators.

Qualifications:
* Must be dependable and punctual, and be willing to commit to a schedule.
* Must present a professional personal appearance.
* Must be able to bend and stoop as needed to help maintain appearance, integrity, and safety of the area.
* Strong communication and customer service skills.
* Ability to present science process and content in an engaging way to a broad age range.
* Ability to take initiative.
* Ability to teach and model adult-child interactions for positive early learning experiences.

Education and Work Experience:
* Working toward or completion of a degree in early childhood education, child development, education, museum education, child psychology, social work or science with college coursework in early childhood education or child and family studies preferred.
* Experience working with the public and/or young children highly desirable.

Commitment:
8-16 hours per week, 3-6 months.

To apply for this position, applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and OMSI's internship application (available at www.omsi.edu/internships) to Carol Cruzan at ccruzan@omsi.edu. If you have questions about the position, please contact Carol at 503-797-4693.

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums. OMSI offers 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun through hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations. OMSI has five exhibit halls, eight science labs, a giant screen OMNIMAX Dome Theater, the most technologically advanced planetarium in the Pacific Northwest, and the USS Blueback submarine, the last fast-attack diesel-powered submarine built by the U.S. Navy. OMSI is located on the east side of the scenic Willamette River in downtown Portland.