Bilingual STEAM Facilitator (Temporary Seasonal)

Applicants must be a current student and must be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident as per the eligibility criteria of the Young Canada Works program. Applicants may be required to complete a pre-screening survey to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria. International applicants with work visas are ineligible under this funding program and will not be considered for this role.

Position Summary:

For over 35 years, the Discovery Centre has developed a reputation for being Nova Scotia’s leader in the delivery of exciting hands-on, minds-on science programming for youth.

The Bilingual STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math) Facilitator will use both official languages to orient and assist visitors, interpret exhibits, and deliver exciting science demonstrations in the permanent and temporary galleries of the centre. The Facilitator will also work in the Discovery Centre’s 65-seat Dome Theatre to deliver live, presenter-led shows and automated fulldome films within the theatre for visitors in both official languages.

The Facilitator will provide a bilingual presence in the Centre, review materials related to the exhibitions, develop/present program scripts in French, and promote the use of French within the Centre. The facilitator will build on the gallery’s core themes with visitors to promote problem solving and creative thinking. Additional objectives include providing improved service to francophone visitors, and a generally increased use of French in the Centre.

Discovery Centre and the local community will benefit from an increased presence and visibility of French services in the Centre, making content and programs more accessible to resident and visiting francophones, as well as encouraging the use of French by English speaking staff and visitors.

Description of Tasks:

The Bilingual STEAM Facilitator works in the Science Education department and reports to the Director of Science Education. The primary tasks of the position are:

• Facilitating visitor experience in both official languages within the centre, and providing a warm welcome to visitors, including a formal orientation to groups, in French and English as required
• Presenting live science shows and demonstrations in French and English and creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment around STEAM topics
• Collaborating on new initiatives, developing scheduling plans, and engaging visitors in the science centre experience
• Presenting live, interactive planetarium shows to public visitors in both French and English and delivering automated fulldome films to all audiences
• Making recommendations for and contributing to bilingual initiatives in the Centre

Qualifications:

Education: Post-secondary studies in science, education, museum studies, or a related discipline

Experience: Experience in a front-line setting dealing with the public; experience in a museum, science centre, or recreational setting would be an asset

Language Requirements: Bilingual (French/English) required; additional languages would be an asset

Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong customer service
• Able to take initiative
• Highly organized
• Works well as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Good time management

Eligibility: Applicants must be current students returning to post-secondary studies in Fall 2024 and must qualify for the Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages program in order to be considered.

Measurable Outcomes:

The Bilingual STEAM Facilitator will:

• Maintain a safe and clean environment for visitors
• Engage guests in English and French in the permanent and featured exhibits
• Improve service to francophone visitors increasing the use of French at the Centre
• Encourage the use of French by English-speaking staff and visitors
• Contribute to positive visitor experiences and interactions at the Centre, as evidenced by positive feedback from guests

This position is an excellent opportunity for any student that is continuing in science, education, or museum studies, or who is interested in a career in a museum/science centre setting or any career where working with the public in both official languages is required.

Application:

Applications are to be emailed to .  Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.

Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.