Spark Lab Ambassador at Smithsonian American History

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Training: Saturday, June 15th from 10:15 am to 3:00 pm
You must apply through the Smithsonian Volunteer website
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VOLUNTEER IN SPARK!LAB

The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is recruiting volunteers to work with museum visitors in Spark!Lab, its hands-on invention space for children and families. Currently Spark!Lab is open Thursday through Saturday, but as additional staff and volunteers are added we hope to add days and be open Wednesday through Sunday.

OVERVIEW:

Spark!Lab Ambassadors will play an active role in:

• Facilitating Meaningful Visitor Experiences: welcoming a diverse group of visitors and engaging in inquiry-based discovery at a variety of hands-on activity stations; using creative methods to inspire and encourage children's and family's interest in the invention process.
• Assisting daily facility operations in Spark!Lab: getting the space and hands on activities ready for visitor use; helping with some routine maintenance necessary to keep the innovation and imagination flowing!

IF YOU ARE GOOD AT AND ENJOY:

• Tinkering, experimenting, asking questions, constructing and deconstructing things to figure out how they work
• Interacting with diverse audiences, age groups and learning styles
• Working in an often busy and changing environment

IF YOU HAVE:

• Some experience working in a hands-on, informal education space
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• An interest in invention, history, engineering, and science

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO:

• Commit to at least two 4-hour shifts a month, (weekends and holidays available)
• Handle frequent walking, standing, bending and lifting (15 pounds or less)

Then apply to be a Spark!Lab Ambassador. Applicants must be 18 years or older, are subject to a background check. Due to the complexity of training and on-boarding we prefer a one year commitment but are willing to work with college and graduate students.

The Smithsonian is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you have questions, please email Kristen Sheldon, Floor Manager for Spark Lab, at sheldonk@si.edu