Be a part of the Sciencenter family

There are many ways you can support the Sciencenter’s mission to inspire excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate, and empower.

Become a Member Make a Donation

Volunteer

Volunteer Information

Volunteers are an integral part of the Sciencenter team!
If you have an upbeat and positive attitude, strong oral communication skills, and a passion for teaching and learning, we want you to become a Sciencenter volunteer! You will receive ongoing opportunities to grow and gain skills within the organization. Science content expertise is not required.

Before you are eligible to volunteer, you must:

1. Fill out an application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
2. Complete an “Explore Session” (a 30 minute self-guided exploration of the museum). Regular admission fees are waived for Explore Sessions.
3. Have a successful 20 – 30 minute interview. If your application is accepted, the Volunteer Programs Manager will contact you to schedule.
4. Attend a New Volunteer Orientation/Training, held monthly.

Contact volunteer@sciencenter.org with any questions!

Volunteer Opportunities

Education Programming Assistant: Enhance the guest experience by facilitating hands-on activities, supporting memorable interactions with exhibits and helping to maintain a safe, clean museum environment for all.
Animal Room/Tidepool Touch Tank Facilitator: Introduce our guests to teaching reptiles and Tidepool Touch Tank inhabitants. Training in these areas is available to experienced volunteers.
Special Events: Individual and group volunteers are needed for 2-4 hour shifts at special events, which generally take place on weekends and weekday evenings. Events include Spooky Science in October, featured Saturday Showtimes!, and various outreach appearances throughout the year.
Community Work-Study: Complete all necessary paperwork with your college/university. Listings available through Cornell’s Public Service Center and Ithaca College’s Community Service Federal Work Study program.
Internships: Hoping to complete an internship requirement? Send a cover letter, resume, and description of your skills and interest areas to volunteer@sciencenter.org

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteer@sciencenter.org.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

The Sciencenter has limited one-time group volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please email us at volunteer@sciencenter.org.

Employment

Annual Giving Associate

The Sciencenter is seeking a hardworking and detail oriented individual to work with donors, staff, and the Board of Trustees to advance the mission of the Sciencenter and provide management of the individual giving and other development activities of the museum.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Fund
Individual Donor Stewardship
Membership
Board Relations

Click here for full position description and application instructions

Grant Associate

The Sciencenter is seeking a detail oriented and determined individual for the Grant Associate position. This person is involved in all aspects of securing and administering grants at the Sciencenter, including planning and prospecting; proposal development, writing and submission; budget development and tracking; and billing and reporting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, prospecting and Proposal Development
Supports Director of Development in developing an annual plan for soliciting funds from foundation and government sources.
Coordinates monthly grant meetings.
Writes and/or participates in the writing of selected grant proposals.
In coordination with the VP of Education, VP of Museum Experiences, and Director of Development, develops proposal budgets and staffing plans aligned with funder budget guidelines.
Oversees grant proposal submission process.
Assists the Director of Development in stewardship of foundation funders.

Click here for full position description and application instructions

Manager of Guest Relations

Responsible for ensuring positive and memorable experiences for all Sciencenter guests by managing all aspects of daily guest relations including: floor staffing, admissions, retail operations, and front end customer service. Serves as department head for Guest Relations team and is a key participant in cross-departmental collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Leadership
Serves as manager of the Sciencenter’s Guest Relations department, with supervisory responsibility for the department’s work, permanent staff, and temporary/seasonal staff. Includes responsibilities in hiring, scheduling, evaluating performance, and ensuring appropriate professional development of team.
Supports individual and group dynamics with effective communication, decision-making and conflict resolution strategies.
Oversees department budget, and ensures collection and dissemination of relevant operational data, such as attendance and other guest data, store sales, golf course usage, etc.
Ensures a safe, clean and welcoming environment for guests through daily management of all public spaces (exhibit gallery spaces, lobby, community room, classroom, restrooms, and playgrounds).

Click here for full position description and application instructions

Sciencenter Camp Counselor

As a Camp Counselor, you will care for campers ages 5-11, ensure their safety, provide leadership and companionship, and educate campers about basic science concepts by leading hands-on camp activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Camper Care: Supervise a group of campers for the duration of each camp session.
Facilitate Activities: Lead informal science activities with assigned camper groups, highlighting key science concepts at an appropriate level for the campers.
Field Trips: Provide leadership and assist in delivering content during field trips (Summer only).
After-Camp Care: Supervise campers who stay for after-camp care, at least two days per week.
Mentor Counselors-in-Training: Provide leadership and guidance for middle school students in the Counselor–in- Training program (Summer only).

For more information and to apply CLICK HERE!

Sciencenter Summer Camp Assistant

The Sciencenter seeks an energetic and responsible person for our Summer Camp Assistant. As Summer Camp Assistant you will spend a portion of each day doing some or all of the following:

Assisting in leading small group projects (with the middle school Future Science Leaders/CIT+ program
Organizing materials for activities
Setting up and cleaning up activity materials and camp spaces
Assisting camp staff
Providing supervision for campers (ages 5-12) during lunch
This position is designed for individuals who have experience working with children and/or youth.

For more information and to apply CLICK HERE

More About Ithaca, NY

Ithaca is located in the heart of New York’s treasured Finger Lakes region. Known widely for its natural beauty, its cultural attractions and as a hub for higher education and high-tech business, Ithaca is a small city that thrives in its diversity and its commitment to the community. Ranked the “Smartest City in America” (Luminosity, 2013); named as the “Best Healthy City in the Northeast” (Organic Style Magazine); and ranked sixth in Outside Magazine’s list of “20 Best Towns in America” (2008), Ithaca is a great place to call home.

For more information about Ithaca, NY, visit: www.visitithaca.com