Maker Program Specialist (Internal Candidates Only)

Title: Maker Program Specialist (Internal Candidates Only)

State Role Title: Education Support Spec II

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: Broad Street Station

Agency Website: https://smv.org/

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia is looking for a dynamic Maker Program Specialist to join our Education Department dedicated to sparking creativity, imagination, and inquiry through engaging Maker programs in The Forge.

As our Maker Programs Specialist, you’ll be a creative force in The Forge, leading inspiring, inquiry-based projects for Museum guests of all ages. You’ll design and deliver innovative Forge programming, including rotating monthly challenges and workshops that encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving. When the Maker Programs Supervisor isn’t available, you’ll serve as the Manager on Duty for The Forge team, ensuring smooth operations and an exceptional guest experience. You will also develop and lead hands-on, creative activities during our popular Summer Camp Maker weeks and providing vital support for Museum events like Science After Dark, Science on Tap workshops, and afterschool programs within The Forge.

If you’re ready to empower guests through creativity, STEM exploration, and collaborative learning in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!

This is an internal posting open to current employees of the Science Museum.

Benefits

The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 13 paid holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic and passionate about teaching individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the ability to interact effectively with the general public, school groups, staff members, and volunteers. Experience working with multiple age groups in informal educational settings is essential, and experience with children from low-income and at-risk populations is highly desirable. Strong organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills are required. The candidate should be flexible, patient, and resourceful, capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Comfort in working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment is important. Additionally, experience delivering STEM-based classes, workshops, demonstrations, and activities is necessary. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are critical for engaging diverse audiences effectively. Demonstrated experience with proficiency in distance learning platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, as well as the ability to effectively use G-Suite or similar software for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Additional Considerations

Experience or a strong interest in science, education, or related fields is a plus. Familiarity with common maker tools and equipment—such as woodshop tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers—is highly desirable. Experience teaching and developing coding and robotics programs is a valuable asset. Candidates with a background in science centers or similar informal education environments, especially those demonstrating progressive responsibility, are preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: ‪804.372.3766‬

Email: hr@smv.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.