The STEAM Apprentice - Elevating Native Voices works with OMSI's Natural Sciences Initiative team to contribute to science communication and exhibit development at OMSI. STEAM Apprentices will work as a team with guidance of project staff and advisors to research exhibit content focusing on Indigenous traditional ecological cultural knowledge (ITECK) and how climate future informs people and culture. This content includes regional stories and background on climate change and its connection to ITECK.

The STEAM Apprentice team works with OMSI's Natural Sciences Initiative team to apply the research to develop 1-2 exhibit experiences for the Nancy Stueber Natural Sciences Hall to engage visitors in climate action using ITECK principles and practices. Exhibit development may include content and audience research, development of learning goals, interactive interface development, prototype testing, 3D and graphic design, fabrication, and evaluation.

The STEAM Apprentice - Elevating Native Voices team participates in decision making on what the new exhibit experiences will be about, what museum visitors will do, how the exhibit looks, and what it says. This team will develop a related educational product (e.g., floor demo, digital program, outreach activity) to be shared with the public. STEAM Apprentices will also create their own reflection document or video made specifically for youth and the NAYA community.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively in teams to research and imagine, plan, and create exhibit experience;
• Participates and collaborates with OMSI project teams to help design and develop the experiences and overall exhibit look and feel;
• Facilitates prototype exhibit components with museum guests and evaluate results and effectiveness of prototypes in collaboration with OMSI project teams;
• Participates in trainings and activities related to exhibit development, science communication, Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK), content creation, and STEAM careers;
• Summarizes research via a poster, infographic, video, or other deliverable, that will be showcased to the NAYA community.

Working Conditions

• This position is non-exempt, paid hourly;
• This position is a special project scheduled for:
  • 20 hours/week from June - August;
  • 6 hours/week through the school year.
• This position requires both working onsite at the museum location and working remotely; the school year will be hybrid, and summer will be onsite;
• Physical Demands: 60% sitting, 38% standing, 2% lifting/carrying/pushing 15 lbs;
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • None
• Noise Levels include:
  • Very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test)
  • Quiet (examples: library, private office)
  • Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
  • Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and understanding of NAYA programming, based on previous or current participation;
• Interest in learning more about STEAM-based educational experiences;
• Interest in further developing interpersonal, verbal, and communication skills that adhere to confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;
• Interest in ITECK.

PREFERENCES:

• Interest in further developing creative and technical skills related to exhibit content creation, including multimedia, design, fabrication, and/or writing.

Education & Work Experience

REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant is between the ages of 16-20 and a current or past participant in NAYA programs.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and 1 reference check.

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

• Free annual OMSI Family Membership
• Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
• Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
• Employee-led rewards and recognition program
• 403(b) retirement with employer match eligibility
• Up to 2 weeks of sick time per year