Operations Associate

About the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center

Kamin Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination and the region’s most visited museum, reaching more than 500,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and educational programs.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.  

This Part-Time position is eligible for many of the Carnegie Museums' Benefits.

This is a union position. 

The Operations Associate is responsible for providing a welcoming and hospitable environment to guests of the Science Center. They are familiar with all areas of the museum, offerings, and procedures. Moving throughout the campus, they interact with guests, look to foster meaningful interactions, and create an overall positive guest experience. They proactively work to keep areas presentable and ready for guests. They support group visits and parking lot operations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Candidate should have at least one year of experience working in customer service.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• The successful candidate must be organized, be an excellent communicator, have a positive attitude and have a love of learning.
• Must be able to “think on one’s feet”, be flexible, and adapt to the everchanging needs of the museum.
• Variable schedule – weekend, holiday, and evening hours required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work requires movement throughout the museum and campus – inside and outdoors.
• Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serve as an ambassador of the Science Center – with a focus on providing excellent guest service, hospitality, and satisfaction. Share knowledge of museum offerings, operations, and services. Regularly attend and participate in team meetings and trainings. Communicate with others in a courteous and sensitive manner, projecting a positive and professional image of the Science Center and Carnegie Museums.
• Responsible for enhancing the guest experience. Proactively greet and engage guests. Foster meaningful interactions with guests while moving around the campus, through demonstrations, activities, etc. Maintain a visible and accessible presence and be attentive to guest needs.
• Responsible for opening, closing, and daily exhibit gallery needs. Ensure the safety, cleanliness, and readiness of exhibit galleries; communicate and collaborate with other departments as needed.
• Perform daily group functions. Greet groups, facilitate lunch storage, monitor and clean lunch spaces. Proactively monitor groups, looking for ways to make a positive impact on their experience. Help ensure timely arrival of scheduled events. Work with supervisor on group issues or concerns.
• Support parking lot operations. This includes assisting in the parking lots on high volume days, summer camp season, and during onsite group visits.
• Actively support the Operations Management Team in gathering, tracking, and utilizing guest feedback. Effectively respond and address “on the spot” feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Help resolve guest concerns or issues as they arise. Seek support as needed.
• Attend emergency preparedness training and demonstrate an understanding of Science Center emergency procedures. Respond to emergency situations in accordance with prescribed Security Department policies.
• Regularly communicate with and work with other team members. Consistently demonstrate positive work outcomes, modeling successful skills and strategies for colleagues.
• At all times, uphold the Science Center’s Four Keys of Operation: Safety, Courtesy, The Experience, and Efficiency; interact with all colleagues in a professional and respectful manner in accordance with Carnegie Museums Core Competencies and Science Center Community Norms.
• Other duties as assigned.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.