Planetarium Usher Volunteer

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Position Summary:  Volunteers engage visitors to design and create projects in the  Teen Tech Center (TTC). The TTC is a free multimedia and creative technology focused maker space specifically for ages 13-18. We provide space, materials, and  support so teens can express themselves creatively and gain hands-on experience  with high tech tools and programs. Successful volunteers will encourage youth to  create through questions rather than lecture-style instruction, maintain a flexible  outlook, and be ready to take on any challenge.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Encourage visitors to explore, collaborate, innovate, and create personal  projects.  
• Mentor teens by asking open-ended questions, co-investigating, and using other facilitation techniques to help promote exploration and innovation.  
• Provide guidance if needed in the inspiration, resource gathering, and  creation of daily projects and activities.  
• Maintain the integrity and appearance of the space. 
• Maintain a safe, secure, and inviting environment for visitors and staff.   

Knowledge and Skills:

• Eager to facilitate visitor-led and visitor-centered experiences. 
• Excited about teaching and learning through play and experimentation. 
• Comfortable with open-ended problem solving. 
• Desire to communicate accurate science and technology content in an  engaging way with people of diverse backgrounds. 
• Self-motivated with strong communication and interpersonal skills,  comfortable with actively engaging with 13-18 year olds in a positive,  consistent manner. 
•  Passionate about tinkering, building, and making things with others.  
• Dependable and punctual; ability to adhere to a regular schedule preferred  
• Commitment to safety and willingness to uphold OMSI rules and procedures.   

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:  

• Experience with creative technologies and tools, including: Adobe Creative Suite, Pro  Tools, Ableton Live, AutoCAD, Scratch/Basic Programming and Coding, Virtual Reality, etc.  
• Experience with arts/crafts including but not limited to: sewing, embroidery, knitting/crochet, drawing,  painting, clay/armature, jewelry making, woodburning, etc.  

Schedule and Support:

• Typical Schedule: The TTC is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 2:30 pm to  6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm -  5:30 pm  
• Minimum hours: 8 hours a month. 4 hours every/other week 
• Attend the following trainings or classes with OMSI: 
• Volunteer Orientation
• Mandatory Reporter 
• Area specific training 
• Supervisor will provide ongoing training on Teen Tech Center equipment and  software during the shifts. 

Volunteer Benefits:

• Participation in an opportunity to provide input and feedback in the  development of a new area of the museum. 
• Training and a lifelong learning experience.  
• Admission for the volunteer to the museum, theater and planetarium shows,  and submarine tours.  
• An OMSI Family Membership upon completion of 50 hours of volunteer  service.  
• Discounts in the OMSI Science Store and on-site restaurants. 
• The opportunity to meet many new people and learn more about OMSI.