Employment at SPI
Job Title: Visitor Experience Associate (PT)
(NOTE: All positions are currently filled - but applicants interested in future openings may complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Visitor Experience Associate - Part Time (5-20 hours per week, as discussed and arranged and in accordance with SPI's scheduling needs at the time of application and applicant schedule restrictions.)
Position Overview:
Employees in this role are the first to welcome participants to our play-based learning space. They set the tone that it is going to be a fun visit and that our staff is glad they are here!
Responsibilities include:
Those with experience and/or interest in program development will be invited to research, propose, and assist in the facilitation of new ideas.
This position is for 10-20 hours per week, scheduled in accordance with SPI's needs and applicant availability, as discussed during applicant interviews. Currently, we need staff members with availability on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to engage with drop-in visitors during public hours. Our shifts usually require a minimum of two team members in this role, working together from either 8:30 a.m. to 1 pm. or from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. OR covering a double shift which spans the whole timeframe of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with a half hour break for lunch). Some Wednesday hours may be required for scheduled field trips, and - to accomodate occasional birthday party requests - some afternoon shifts on a Saturday will extend to 7 pm.
Requirements:
When things are slower at the front desk (i.e. when two associates are not needed for visitor processing) team members in this role are expected to spend some time circulating to observe and encourage play, demonstrate how activities work, ask open-ended questions or put forth open-ended prompts to spark curiosity, etc. They serve as an ambassador of our organization and are expected to infuse energy and positivity into the space.
This job requires tidying throughout shift (wiping down/swapping out of frequently touched/used items and surfaces, resetting of tools/toys so that they are ready for use by new participants) and end-of-shift cleaning and sanitizing duties.
Activity materials and cleaning supplies must at times be retrieved or put away in our basement which does not have elevator access. We have climbing areas for kids which periodically need some attention and cleaning and these must be accessed by standing on a step stool/ladder (or by getting into the structure). Some lifting and moving of materials (e.g. packages of paper towels, bottles of cleaner, boxes of learning materials) is required. Applicants should expect that some standing, bending, walking, stretching, climbing, or navigating stairs will be required at various times to attend to the job responsibilities.
Currently, SPI Spot (pronounced "Spy Spot") is open to the public on a reduced schedule from pre-COVID operational hours, but these may be subject to change over time. Managers will consult with staff to ensure that the availability of associates is factored into the schedule if/when this occurs.
Applicants will be considered for this position ONLY IF they complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Do not apply in person.
Benefits: Work in a positive and playful environment with fair scheduling expectations and encouraging/collaborative managers and colleagues; free family membership to SPI for your children, grandchildren, or younger siblings to enjoy (this also enables FREE admission to hundreds of ASTC member organizations nationwide (including COSI) and 50% off admission to The Works in Newark); five paid holidays and some other holiday time off (unpaid); snack and beverage perks; periodic merit-based employee incentives to support organizational goals.
Other info: Employees may not bring children to work during their scheduled shifts. Weekend shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given week. Employees may not bring children to work during their scheduled shifts. Some Saturday shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given week; co-workers also offer shifts to each other and make reciprocal arrangements as needed to accommodate individual desires for more or fewer hours in a given week.
Know before you apply:
SPI staff are expected - per board policy - to be up to date on standard vaccines including against COVID-19 . This is in alignment with CDC recommendations. Currently, masks are not required for staff or visitors to our center. This is subject to change in accordance with community risk factors as indicated by the CDC for COVID or other public health concerns. Note that it is an organizational value to align with CDC recommendations for the sake of public health. It is also a detriment to our ability to staff our space for scheduled shifts if employees are not protected from the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. Job applicants who indicate that they've chosen not to vaccinate against COVID-19 (or who are opposed to masking indoors as a public health measure in times of community spread or in the event of known exposure) will not be invited to interview. Qualified applicants who are offered a position should expect to provide documentation of prior vaccination against COVID-19.
(NOTE: All positions are currently filled - but applicants interested in future openings may complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Visitor Experience Associate - Part Time (5-20 hours per week, as discussed and arranged and in accordance with SPI's scheduling needs at the time of application and applicant schedule restrictions.)
Position Overview:
Employees in this role are the first to welcome participants to our play-based learning space. They set the tone that it is going to be a fun visit and that our staff is glad they are here!
Responsibilities include:
- Greet and welcome guests,
- Process admission payments,
- Enter visitor data into database,
- Maintain a clean and inviting space for children and families,
- Answer basic questions about our organization and/or direct inquiries to more knowledgeable, senior team members,
- Assist program associates with activity set-up as needed/requested,
- Recognize kids' pro-social behavior while playing in our space (with compliments, rewards)
- Other duties as assigned.
Those with experience and/or interest in program development will be invited to research, propose, and assist in the facilitation of new ideas.
This position is for 10-20 hours per week, scheduled in accordance with SPI's needs and applicant availability, as discussed during applicant interviews. Currently, we need staff members with availability on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to engage with drop-in visitors during public hours. Our shifts usually require a minimum of two team members in this role, working together from either 8:30 a.m. to 1 pm. or from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. OR covering a double shift which spans the whole timeframe of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with a half hour break for lunch). Some Wednesday hours may be required for scheduled field trips, and - to accomodate occasional birthday party requests - some afternoon shifts on a Saturday will extend to 7 pm.
Requirements:
- Customer service mindset and experience - enjoys interacting with children and families.
- Basic proficiency and comfort with computers - to the extent of being able to enter data into a program once trained on procedures, send and read emails, find information online, etc.
- Ability to maintain positive relationships with other staff members.
When things are slower at the front desk (i.e. when two associates are not needed for visitor processing) team members in this role are expected to spend some time circulating to observe and encourage play, demonstrate how activities work, ask open-ended questions or put forth open-ended prompts to spark curiosity, etc. They serve as an ambassador of our organization and are expected to infuse energy and positivity into the space.
This job requires tidying throughout shift (wiping down/swapping out of frequently touched/used items and surfaces, resetting of tools/toys so that they are ready for use by new participants) and end-of-shift cleaning and sanitizing duties.
Activity materials and cleaning supplies must at times be retrieved or put away in our basement which does not have elevator access. We have climbing areas for kids which periodically need some attention and cleaning and these must be accessed by standing on a step stool/ladder (or by getting into the structure). Some lifting and moving of materials (e.g. packages of paper towels, bottles of cleaner, boxes of learning materials) is required. Applicants should expect that some standing, bending, walking, stretching, climbing, or navigating stairs will be required at various times to attend to the job responsibilities.
Currently, SPI Spot (pronounced "Spy Spot") is open to the public on a reduced schedule from pre-COVID operational hours, but these may be subject to change over time. Managers will consult with staff to ensure that the availability of associates is factored into the schedule if/when this occurs.
Applicants will be considered for this position ONLY IF they complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Do not apply in person.
Benefits: Work in a positive and playful environment with fair scheduling expectations and encouraging/collaborative managers and colleagues; free family membership to SPI for your children, grandchildren, or younger siblings to enjoy (this also enables FREE admission to hundreds of ASTC member organizations nationwide (including COSI) and 50% off admission to The Works in Newark); five paid holidays and some other holiday time off (unpaid); snack and beverage perks; periodic merit-based employee incentives to support organizational goals.
Other info: Employees may not bring children to work during their scheduled shifts. Weekend shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given week. Employees may not bring children to work during their scheduled shifts. Some Saturday shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given week; co-workers also offer shifts to each other and make reciprocal arrangements as needed to accommodate individual desires for more or fewer hours in a given week.
Know before you apply:
SPI staff are expected - per board policy - to be up to date on standard vaccines including against COVID-19 . This is in alignment with CDC recommendations. Currently, masks are not required for staff or visitors to our center. This is subject to change in accordance with community risk factors as indicated by the CDC for COVID or other public health concerns. Note that it is an organizational value to align with CDC recommendations for the sake of public health. It is also a detriment to our ability to staff our space for scheduled shifts if employees are not protected from the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. Job applicants who indicate that they've chosen not to vaccinate against COVID-19 (or who are opposed to masking indoors as a public health measure in times of community spread or in the event of known exposure) will not be invited to interview. Qualified applicants who are offered a position should expect to provide documentation of prior vaccination against COVID-19.