We are an interactive, hands-on science museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love of learning and an appreciation for the world and our place in it.
Our non-profit is located in downtown Springfield and in 2006 completed a LEED gold certified expansion, bringing our current total exhibit space to 50,000 square feet. Discovery Center is a major attraction for the Springfield area and an educational resource for parents and schools throughout the region.
Schedule is negotiable and will be determined by intern and Discovery Center Supervisor. All internships are unpaid. Please apply by completing the following application:
ChromoZone Lab Intern
To aide supervisor and CZ staff in the following areas:.
Responsibilities:
- cleaning – wiping down exhibits, taking out trash, washing lab supplies, other as-needed tasks
- maintenance – using lab materials and techniques for upkeep of gallery and visitor lab (receive specialized training)
- visitor interaction – facilitation of gallery and lab to convey science concepts and experiment stations (receive specialized training)
- project – goal could include reseach gathering and documentation, material collection and testing, etc. (to be customized based on student interests & skill sets)
Exhibit Designer Intern
Join our creative Exhibit Technician to develop exhibits and repair current displays. The intern should expect to learn all facets of developing science center exhibits from brainstorming initial plans to the completed on-floor exhibit. Interns are expected to have excellent interpersonal skills. Interns should possess good verbal communications skills and close attention to detail. It is important for all applicants to have an interest in informal education and some experience working with children or with a wide range of ages.
Responsibilities:
- Improve productivity by performing ergonomic evaluations, time studies, simulation, and line balancing on current exhibits.
- Study and improve exhibit safety
- Cost analysis
- Taking exhibit and supplies inventory
- Materials inspection
- Quality control
- Other duties as assigned
Facilitator Intern
Ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be enthusiastic about working with children and families in group and individual settings. Knowledge of basic science is helpful.
Responsibilities:
- Support visitor experiences throughout the Center by exhibit interpretation, facilitating interactive learning, aiding hands-on learning experiences, and assisting in large group presentations.
- The Center’s informal learning environment provides experiences, largely self-directed, that are enhanced by staff abilities to stimulate interest and help facilitate engagement in active science exploration using gallery exhibits, tabletop activities and demonstrations. Inquiry-based interaction is a key visitor contact strategy.
- Other duties as assigned
Graphic Design Intern
This internship will give the intern valuable real-world experience in print and web design.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in designing ads for various publications, signage for exhibits, designs for fundraising events, etc.
- Weekly updates to the Center’s Web site
- Assist in designing programs for Center activities
- Research other Science Centers with successful branding or design systems
- Assist in brainstorming concepts for upcoming projects
- Other duties as assigned
Marketing/Communication Intern
This intern should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in various aspects of marketing. Must be cordial and have a strong customer-service orientation. Poised and well-groomed, professional appearance and demeanor. Self-directed, well-developed interpersonal skills, organized, willing to assume leadership role on projects, dependable, possess excellent telephone skills, proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, pay close attention to detail and have advanced writing skills.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the creation of signage, circulars, mock ups, e-mail campaigns, on line promotion, etc.
- Assist with fulfillment of marketing offers
- Assist with execution of fundraising events and promotional events
- Make fundraising asks for sponsorships and individual donations to area businesses and individuals
- Perform analysis of marketing and sales data
- Seek and analyze competitor marketing and sales materials both on and offline
- Prepare presentations
- Enter information into contact management systems
- Provide support to social media efforts
- Maintain tracking report of public relations activity
- Initiate outreach for group sales and following up with additional communication with direction from the Marketing Director
- Assist with Public Relations opportunities – may require accompanying guests to television and radio media appearances, assisting at onsite media and promotional events, staffing onsite film and exhibition previews, etc.
- Manage and track DCS promotional collateral distribution to offsite locations, includes tracking the redemption of promotional collateral redeemed
- Manage and update media (print, digital, TV, radio, etc.) rates, demographics, circulation and opportunities for current and future planning
- Manage and update the current list for sales and content contacts at local papers, journals, TV stations, etc.
- Research and write DCS media advisories and news releases as instructed
- Maintain DCS presence in local calendar listings (print and online)
- Make pitch calls to local media outlets about DCS events and other news
- Create, edit, distribute and maintain on-site and off-site marketing and promotional needs as instructed
- Represent the DCS by participating in event marketing on and off site
- Greet guests and visitors
- Other duties as assigned
Science Demonstration Assistant
Must possess an understanding of physical and/or life science, be a self-starter capable of researching and working independently, be able to work cooperatively with other staff members, be organized, and be creative. Must be enthusiastic and possess excellent interpersonal skills and be capable of attracting and engaging an audience for a large-scale demonstration.
Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with the preparation and presentation of Amazing Science Demonstrations
- Support Science Demonstrations by assisting with behind-the-scenes duties including inventory and ordering of materials
- Present Science Demonstrations with a focus on enthusiastic, exciting, engaging, and educational show presentation in a timely fashion
- Research and develop Science Demonstrations, including…
- Research topic for science demonstration
- Determine materials needs and costs associated with the demonstration
- Practice demonstration and develop written training materials
- Train staff members on the presentation of the science demonstration
- Assist in the evaluation of demonstrators and demonstrations
- Assist in training staff members to do Science Demonstrations
Social Media Intern
Strong knowledge and understanding of the digital media landscape, including various social media websites is required.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to website project in various ways
- Monitor and post on blogs, forums, and social networks
- Online outreach and promotion using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more
- Website and social media optimization
- Keyword analysis
- Cost/benefit analysis
- Other duties as assigned