Work at WonderLab

The people who work at WonderLab are the museum’s most valuable asset, and we are committed to maintaining a positive and enjoyable work environment in which teamwork and open communication are fostered. WonderLab is proud and privileged to have a superb team of dedicated, creative, and talented individuals who together provide visitors with the highest quality experience possible.

WonderLab offers year-round salaried and hourly employment with benefits, as well as seasonal jobs, in a smoke-free and drug-free environment. The museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available.

Looking for an internship? Learn more about WonderLab’s high school internships and college student internships.

Full-time Positions

Position Title: Education Outreach Specialist

Purpose: Join the Education Department Team to expand WonderLab’s educational outreach programs over the next three years. Plan, coordinate, and implement developmentally appropriate STEM learning experiences for groups of children and adults. This position will specifically focus on reaching traditionally underserved communities and working directly with partnership groups to co-develop meaningful programs and activities based on needs and interests. Your efforts will contribute to the proposed outcome of increasing STEM enrichment for underserved populations, fostering positive associations with STEM learning and enhancing science identity among participants. You will embody the WonderLab commitment to building curious and creative problem solvers inspired by the wonder of science.

Reports To: Education Manager

Status: Full-Time, (40 hrs per week) grant funded for three years, typical work week includes some Saturdays and Sundays depending on scheduled outreaches (Fair Labor Standards Act category: “non-exempt“)

Start Date: January 2024

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Benefits: Full WonderLab benefits. Paid holidays and paid leave. Health, vision and dental insurance benefits are available. Staff retirement plan and Sams Club Membership planned for 2024. WonderLab provides life insurance, long-term disability insurance, WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level and a 20% discount in the gift store. Training opportunities may include: Red Cross Certification, Altru Blackbaud data systems and other opportunities through membership in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and LinkedIn Learning.

Key Responsibility Area: Plan, Create and Maintain Community Partnerships

  • Identify potential community organizations that may benefit from WonderLab outreach programming.
  • Make connections with above community organizations and maintain those relationships to foster community partnerships throughout south-central Indiana.
  • Become the contact person for new community partners formed through the grant.
  • Recommend new outreach programs and opportunities based on these partnerships.

Key Responsibility Area: Work with Outreach Interns

  • Recruit, train and support two outreach interns per semester.
  • Work as a team to deliver scheduled outreach programs, design new programs and delegate tasks.

Key Responsibility Area: Other

  • Support grant reporting for outreach programs.
  • One museum gallery floor shift per week, as scheduled.
  • Support delivery of Science Labs and Demos in the museum when needed.
  • Comply with all administrative policies and procedures described in the employee handbook.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings, including emergency training procedures.
  • Support WonderLab’s DEIA focused initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

  • Internal – Maintain close communication with Education Managers, Education Director, Museum Experience team members; Volunteer Coordinator, and Marketing Director as needed.
  • External – Maintain positive working relationships with museum visitors, museum volunteers, community partners, and outreach clients.

Qualifications

  • Four-year college degree with strong academic background in science required, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working with children and families.
  • Experience and confidence in public speaking.
  • Experience developing and leading educational programs.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Collaborative and team-oriented with a self-directed and professional attitude.
  • Willing to be a good public representative of WonderLab.
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with diverse populations especially should apply.
  • Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and meet deadlines.
  • Physical ability and willingness to drive a vehicle to and from events, function independently at outreach programs, lift 30 pounds, and stand for up to 3 hours at a time with infrequent breaks.
  • Red Cross certification in CPR and First Aid, or willingness to become certified.
  • Current driver’s license and good driving record.
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the US.
  • Contact information for two professional references.
  • Two professional reference letters from supervisors or work colleagues.

Download a pdf copy of this job description: WonderLab Education Outreach Specialist

To Apply: Complete the WonderLab Job Application on-line: https://wonderlab.org/wonderlab-job-application/

The application must include a cover letter, a resume. Select candidates will be invited to submit two (2) letters of reference mailed directly to the address below or emailed to museumeducator@wonderlab.org.

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Attn: Jessica McKinney, Museum Educator
P.O. Box 996
Bloomington, IN  47402

Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.  Position is open until filled. All employees are subject to a criminal background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Can’t check off every requirement listed above? Please apply anyway! WonderLab is dedicated to building an inclusive team with a wide variety of experiences and skill sets. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

WonderLab strives to provide a welcoming educational space and is founded on values of inclusion and access. WonderLab is committed to creating a diverse museum environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers diverse skill sets and experiences among applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

Part-time Positions

There are no Part-time positions available at this time.

Seasonal Positions

Position: WonderCamp Safety and Recreation Coordinator

Position Purpose: WonderCamp’s purpose is to introduce children (grades K-8) to the process of scientific inquiry in a fun, relaxed setting. The person in this position will be involved in all aspects of camp. WonderCamp is held at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, the Goat Conspiracy farm, Indiana University Research and Training Preserve, Kent Farm, and University Elementary School. The person in this position will work at all camp locations.

Reports To: WonderCamp Director

Status: Temporary, Part- to Full-Time (approximately 400 – 500 total hours). (Fair Labor Standards Act category: “non-exempt”)

Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour

Employment Period: May 7, 2024 through July 27, 2024

Benefits: WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in the Gift Store­­­­­

Key Responsibilities:

  • Set up indoor recess if needed.
  • Update the WonderCamp Safety and Emergency Action Plan, as needed.
  • Plan and implement recycling and composting systems and incorporate “teachable moments.”
  • Maintain a safe environment, resolve conflicts and encourage positive interactions among campers and high school interns.
  • Organize, pack and deliver materials and supplies for camps.
  • Assist in setting up, preparing, and organizing materials at the camp locations.
  • Serve as teacher support person during camp.
  • Help supervise, mentor and evaluate high school interns at assigned camp locations.
  • Oversee lunch and playground activities and ensure campers and interns know what is expected of them during lunch and recess.
  • Assist camp teachers with activities during camp sessions, as needed.
  • Supervise outdoor activities of campers on the playground and nature area, as needed.
  • Assist in weekly camp change outs and Friday tear down.
  • Communicate closely with the WonderCamp High School Intern Coordinator to track and document performance and report on their interactions with campers, teachers and staff.
  • Comply with all administrative policies and procedures described in the WonderLab Employee Handbook.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Primary Relationships:

  • Internal: Maintain close communication with WonderCamp Director, WonderCamp Assistant Director, and WonderCamp High School Intern Coordinator.
  • External: Maintain positive working relationships with teachers, campers and their caregivers, and high school interns.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent communicator.
  • Enthusiastic, willing to learn, highly accountable.
  • Reliable, with a strong work ethic.
  • Comfort/experience working with children, teens, and adults.
  • Excellent organizational, oral and written skills.
  • Post high school degree program in progress, with science and/or museum studies, tourism, education or related coursework preferred.
  • Reliable transportation.
  • Physical capability to sit, stand, walk and wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth for extended periods of time.
  • Red Cross certification in CPR and first aid or willingness to become certified.
  • Available to work May 7  through July 27. (Exception: there are no camps July 1-5)
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the US.
  • Contact information for three references and one letter of recommendation.

Read / download the full WonderCamp Safety and Recreation Coordinator Job Description here.

To Apply:

Fill out the WonderLab Job Application: https://wonderlab.org/wonderlab-job-application/
The form may be completed and submitted online or mailed to the address below. The application must also include a cover letter and resume. Send recommendation letters directly to colleen@wonderlab.org or mail to the address below:

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
WonderCamp High School Intern Coordinator Search Committee
Attn: Colleen Couper
P.O. Box 996; 308 West 4th Street
Bloomington, IN  47402

Questions: Colleen Couper colleen@wonderlab.org 812-337-1337 ext 224

Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Position is open until filled. All employees are subject to a criminal background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Can’t check off every requirement listed above? Please apply anyway! WonderLab is dedicated to building an inclusive team with a wide variety of experiences and skill sets. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

WonderLab strives to provide a welcoming educational space and is founded on values of inclusion and access. WonderLab is committed to creating a diverse museum environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers diverse skill sets and experiences among applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

Position: WonderCamp Safety and Recreation Coordinator

Position Purpose:  The WonderCamp Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing one or more WonderCamp sessions; including classroom management of campers, providing engaging educational activities and ensuring camper safety in the classroom and other school areas. Camps serve students entering grades K-8.

WonderCamp’s purpose is to introduce children to the process of scientific inquiry in a fun, relaxed setting. Children will explore, observe, test, measure, design and discover. Children may learn scientific concepts new to them, but the camp focus is on the childhood work of play and science skills of curiosity, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Camp sessions take place in air-conditioned facilities when this is possible, and outdoors on school or other location grounds. Health and safety are WonderCamp priorities; as we near summer 2023 camp sessions, we will evaluate any COVID-related concerns and plan or adapt accordingly. Many 2023 camps will be held in outdoor settings, with available shelter for inclement weather.

All camps involve extensive hands-on activities. The Camp Teacher leads each camp, with help from trained high school interns. A maximum of 21 children are enrolled per camp. The WonderCamp Director and four college administrative interns provide on-site support during the camp week.

Reports To: WonderCamp Director. The WonderCamp Teacher works closely with a team that also includes the Education Director and other Education Departmernt staff, Camp Director Assistants, Camp Intern Coordinator and High School Camp Interns. Camp Teachers directly supervise 4-5 high-school Camp Interns assigned to each camp session.

Status: Part time temporary, 42.5 teaching hours per camp session. Each 5-day camp session is 8.5 hours per day (8 am – 4:30 pm with 30-minute lunch break), Monday-Friday. Teachers may teach one or more sessions.

Compensation: $850 ($900 for returning teachers) per week. This includes camp session hours as well as teacher prep time and camp-related meetings.

Camp Dates: 

  • June 3 -7
  • June 10-14
  • June 17-21
  • June 24 -28
  • No camps July 1-5
  • July 8-12
  • July 15-19
  • July 22-26

Camp Locations: Planned Locations are: University Elementary School; Kent Farm Banding Station; Hilltop Gardens and Nature Center; Goat Conspiracy Farm;. IU School of Education. Other offsite locations may be included.

Benefits: WonderLab membership (dual or basic family level); 50% camp fee discount for child of teacher registered for camp session or sessions equal to the number taught by parent.

Key Responsibility Area: Plan and implement select WonderCamp sessions. Preliminary camp topics include science and art, engineering, gardening, math, physics, nature and the environment, storybook science, goats, bird research, STEAM.

  • Work with WonderLab education staff to plan an age-appropriate, fun and exciting week-long camp curriculum using hands-on activities that encourage the development of scientific inquiry skills through curiosity, creativity and problem-solving. Teachers will have access to prior WonderCamp curricula and lesson plans, curriculum support from WonderLab Education Department and an extensive supply inventory.
  • Submit lesson plans and/or materials lists in advance of camp, by specified deadlines, to the Camp and Education Department. WonderLab staff will purchase all necessary materials and set them up in the camp classroom.
  • Provide camp session information by deadline as needed to WonderCamp Director.
  • Meet with WonderCamp Director in advance of camp to go over camp philosophy, camp procedures, health and safety guidelines and session planning.
  • Attend mandatory teacher registration meetings at WonderLab in person (March / April).
  • During camp sessions, implement all aspects of the camp curriculum to provide an outstanding camper experience, both educationally and socially.
  • Provide quality camp classroom management. As needed, seek the assistance of WonderCamp Director for discipline, support or safety concerns and Education Department staff for child development concerns.
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment for all campers throughout the session, in the classroom, other areas of the school and outdoors.
  • Supervise and involve high-school Interns with camp activities in a positive and productive manner that provides an outstanding experience for campers and interns. Assist with recess camper supervision, as necessary.
  • Follow general camp schedules and procedures.

Key Responsibility Area: Assist with evaluation of WonderCamp program.

  • Provide a brief written evaluation of each high school Camp Intern as assigned (form provided).
  • Provide a brief written evaluation of your Camp Teacher experience (form provided).

Primary Relationships:

  • Internal: Maintain close communications with WonderCamp Director, Education Specialist, Senior Education Manager, Camp Director’s Assistant, High School Intern Coordinator, and other College Interns.
  • External: Maintain positive working relationships with other Camp teachers, Camp Interns, campers and families.

Qualifications:

  • Three years classroom teaching experience, or equivalent; experience in informal educational settings preferred.
  • Educational background, or equivalent experience, in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
  • Experience in leadership or collaboration.
  • Experience working with youth and/or families.
  • Friendly, professional and positive attitude; ability to work effectively with a variety of people.
  • Physical ability to manage a classroom of 21 children in both indoor and outdoor environments, withstand summer heat outdoors, and potentially wear a mask for extended periods.
  • Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an antiracist culture in WonderLab, and to antiracist principles and education
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the US.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to program locations.
  • Three reference contacts.

Read / download the full WonderCamp Teacher Job Description here.

To Apply:

Fill out the WonderLab Job Application: https://wonderlab.org/wonderlab-job-application/
The form may be completed and submitted online or mailed to the address below. The application must also include a cover letter and resume. Send recommendation letters directly to colleen@wonderlab.org or mail to the address below:

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Attn: Colleen Couper, Camp Director
P.O. Box 996; 308 West 4th Street
Bloomington, IN  47402

Questions: Colleen Couper colleen@wonderlab.org 812-337-1337 ext 224

Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Position is open until filled. All employees are subject to a criminal background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Can’t check off every requirement listed above? Please apply anyway! WonderLab is dedicated to building an inclusive team with a wide variety of experiences and skill sets. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

WonderLab strives to provide a welcoming educational space and is founded on values of inclusion and access. WonderLab is committed to creating a diverse museum environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers diverse skill sets and experiences among applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.