Team Lead, Live Science Connections

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.

Position Overview

Spark is currently recruiting for a temporary hourly contract Team Lead of the Live Science Connections team. The Lead, Live Science Connections reports directly to the Manager, Interpretive Science Connections. This role will be a key contributor to the guest experience at Spark by leading the team that creates and delivers engaging, world-class, science-based entertainment and interpretation to guests. They actively demonstrate creativity, collaboration, flexibility, and exceptional engagement in every aspect of their work at Spark. As Interim Team Lead, Live Science Connections, you will lead the development and delivery of engaging, quirky, science-based interpretive programming in the Inspiration Stage and throughout Spark's galleries. You will work as part of the Live Science Connections leadership team to aide in the creation of live science experiences, support delivery of custom programming for events, and any activations that may be asked for to support and enhance Guest Experience throughout the science centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Live Science Connection team as the main point of contact during operating hours, as well as assisting with any issues and changes that occur on a daily basis, including covering programming blocks where needed.
• Perform administrative tasks including the populating and updating of the master calendar and creation of daily schedules
• Participate in the planning of the programming development calendar, and support staff on a 1:1 basis with their individual project and development timelines.
• Support the Manager, Interpretive Science Connections with the continued development of experiment, process, and programming documentation and structure.
• Deliver ground-breaking STEAM experiences, including live performances in the Inspiration Stage, Infinity Dome Live Planetarium shows, Atrium programming, gallery activations as needed, any social media asks, potential offsite programming for Flint the robot dog, and custom programming for events.
• Quantify the guest experience of STEAM experiences through the collection of guest surveys and number of guest interactions, including data entry of surveys for group review.
• Keep up to date on Spark programming, initiatives, membership offerings, and promotions.
• Work collaboratively with other Spark teams to meet objectives, creatively solve issues, and anticipate challenges.
• Ensure all elements of the guest journey are held to the highest standard.
• Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with business and strategic goals of Spark.
• Maintain a safe teaching and learning environment for staff and our guests by following relevant Health and Safety policies.
• Model high performance, flexibility, and kindness in a rapidly changing growth environment.
• Other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Experience in the sciences, education programming, interpretation, theatre, music, and/or relevant equivalents
• A valid class 5 drivers license with a clear driver’s abstract is required; as offsite program materials acquisition is a function of this role and offsite program delivery may be occasionally required.
• Experience in the museum and/or tourism industries are an asset.
• A minimum of one year’s experience in science communication, public speaking, and/or engaging diverse audiences.
• Experience as a creative ambassador for science who uses the arts to connect through science.
• An enthusiasm for science, technology, and STEAM.
• A passion for creating an amazing guest experience, regularly going above and beyond to create memorable, exciting experiences for guests.
• A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s culture and initiatives.
• A positive attitude!
• Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential.
• A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

Closing Date: Open until the right candidate is found

Please be aware, this role is in a dynamic, guest-facing environment that can be lively and energetic, with frequent interactions with children and families. Candidates should be comfortable working in a setting with high noise levels and sensory stimulation.

Hourly rate: $23

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role please apply! An excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person