Museum Engagement Intern - Lab Experiences

OMSI•Portland, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum Engagement Intern - Lab Experiences will support the Museum Engagement Team in developing and delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences for museum visitors. This internship provides an opportunity to gain experience in science communication, informal education, and museum programming. Interns will collaborate with staff to create activities, lead demonstrations, and interact with diverse audiences in a dynamic learning environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with Creating Inclusive, Hands-On Learning Experiences – Support development of interactive science activities and demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, educational, and fun. Support museum educators in planning and testing new educational activities. Project Work for this position will focus on: content development for activities and demonstrations in the museum exhibit halls and labs Collaborate with Staff and Fellow Interns – Work as part of a team to improve activities, share ideas, and refine presentation techniques based on feedback and visitor interactions. Grow as a Science Communicator – Develop confidence in presenting demonstrations, leading discussions, and making complex science concepts accessible and engaging for visitors. Participate in training and skill building workshops to build entry level customer service and science communication skills. Foster a Welcoming Environment – Interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring they feel valued, included, and encouraged to explore and ask questions. Acquire and maintain basic knowledge of museum policies, procedures, and practices. Answer general museum questions and provide wayfinding information. Provide hands-on and engaging activities, demonstrations, and conversations (with staff support). Support Exhibit Interpretation – Help visitors engage with museum exhibits and activities by providing additional context, encouraging hands-on exploration, and making science concepts more accessible.

Requirements

Talking with People – Enjoys explaining ideas in a clear and friendly way, feels comfortable speaking with small groups, and likes helping visitors of all ages learn something new.
Working with Others – Can collaborate with staff and other interns, is open to feedback, and is flexible when things change or need improvement.
Being Creative & Hands-On – Likes trying out fun, interactive activities using simple materials and enjoys experimenting to make things more interesting for visitors.
Staying Responsible & Taking Initiative – Can manage time, follow through on tasks, and work independently while also being a helpful team member.
Being Curious & Welcoming – Has an interest in education, science, museums, or helping the community and wants to create a space where everyone feels included.
Must be between 16 - 20 years of age
Must be a participant of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways Program.
Pre-employment checks, such as a criminal background check and reference checks.

Responsibilities

Assist with Creating Inclusive, Hands-On Learning Experiences
Support development of interactive science activities and demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, educational, and fun.
Support museum educators in planning and testing new educational activities.
content development for activities and demonstrations in the museum exhibit halls and labs
Collaborate with Staff and Fellow Interns
Work as part of a team to improve activities, share ideas, and refine presentation techniques based on feedback and visitor interactions.
Grow as a Science Communicator
Develop confidence in presenting demonstrations, leading discussions, and making complex science concepts accessible and engaging for visitors.
Participate in training and skill building workshops to build entry level customer service and science communication skills.
Foster a Welcoming Environment
Interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring they feel valued, included, and encouraged to explore and ask questions.
Acquire and maintain basic knowledge of museum policies, procedures, and practices.
Answer general museum questions and provide wayfinding information.
Provide hands-on and engaging activities, demonstrations, and conversations (with staff support).
Support Exhibit Interpretation
Help visitors engage with museum exhibits and activities by providing additional context, encouraging hands-on exploration, and making science concepts more accessible.