Play & Learning Specialist

Thinkery • Austin, TX

2h • $19 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Play & Learning Specialist (PLS) is Thinkery’s champion of playful STEAM learning! This customer-facing role actively models and promotes play-based STEAM learning on the museum floor, in the makerspace, and during programs. As a model facilitator and mentor, the PLS ensures every guest enjoys a high-quality, engaging, and welcoming experience. Must have strong alignment with Thinkery's core values of playfulness, collaboration, innovation, and belonging. By fostering positive, joyful interactions, the PLS contributes to a culturally fluent environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and exploration for all guests.

Requirements

• Must be playful, with a sense of humor desired.
• Comfortable speaking and singing in public.
• Able to problem-solve and react positively to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, varied, and demanding work environment.
• Confident in facilitating activities with small or large groups of guests of different ages.
• Able to work independently, identifying needs and executing solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening and comprehension.
• Must be hands-on, team-oriented, and attentive to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with others, including providing constructive feedback.
• Comfortable taking initiative and offering guidance to colleagues and leadership when necessary.
• Community Focus: Building strong community relationships and delivering community-centric solutions.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery’s work.
• Creates Connection: Building engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests promoting a welcoming environment for all.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Considerable personal or professional experience with making or tinkering
• Experience working or volunteering in a busy, loud, public-facing environment, i.e. museums, food service, retail, etc.
• 3+ Years of experience facilitating learning experiences with children and/or families

Nice To Haves

• a STEAM-related associate or bachelor's degree preferred
• Spanish fluency preferred, knowledge of ASL a plus

Responsibilities

• Model Play-Based STEAM Learning: Exemplify Thinkery’s approach to play-based STEAM learning by engaging with museum guests—both children and adults—from diverse backgrounds with a playful, energetic, friendly, positive, and professional demeanor.
• Mentor and Inspire Staff: Serve as a role model for Museum Experience staff by demonstrating effective facilitation techniques and playful learning approaches. Encourage and support staff during pre/post shift meetings and offer in-the-moment guidance and redirection, while collaborating with coordinators and managers to help staff reach their full potential.
• Engage with Caregivers: Actively interact with caregivers of young guests, discussing their child’s learning experiences and sharing relevant resources to support continued learning at home.
• Proactively Enhance Joyful Learning Experiences: Assess daily guest needs and make immediate decisions about programming and materials to create joyful and engaging learning experiences for all Thinkery guests. Provide the highest level of customer service and model exemplary service behaviors for all staff.
• Ensure Safety and Welcome: Maintain a safe, welcoming environment by upholding museum policies and procedures.
• Facilitate Clear Communication: Act as a direct link between administrative and floor staff, effectively sharing programming details, policy updates, changes, upcoming events, and opportunities to ensure seamless operations.
• Resolve Guest Issues Promptly: Address and resolve guest issues, collaborating with relevant teams to ensure effective solutions to reduce customer effort.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with all Thinkery Experience teammates to meet the organization’s daily, weekly, and quarterly goals, ensuring a cohesive and successful museum experience.
• Model Core Values: Model and promote the museum’s core values, emphasizing playfulness and belonging.

Benefits

• Medical insurance options, including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision coverage
• 100% employer-sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and life insurance
• Two weeks of paid vacation, four weeks of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Pet-friendly offices

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED