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 Camp Operations Assistant is a key part of the Camp Admin Team who provides operational support and materials management across all Camp sites – Meredith Learning Lab, Leander ISD, Pease Park, and potentially others in between these sites. The Camp Operations Assistant must have an eye for detail, creative problem solving skills, effective communication with their team, and the ability to manage time efficiently. The main duty is to ensure that all camp sites and their teams have the materials needed to execute fun, hands-on, STEAM learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage materials and logistics across multiple camp sites, occasionally driving a Thinkery vehicle

• Assess material stock for re-order, coordinating with Camp Admin and the purchasing team to restock as needed

• Ensure safety of participants at the camp location and on field trips and communicate with the team as challenges arise.

• Keep camp supplies organized for the Camp team and for the educators in the camp supply spaces at their sites

• Provide excellent customer service to all Thinkery guests and patrons.

• Documentation of processes as needed

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Days and hours of work are largely Monday through Friday within normal business hours, 8am-5pm.

• Able to work 5 weeks or more Monday-Friday between May 1st and Aug 11th.

• Actively practice Thinkery’s health and safety protocols. Thinkery requires new staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at the time of their on-boarding with exemptions available for medical need.

• Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

• Community Focus: Building strong community relationships and delivering community-centric solutions

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives

• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder

• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (specific list of qualifications that a person needs to perform this specific role)

• Adaptability to problem-solve and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, hands-on STEAM tools such as soldering equipment, circuitry tools (basic), sewing machines, power tools, etc.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from the job site, to arrive by 8:00 and leave by 5:00.

• Must be CPR/First Aid certified or become certified within 1 week of hire (Thinkery will provide training).

  
  

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Reports to Educational Coordinator and Camp Manager

• Supports: Thinkery Camps

• Peer collaboration: Camp Staff, Camp Partners, Thinkery Admin

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience

• Works well in a fast-paced and changing work environment

• Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing operational support in educational setting

• Some college or college degree is a plus

• Bi-lingual Spanish or American Sign Language a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position is very active. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Move throughout the museum

• Manipulate and move exhibit components weighing up to 25 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level

• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.

• Detect and respond to safety hazards

• Occasionally work in outdoor environments

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required. This job description may be updated as needed.

The Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.