Join our team
Sidewalk Science Center is seeking educators, astronomers, scientists, communicators, or anyone interested in sharing their passion for science and education. As an educator with us, you will impact the lives of hundreds of children, teens, and adults every single month. We offer travel and networking opportunities, as well as events with organizations, museums, and other community partners.
As we are still growing and structuring, all positions are on a contracted, at-will basis unless otherwise stated. Hours and work available are dependent on events Sidewalk Science Center is hired to perform for clients. We currently cannot offer regular part-time or full-time hours or benefits.
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer at Sidewalk Science Center on your own schedule. We currently host free SSCs in public parks in the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and St. Pete regions, so there is always an opportunity to meet new people, see new sights, and create new experiences within the local community.
Sidewalk Scientist
As a Sidewalk Scientist, you will teach a range of science experiments, demonstrations, and team-building activities at each Sidewalk Science Center session. On-the-job training provided.
Available Hours: 2-20 hours per month are available for volunteer Sidewalk Scientist positions
Volunteers may also work as paid educators for private & community events; volunteering is not a requirement for paid employment.
Sidewalk Astronomer
As a Sidewalk Astronomer, you will show people the cosmos using telescopes, binoculars, phone apps, interactive displays, and more. You will often work alongside one or two Sidewalk Scientists, who will run experiments and activities alongside your telescope experience. On-the-job training provided. You will operate one of our telescopes if you do not have your own.
Available Hours: 2-20 hours per month are available for volunteer Sidewalk Astronomer positions
Volunteers may also work as paid educators for private & community events; volunteering is not a requirement for paid employment.
Volunteer
Coordinator
This position is on a voluntary basis.
As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will work directly with the Executive Director to create the Sidewalk Science Center free outreach schedule every month, and communicate with SSC volunteers and educators to ensure at least two educators are present at every free event. Training and staff t-shirts are provided.
Responsibilities include:
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Scheduling no fewer than four (4) free SSC outreach sessions each month
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Transporting some or all equipment in your personal vehicle to each session
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Selecting and transporting experiments and/or telescopes to each session
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Disseminating informational materials highlighting SSC at each session
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Checking up-to-date weather forecasts in order to determine if an SSC session should be canceled that day
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Maintaining an accurate count of visitors during each session and reporting data to the Executive Director
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Tracking donations at each session
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Evenly distributing cash tips received
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Recording volunteer hours for educators in their region
Sidewalk Science Center needs reliable Volunteer Coordinators in the following regions:
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Sarasota
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Bradenton
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St. Petersburg
Volunteer Coordinators are expected to schedule no fewer than four (4) SSC outreach sessions per month. Sessions may be held on any day of the week, though some locations have higher traffic on weekends only. SSC volunteers never work alone; pairs and trios are mandatory. Only the Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinators may choose to host an SSC session without other educators present.
Candidates who have experience creating schedules, recruiting and managing volunteers, and preparing reports for data collection will do well in this position. It is a low-stress position, and you will be surrounded by people who are passionate about science and education. Visitors to SSC are highly appreciative of our services, and you will see and feel the impact of your efforts firsthand.
Please apply below if interested in becoming a Volunteer Coordinator with Sidewalk Science Center.
Paid Positions
starting at $30.00/hour, paid twice per month
Paid educators at Sidewalk Science Center work private & community events throughout the month. Many events take place at private residences, scout camps, classrooms, rooftops, and community spaces. Willingness to regularly travel is a MUST, as some events take place as far away as Clearwater (north of Tampa) and Fort Myers (south of Punta Gorda). You will host birthday parties, camp programs, community programs, and more. Travel beyond 25 miles one-way will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.
Educator
As an Educator, you will implement a range of science experiments, projects, and activities during science programming at families' homes, schools, scouts, and other organizations. Preference will be given to educators who are able to present programs during school hours. Travel up to 100 miles one-way required; federal minimum travel reimbursement after 25 miles one-way will be added to regular pay. Receive paid on-the-job training.
Pay Rate: $30.00/hour
Educators may also cross-train as a volunteer at public Sidewalk Science Centers
Astronomer
As an Astronomer, you will guide private & community Astronomy Nights and Hybrid programs. Show people the cosmos using telescopes, binoculars, phone apps, interactive displays, and more. Preference will be given to educators who are able to present programs during school hours. Travel up to 100 miles one-way required; federal minimum travel reimbursement after 25 miles one-way will be added to regular pay. Receive paid on-the-job training.
Pay Rate: $30.00/hour
Educators may also cross-train as a volunteer at public Sidewalk Science Centers