Children's Science Instructor/Entertainer

Mad Science of Maine is searching for animated entertainers and educators who would delight in transforming themselves into Mad Scientists to engage youth in the inspiring and spellbinding world of scientific exploration through our themed workshops, shows and birthday parties. Hours are flexible!

Our Mad Scientists run programs throughout Maine and New Hampshire at Schools, Recreation Centers, Libraries, Festivals, Campgrounds, our Portland Lab and Private Homes. A potential Mad Science performer must have experience with elementary school aged kids (grades K-6), be comfortable performing for any size crowd, large (up to 250 people) or small, and be energetic/able to engage with youth at their level.

A science background is not required! And not turned away! Whatever your science experience, we’ll train you on everything you need to know, and you'll bring your unique inner mad scientist to the fun and engaging material.

A theatre or performing background is helpful, but not required.

Shows/events are usually 1 hour long and take anywhere between 40-60 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to cleanup. You must have some flexible availability. We can work around current work schedules for the right person!

Shows can be scheduled during the week or on weekends, at any time of day or in the early evening. Workshops are always a part of the school day. WE ARE ESPECIALLY LOOKING FOR THOSE WITH AVAILABLE HOURS ON WEEKDAY MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS!

Birthday Parties are a combination of a show and hands on activities for small groups of 8-20 children. Birthday Parties take place at the birthday child’s home or at the Mad Science Lab in Portland. They are usually scheduled on the weekends either in the morning or afternoon.

Requirements

• Must have a dependable vehicle with room for science equipment bins.
• Able to travel to different locations in Maine and New Hampshire, up to a 2-3 hour drive from Portland.
• Must have some flexibility in scheduling
• Have a BIG, fun personality. Being goofy is part of what we do!
• MUST LOVE WORKING WITH CHILDREN ages 4-12! Performance or education background helpful, preferably with this age group
• Must always practice Mad Science safety procedures and promote a safe environment overall
• Ability to work independently and represent Mad Science with professionalism
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to improvise and problem solve
• Ability to work with constructive feedback and communicate needs
• Be willing to look silly, make mistakes, try new strategies...be a mad scientist!

Note: We do a criminal background check on all employees.

Education/Certification Requirements:

• College Degree preferred, but not required
• Theater Education or experience desirable, but not required

Benefits

• Party Compensation: $50 - $75 per party depending on length/type of event
• 18 - 20% average Gratuity per birthday party
• Show Compensation: $70-$80 per one-hour show; $45-$50 per one-hour Workshop
• Travel Compensation at .60/mile from Portland lab to destination and back for off-site shows and parties

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Grade school specialties:

• 1st grade
• 2nd grade
• 3rd grade
• 4th grade
• 5th grade
• Kindergarten
• Pre-Kindergarten
• Science

Schedule:

• After school
• Choose your own hours
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• with children: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Portland, ME (Required)

Work Location: On the road