Science Within Reach Summer Internship

Title: Museum Community and Accessibility Outreach Summer Internship

State Role Title: Intern - Paid 89001

Hiring Range: $14.00/hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: 2500 West Broad Street

Agency Website: https://smv.org/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

For some segments of the population, barriers like disability, income, or language can make the Museum experience difficult to navigate. Through the Science within Reach Initiative, the Science Museum of Virginia works with diverse communities to identify their needs and find solutions to break down barriers of access. Museum inclusion means that these guests are able to engage and participate in learning alongside, not segregated from, their classmates, friends, and families and that learning opportunities are presented through a variety of modes, media, and platforms. The Science Museum seeks a bilingual (english and spanish) intern who will assist the Museum in developing and expanding outreach to new and existing Science Within Reach audiences.
Under the leadership of the Community Engagement Coordinator, the intern will audit internal accessibility tools and make recommendations. They will research and attend community cultural events. Most importantly, while helping refresh the Museum's community network database, they will gather information on community needs and produce a meaningful document to inform the Museum's outreach and engagement goals.
All Summer Interns will gain exposure and an insider view of a wide cross-section of museum career opportunities and develop leadership skills as well as hands-on project experience. Internship activities will include meetings with Museum senior leaders, direct work experience, professional development, participation in breakfast club presentations on science and the Museum field, and networking opportunities.
Commitment
This is a paid internship position. Interns will be expected to complete a minimum of 300 hours between Mid-May and Mid-August and will be paid at an hourly rate of $14/hr.
Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their general summer availability during the interview.
If you will be receiving school credit for your internship, your specific program will determine required hours and schedule. Interns must commit to participating in any/all training sessions associated with the position.

Minimum Qualifications

All submissions should include a letter of intent describing your interest in the specific internship, a resume, and two letters of reference. Letters of intent should speak directly to the qualifications listed below.
Interns must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as college undergraduates or graduate students
First generation college students are encouraged to apply
Fluency in both written and verbal Spanish
Candidates should be comfortable finding creative solutions to problems of access and inclusion
Enjoy working with people of all backgrounds - especially guests with disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Blind/Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)
Desire to make informal education accessible to all in a professional and positive way
Prior involvement in building relationships with community members or desire to enhance community engagement skills.
Demonstrate maturity, common sense, flexibility, and reliability
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while following the supervisor's instructions and guidance
Ability to take constructive criticism and feedback well and apply it for the remainder of their internship
Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suites

Additional Considerations

Please note that this is a part-time position and no state benefits are provided.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Candidates with questions can contact Internship Coordinator, Jared Strawderman, at jstrawderman@smv.org or call 804.864.1514.
The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.
The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications at jobs.virginia.gov for all Museum employment opportunities. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to "Your Application" in your RMS Account to check the status for this position. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries, and the Virginia Employment Commission offices. Science Museum Human Resources will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed when applying online, please contact Museum Human Resources at 804-864-1477.
The Science Museum of Virginia seeks motivated people of all backgrounds-we value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities.
EEO/AA
Notice: Museum Human Resources will record information from each new employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Jared Strawderman

Phone: 804-864-1514

Email: jstrawderman@smv.org

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.