Employment
Chabot Space & Science Center is a leader in innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning. Serving as a home for science in Oakland since 1883, Chabot inspires and educates learners of all ages on the Universe and planet Earth.
Chabot is currently embarking on a historic partnership with NASA’s Ames Research Center to create novel learning and career opportunities in our current space renaissance for our community. We are expanding our team of impassioned visionaries to join us in rethinking equitable STEAM education for all.
We offer exciting career opportunities in a team-oriented environment for individuals who like to explore, deliver excellence, and have fun in their work.
Chabot Space & Science Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, diverse and accessible working and learning environment that reflects the communities we serve. It is our policy and practice to consider all qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Current Open Positions
On-Call Visitor Services Associate
This front-line position is responsible for creating a welcoming experience for our guests from the moment they walk in the front door. The ideal candidate is an excellent problem solver and communicator, is collaborative and able to multi-task.
The Visitor Services Associate is expected to demonstrate excellent customer service and professionalism when interacting with guests, staff, and volunteers.
This is an on-call position. The variable schedule includes weekends, evenings, and holidays. The schedule is created a month ahead, but last-minute staffing needs may also arise and be requested.
Volunteer Program Manager
As the Volunteer Program Manager at Chabot Space & Science Center, you will be at the forefront of building and nurturing a thriving community of volunteers passionate about science education and engagement. This pivotal role involves spearheading all aspects of the adult volunteer program, from recruitment to recognition, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for volunteers while advancing the mission of our institution. The Volunteer Program Manager will play a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant team of volunteers who work on the floor, engaging audiences of all ages in hands-on demonstrations, talks, activities, docent tours and more. The position requires a visionary thinker, someone who can develop systems that will meet the needs of the institution and build and foster a cohesive and strong community of volunteers.
Science Education Associate Level I
The primary responsibility of a Science Education Associate is the delivery of science education content including workshops, live science shows and Learning Everywhere / outreach activities in on and off-site locations. It includes set up and clean up but does not include major content design or curriculum development. It is a part-time, seasonal position that collaborates with, and may report to, various departments with initial reporting to the Interim Director of Chabot’s Oakland Space Academy.
Shop Technician
The Shop Technician, reporting directly to the Shop Manager and Director of Exhibits & Design, plays a vital role in the fabrication and maintenance of exhibits at Chabot Space & Science Center. This position involves hands-on work with metal, wood, plastics, AV, and electronics. The Shop Tech works collaboratively with the exhibits team, ensuring the timely and high-quality execution of fabrication tasks. Under the guidance of the Shop Manager, this role contributes to design input, prototyping, and the resolution of maintenance issues of all exhibits and new builds. The Shop Tech also supports the Shop Manager in overseeing shop procedures, safety protocols, and inventory management. The position requires a highly creative, collaborative, motivated individual who is experienced in their skillset and flexible in their approach, welcoming new ideas and experimentation while providing high quality deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
Director of Public Engagement
We are seeking an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the Museum Director of Public Engagement. This role is pivotal in shaping the Center’s relationship with its audience, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring dynamic and inclusive programming that resonates with diverse communities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for public engagement, a keen understanding of audience needs, informal education and a commitment to advancing the Center’s mission through creative programming initiatives. The Director of Public Engagement will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the visitor experience, overseeing the development and implementation of engaging and innovative interpretive strategies that bring science to life for diverse audiences. This position will work with various constituencies to develop an array of programs spanning from exhibit-related interpretation, docent tours, presentations, to theater performances, festivals, and daytime and evening programs. This role will lead the vision and will play an important role in shaping the Center’s activities.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for science education, a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, and a track record of excellence in interpretive programming.
Individual Giving Manager
The Individual Giving Manager is an integral part of the Institutional Advancement team. This is a dynamic and high-energy department of development professionals working in a collaborative environment to inspire support for its annual giving programs and major gifts campaign. The IG Manager works closely with staff, board and volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward significant financial gifts in support of Chabot Space and Science Center. This position reports to the Director of Institutional Advancement.
Workforce Development Program Manager
Under the supervision of the Director of the Oakland Space Academy, the Workforce Development Program Manager leads the science content training programs within the Chabot Space and Science Center. Working closely with the Director of the Oakland Space Academy and the OSA Project Manager, the Workforce Development Program Manager has primary responsibility for the Work Based Learning components of the high school Galaxy Explorer program. GEs represent Chabot Space & Science Center on-site and throughout the Bay Area. They provide live public science demonstrations, explain interactive exhibits, support overall center operations, and provide outreach to the community while developing durable, leadership and career readiness skills. In conjunction with the OSA Project Manager, the Workforce Development Program Manager supervises GEs and GE interns.
Visitor Engagement & Floor Manager
As the Visitor Engagement & Floor Manager at Chabot Space & Science Center, you will play a pivotal role in creating exceptional experiences for our visitors. You will lead a team dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, ensuring that every visitor’s journey through our center is informative, enjoyable, and memorable. This position requires a passion for people, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence in visitor engagement. You will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance visitor satisfaction, manage visitor care staff and volunteers and collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless operations. This role is essential in ensuring a positive and enriching experience for visitors by overseeing daily operations and maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the Center’s public spaces in conjunction with other staff. This position will play a key role in creating a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, a flexible, solution-oriented mindset, and a passion for promoting science education that is equitable, accessible, and fun for all audiences.