Fast Facts

The High School Explainer: PACE Program offers museum work experience to teens ages 18-21, promoting learning in a dynamic environment. Participants engage with visitors through science demos and assist in exhibits, while receiving paid training and networking opportunities.

Responsibilities: Responsibilities include assisting with exhibit maintenance, engaging visitors in educational demonstrations, troubleshooting exhibits, and providing support to visitors with special needs.

Skills: Independent working, reliability, and punctuality are required skills; experience with customer interactions and science is a plus.

Qualifications: Candidates must be between 18-21 years old; prior experience is not mandatory, but enthusiasm for science and arts is desired. Must attend training and commit to scheduled work hours.

Location: San Francisco, CA

Compensation: $19 - $19 / Hourly

SUMMARY

The High School Explainer: PACE Program (Professional Advancement & Career Exposure) is designed to provide young people between the ages of 17-21 with supplemental museum work experience. Explainers are exposed to a variety of museum disciplines while supporting the High School Explainer program in its core mission of providing an interactive social environment rich in both science and the arts in which students can explore phenomena, learn about themselves, and provide the museum with an informed and energetic floor staff. 

PACE Program participants report to the High School Explainer: PACE program managers. This is a paid position at $19.43/hour. High School Explainer: PACE participants are expected to work 2 days per week (13-17 hours a week).

Mandatory training for first-time High School Explainer program participants will be held on August 23, August 24, August 30,  and August 31, from 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include any of the following: 

Exhibit Maintenance: 

• Exhibit Setup: Provide exhibit set-up assistance on the museum floor. 
• Maintenance: Clean and maintain exhibits on a daily basis.  
• Database Usage: Use the Exhibit Maintenance computer to report exhibit issues and malfunctions.
• Access to shop and Exhibit Staff: Increase knowledge of exhibits and opportunities  to increase shop skills.

Floor Facilitation (After Dark and weekend): 

• Perform scientific demonstrations and engage visitors in the process during After Dark programs and weekends.
• Assist visitors with special needs throughout the museum when requested.
• Monitor museum exhibits to be sure that they are in proper working order. Troubleshoot, report malfunctioning exhibits, and perform minimal exhibit maintenance as instructed.
• Handle visitors’ lost items and respond when children become separated from their parents or groups; provide assistance to reunite families and field trip groups
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Bio Lab: 

• Provide daily routine exhibit setup of biology exhibits
• Identify and report maintenance problems and issues to the appropriate people
• Perform routine lab duties
• Must work a minimum of 7.5 hours on Saturday or Sunday

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be between the ages of 18-21
• Must be available to work Thursdays 3:30pm - 10pm, 1 weekday and 1 weekend day
• If under 18, must be able to obtain a valid work permit
• Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner
• Responsibility, reliability, and punctuality
• First-time High School Explainer program participants must be able to attend all basic training dates above
• Must be able to work Thursdays 3:30pm-10:30 pm and 1 weekend day 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a part-time, non-exempt, temporary position (13-17 hours/week). This is a paid position at $19.43/hour. High School Explainer: PACE participants are expected to work 2 days per week (13-17 hours a week). This position is expected to begin on September 8, 2025, and conclude on June 14, 2026. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page. When applying, please be ready to share your experience, your qualifications, the reasons why you are interested in the position, your contact information, and your daily availability.

If you have questions about the position please contact: hsesupervisors@exploratorium.edu or call 415-528-4898

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect.  We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.