Engagement Assistant

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre has a vision to be a premier visitor attraction, recognised as the best science discovery centre dedicated to chemistry and a unique Museum of the chemical heritage of NW England.

Role Purpose

To support the delivery of an inspiring, welcoming and safe visitor experience at Catalyst, with a particular focus on learning and engagement activities.

The Engagement Assistant will deliver hands-on science workshops and activities for school groups, families, community groups and birthday parties, while also supporting events, admissions, day-to-day operations and the general presentation of the museum.

Salary: £20,384 per annum

Hourly rate: £14.00

Annualised hours: 1,456 hours per year. This is an annualised hours contract based on an average of 28 hours per week over 4 days. Most weeks this will be made up of 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days

The role therefore requires flexibility and an understanding that working hours will fluctuate according to the needs of the business. Weekend availability is essential.

FTE equivalent: £27,300 based on 37.5 hours per week

To apply please email a CV and cover letter telling us about your suitability for the role to jobs@catalyst.org.uk. Deadline 27th November. Interviews expected to take place 9th and / or 14th December.

Key Responsibilities

Learning & Engagement

Deliver engaging, hands-on science workshops and activities for school groups and other audiences.
Support the delivery of birthday parties, family activities, public programmes and community engagement sessions.
Adapt activities appropriately for different ages, abilities and audiences
Work with the Education Manager to develop new activities and opportunities for STEAM and Heritage
Create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where visitors feel confident to participate
Deliver informal activities such as busking and touch tables in the gallery
Prepare, set up and clear away workshop materials and learning spaces.
Ensure all learning activities are delivered safely and in accordance with Catalyst procedures.
Visitor Experience & Admissions

Welcome visitors and provide excellent customer service.
Operate the admissions till, process payments and provide information about the museum and its activities.
Support visitors with queries, directions and general information.
Promote relevant activities, events, memberships, shop and café offers where appropriate.
Maintain accurate till and admissions procedures.
Support the smooth arrival and departure of school and group visits.
Events

Support the set-up, delivery and clear-down of Catalyst events and activities.
Assist with event registration, visitor management, activities and stewarding.
Support the delivery of activities and workshops as part of events.
Work flexibly across different areas of the organisation to ensure events run successfully.
Operational Support

Support the day-to-day running of the museum.
Open and close the museum in accordance with agreed procedures.
Carry out opening and closing checks and ensure the building is ready for visitors.
Support room set-up, moving equipment and preparing visitor areas.
Help maintain the cleanliness, presentation and general appearance of the museum.
Undertake routine cleaning and housekeeping duties as required.
Report maintenance, health and safety or operational issues promptly.
Follow all health and safety, safeguarding, fire safety and emergency procedures.
Person Specification

Essential

Enthusiastic about science, learning and engaging with people.
Confident and friendly when working with children, families, schools and the general public
Teaching, hosting or engagement experience
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to explain ideas clearly and make learning fun and accessible.
Reliable, organised and able to work as part of a team.
Willing to undertake a range of duties, including cleaning and operational tasks.
Able to work flexibly across learning, visitor services, events and operational activities.
Available to work Tuesday to Sunday on a rota basis, including weekends. Weekend working is essential.
Able to follow health and safety, safeguarding and operational procedures.
Desirable

Experience of working with children or young people.
Experience in a museum, visitor attraction, education, hospitality or customer-facing environment.
An interest or qualification in science, education, STEM or a related subject.
Experience using a till or cash-handling system.
First Aid qualification.