Astronomy Summer Internship 2023

Do you love science? Are you someone who loves to engage with people and facilitate learning? Then apply to be one of our summer interns and come join our team of creative, passionate and (sometimes) quirky Museum employees!

Learning science in a museum setting, often referred to as an “informal learning experience,” is different from the “formal” education a student receives in their K-12 classroom. Learning is a life-long process, and informal science educational techniques are a great way to learn how to communicate and engage different audiences in rich content. A career-oriented person, whether ultimately working in a classroom, a cultural institution, research lab, industry or other setting, will benefit from learning different communication styles.

The Astronomy Intern will gain experience and skills key to careers in teaching, museums or the nonprofit world, including program development, informal education techniques for all age groups and how a museum education department operates. They will serve as science facilitators, sparking excitement, curiosity, questioning and appreciation for scientific research related to the Space: An Out of-Gravity Experience Exhibition content. Duties include delivering energetic scientific demonstrations, facilitating interactions with the Science Museum’s exhibits, answering guest questions and staffing the exhibition hall. Working with their mentor, the Astronomy intern will develop and complete a project to support the Science Museum’s interpretation of the touring exhibition.

Working with their mentor, the Space intern will develop and complete a project to support the Science Museum’s interpretation of the touring exhibition.

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 Science Museum senior leaders, direct work experience, professional development, participation in lunch-and-learn presentations on science and the museum field, and networking opportunities.

Intern will complete a project based on their interests. Projects could include (but are not limited to):

Interested candidates must apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://jobs.virginia.gov/

All submissions should include a letter of intent describing your interest in the specific internship, a résumé, and two letters of reference. Letters of intent should speak directly to the qualifications listed below.

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

Qualifications:

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

• Candidates should be outgoing, enthusiastic, creative, energetic and able to work in a busy exhibit space

• Enjoy working with people of all backgrounds – especially children

• Strong interest in physics, astronomy, engineering and science preferred

• Ability to take direction and adhere to museum policies, working with staff to address any challenges

• Enjoy learning new information and sharing it in an age appropriate, interesting, accurate, fun and

educational manner

• Ability to work independently while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance

• Bilingual competency, particularly Spanish language, a plus.

Special Instructions:

Candidates with questions can contact Internship Coordinator, Laura Brady, at lbrady@smv.org or 804-864-1514.

The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.