Explorer Dome

We are searching for a fabulous, new part time science presenter

Our brilliant presenters are at the heart of everything we do here at Explorer Dome. When schools book a visit from us, they expect to receive the best quality science shows from presenters who are knowledgable, highly trained, passionate about science education and, most importantly, fun!

Who are we looking for?

First things first, you will be travelling around the country in a van. It is going to be vital that you have held a full, UK driving licence for at least 12 months. You do not need to have had previous experience of driving vans, but if you are not able to drive, this outreach job is not for you... or perhaps it is, but you need to learn to drive first and come back to us in a year's time!

If you can drive, are you a self-motivated person, passionate about science and the value of education and science communication? An undergraduate degree in a scientific subject is a huge benefit, as you will be communicating aspects of space science, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science and geography as our main output. However, enthusiasm and dedication to learn more about a wide range of scientific subjects is far more valuable.

Are you a friendly sort? You'll become an integral part of our team of professional science communicators so you need to enjoy working with people and working as part of a team. For this job you do need excellent face-to-face communication skills to enable you to be professional yet approachable for children too. We'd like to see a genuine interest and enjoyment working with children, and if this is you, this job will be hugely rewarding! Previous experience working with young people or with public or specialist groups is highly desirable but not essential.

Being organised in yourself as well as being happy and able to 'think on your feet' is a huge asset. Creativity is also encouraged. Once you are familiar with the equipment and shows, we hope you will explore your own interests within the show scripts and bring your personality and suggestions of how you feel we could do things differently to constantly improve and stay up-to-date with our content and approach.

The job does require travelling throughout the South-West - and sometimes further afield. You should be comfortable with early mornings, driving and visiting new places and have enough energy to make sure the last show is as good as the first.

What does the job involve?

A typical day working with Explorer Dome involves travelling to school to arrive for a cup of tea at 8am to set up the inflatable dome. A school can be anything from 5 minutes to 2½ hours’ drive from Bristol, so you must be energetic enough to deal with this part of the job. You always work in a team of 2 which improves diversity, quality, great interaction with the children, maintains a lively pace in the shows and makes the working day far more enjoyable for us. The number of shows range from 2 to 7 shows in the day. Therefore, you may by home by 12.30pm or later in the evening. We sometimes travel between two local schools, or a school and an after-school event, on the same day. Every day is different!

We frequently spend part of the week staying overnight in Devon, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, London or the South-East. You’ll get the chance to visit some interesting and beautiful parts of the country and we provide a moderate budget for overnight accommodation and expenses. You may be asked to stay overnight once or twice a term, but you are never obliged to do so. Most of our work is in schools, but we also work occasional weekends & holidays for family events and festivals.

Explorer Dome presenters work on a part-time, freelance (self-employed) basis by arrangement, between 2-4 days per week during term-time and occasionally during the school holidays. You will receive expert training in science communication, live presentation and working with schools, you will expand your knowledge of many aspects of science and become part of a very friendly team.

The above description should give you an idea on whether you are suited for this position. We are certain that if all the above fits your skills and personality, you will thoroughly enjoy this work. We look forward to welcoming applications from a wide range of people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, experiences and academic history. Please browse our shows and the bespoke events we provide and download this Job Description for a little more detail about day-to-day activities and pay.

How do I apply?

Please email Ben with your CV and a covering letter telling us about you and your experience. Please include any background you have in science, working with children or with schools and any presenting or performing experience you have. Please confirm you have a full UK driving licence, your availability for work, why you want to work with Explorer Dome and anything else you think we should know. We look forward to hearing from you!