Title: Exhibit Evaluation Assistant
Department: Exhibits & Collections
Reporting to: Deputy Director of Museum Operations
Date: Spring and Summer 2026
Status: Temporary Part-time, including weekends, not to exceed 100 hours total
Salary: $20/hr

The EcoTarium is developing an exhibit to nurture young children’s joyful science learning and deepen their understanding of and growing relationship with nature.The focus of this position is the testing of early learning exhibits as well as other interactive exhibits, gathering visitor feedback to refine themes, concepts, and components for experiences that engage children, youth, and families.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Museum Operations and a STEM Exhibit Consultant, the Exhibit Evaluation Assistant will observe visitors using the prototypes and briefly interview those visitors, will summarize and report the prototyping results, and help iterate the prototypes to better meet specific engagement goals. 

Exhibit testing will be sporadic, but must take place during times when preschool-aged visitors are at the museum on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings (10:00 am - 12:30 pm) and on weekends. It is preferred, but not required, that the candidate have availability on one weekday and one weekend day.

Training and coaching in exhibit prototyping and evaluation will be provided. This position is ideal for a rising upper class undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in museum exhibits or education, industrial/product or exhibition design, informal STEM learning, early childhood education, or developmental psychology. 

Responsibilities 

  • Participate in exhibition prototyping and formative evaluation training, and proactively seek coaching as needed.
  • Provide all museum visitors with excellent customer service by answering common visitor questions or directing them to the appropriate department, regardless of their participation in the evaluation activities.
  • Administer short surveys or interviews about potential exhibit topics, themes, names, and educational concepts.
  • Test prototypes with visitors by: 
    • Setting up and taking down prototype test stations on temporary tables.
    • Proactively inviting visiting groups to use the prototype.
    • Observe and collect data about visitor’s actions and conversations.
    • Conduct short interviews and write down responses. 
  • Conduct all visitor testing with respect for all ages; abilities; cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds; and genders, and with a conscious effort to minimize observer bias.
  • Input all evaluation data into the provided data table within 48 hours of observations, and submit a summary of notes pertinent to potential changes to future versions of the prototype.
  • Document each version of the prototypes with a photograph.
  • Meet virtually with the Deputy Director of Museum Operations and a STEM Exhibit Consultant approximately every 2 weeks to brainstorm prototype interactions.
  • Make approved iterations to prototypes, maintain a supply of data collection sheets, and keep exhibit prototypes stored in an orderly fashion.

Qualifications

  • Strong English communication and customer service or interviewer skills, including with children and a diverse cross-section of the public.
  • Excellent observation skills and the ability to rapidly take notes.
  • The ability to work independently, to coordinate with other professionals, and to seek appropriate guidance when needed.
  • Proven record of maintaining records and physical materials.
  • Academic coursework relevant to one or more of the following: museums/museology; exhibition or industrial/product design; informal STEM learning; early childhood education; developmental psychology; psychology or sociology research methods.
  • Comfort with and extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Meet, G-Chat).
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays when necessary.
  • Strong commitment to support Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) generally and in the specific functions of this role.
  • Must pass CORI, SORI and other background checks, according to EcoTarium guidelines.

Preferred/Desirable

  • Work experience in one or more of the following:  museums/museology; exhibition or industrial/product design; informal STEM learning; early childhood education; developmental psychology; psychology or sociology research methods.
  • Arts, craft, or design skills (including informal/hobby-level) for the fabrication and iteration of prototypes.
  • Fluency in a second language.

Disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. I have read and understand the job description as stated above and accept that any of the tasks may be modified or changed. I can perform essential functions of the job listed above, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Instructions: Please fill out the form below to submit your application.

All applications require a cover letter and resume. Review begins immediately; applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

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