ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Da Vinci Science Center held a job fair Tuesday in the shadow of Coca-Cola Park as it looks to fill out its roster ahead of opening day.
Dozens of job hunters dropped by PA CareerLink, looking to brighten their futures on a dreary day.
Da Vinci Science Center leaders plan to fill a slew of jobs at its new downtown facility, slated to open in May.
“We're looking to double in size."
Tricia Doyle, human resources manager
That facility will be about three times the size of the science center's long-term home at Cedar Crest College, which is scheduled to close April 1.
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center, left, and Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent of the Allentown School District tour the new Da Vinci Science Center Tuesday. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
A Mack Truck greets guests in the Welcome Center in the main lobby. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Andrene Nowell, President of Allentown School Board, center, and others learn about Da Vinci Science Center. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Guests walk by the Court Street entrance to the Da Vinci Science Center. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
This rooftop area that features a view of the PPL Center will be covered with a pergola. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Visitors learn about the Lehigh Valley Health Network "My Body' section, a gallery focused on the human body. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
The new Da Vinci Science Center is at right with the orange trim. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Classrooms in the making are filled with construction materials Tuesday. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Guests tour the Science in the Making area where Lehigh Valley manufacturing and industry science is applied. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Dr. Morcease Beasley looks at progress on the new center. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Members of the Allentown School District team peer into an office that they will be using. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent of the Allentown School District, left, and Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center tour the new Da Vinci Science Center Tuesday. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Lin Erickson of Da Vinci Science Center, left, talks about the Lehigh River Watershed Area display. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Guests tour the Science in the Making area where Lehigh Valley manufacturing and industry science is applied. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Visitors learn about Curiosity Hall and the Science Theater. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
The Science Theater is under construction. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Visitors learn about Curiosity Hall and the Science Theater. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
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— Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
The new Da Vinci Science Center is at right with the orange trim. Representatives of the Da Vinci Science Center lead members of the Allentown School District Partnership on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The new downtown center is at at 815 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown.
Donna S. Fisher
And it will need dozens of new employees, according to Tricia Doyle, human resources manager.
“We're looking to double in size,” Doyle said. She said the science center now employs about 75 people.
'Cool opportunity' for educators
Jobs on offer Tuesday included positions as diverse as entry-level seasonal roles to a director of operations for the science center’s partnership with Allentown School District.
The soon-to-open state-of-the-art facility is set to house a STREAM Academy for Allentown students and serve as a secondary campus for Central Elementary School.
STREAM is an acronym for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics
“We are looking for someone who wants to have fun with what they're doing, someone who wants to help promote curiosity in our guests and inspire people to learn new things."
Tricia Doyle, human resources manager
That “unique partnership” is just one element “that makes the Da Vinci Science Center a cool opportunity” for people seeking jobs Tuesday, according to Karen Knecht, vice president of STEAM education and strategic initiatives.
“It's really different than what anyone is doing anywhere else” in the Lehigh Valley, Knecht said.
The science center is seeking educators, program coordinators and other new employees to fill out its ranks in the new STREAM Academy.
It’s looking for people who have “a love of working with kids and families” and “a love of STEAM,” Knecht said.
'Have fun with what they're doing'
Hiring managers want similar traits among those working throughout the rest of the science center.
“We are looking for someone who wants to have fun with what they're doing, someone who wants to help promote curiosity in our guests and inspire people to learn new things,” Doyle said.
Diane Ihle is throwing her resume onto the pile of potential event coordinators as she plans a career change.
Ihle worked at Crayola Experience in Easton for 20 years before a stint in Kentucky. After moving back to the region, she decided “it was time to maybe look at something that brings the passion back in my life,” she said.
The new Da Vinci Science Center would be “a fun, exciting” place to work, she said.
“I love learning and helping kids learn,” she said. “And it would definitely add a lot of variety throughout the day, which I think is really important.”
The science center plans to hold another job fair later this month, though details were not immediately available Tuesday.
