Museum Educator I, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

This is a union position.

Museum Educators lead instruction for informal learning programs and professional learning programs at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH). This position emphasizes relationship-building and requires prompt, friendly, accurate communication with program participants and coworkers.  Weekend work may be required. Museum Educators are responsible for building relationships with youth and their adult care-givers for informal learning programs, and with peers for professional learning programs.  All programs require active teamwork with museum staff and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences.  Museum Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills, continuously improving program quality and enhancing learning experiences.  This will be supported through ongoing processes for program evaluation and professional development structured by CMNH.As a Museum Educator I, you will receive direct support from supervisors, managers, and peers to strengthen the competencies to consistently execute the principal accountabilities of the Museum Educator I role at a high level.

Successful candidates will be able to commit to a schedule availability including 2 standard weekday shifts and 1 weekend shift each week.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Museum Educators are patient, caring individuals who have the knowledge and skills to foster welcoming, safe, social settings that help people explore nature and science and connect with one another.  Museum Educators must be comfortable adapting their approaches in a dynamic setting to meet the needs of visitors and program participants. Experience facilitating informal learning (community-based, outdoors, in museums, after-school programs, or similar settings) is preferred. 

Candidates must have a Pennsylvania "C" Class Driver's License or equivalent from another state.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of age-appropriate content and pedagogy for a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic
• Documented ability to contribute in team settings
• Passion for/interest in Science and Nature.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sciences, humanities, social services, creative arts, education or related field.
• Educational certification is valued but not required.
• Documented experience working directly with stakeholders or parents.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
• Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.
• Fluency in language(s) other than English valued.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires constant mobility around the program space and through museum exhibit halls for several hours at a time.  If the person is not able to bend or lift items of 20-50 lbs., they must be willing to ask for assistance performing tasks that require these actions. 

Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

 REPORTING TO:

            Program Manager or Senior Program Manager

DIRECT REPORTS:

            Not applicable

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Leading instruction

• Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences
• Applying knowledge of best-practices to create welcoming, age-appropriate spaces where participants feel cared for and are excited to learn about science, nature and one another.
• Designing and defining clear goals and creating opportunities for learners to receive feedback on progress towards goals
• Using a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibility

Preparing educational experiences

• With supervision and support, adapting lesson plans from existing resources
• Work collaboratively with teaching team to ensure that learning spaces and materials are appropriately prepared before each program and returned at the conclusion of each program
• Work collaboratively with teaching team to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get the program started
• For off-site programs, planning and preparation will include transportation of materials to the off-site location and their safe return to the museum.

Supporting efforts to create a safe environment for all people, facilities, and natural resources

• Following established procedures for safety, security, custodial, visitor service, and maintenance procedures.  This includes providing clear safety expectations for participants in the context of educational activities.
• Using appropriate procedures in emergency situations
• Using appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situations
• Ensuring that educational activities demonstrate care for museum collections and exhibitions.
• Ensuring that negative environmental impacts of educational activities are minimized.

Developing pedagogy skills through ongoing practice, reflection, and professional development structured by CMNH

• Attending CMNH Educator professional development meetings
• Observing, analyzing and co-teaching with fellow CMNH educators  

Other duties as assigned