Museum Educator I

This is a union position.   The Museum Educator I lead instruction for educational programs, such as summer camps, off-site programs, birthday parties and sleepovers. 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 and for working with a team of 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 the visitor experience.  This will be facilitated by participation in professional development structured by CMNH.     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 working with off-site programs 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.      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   Planning educational experiences based on resources provided by CMNH staff Adapting lesson plans from existing resources Coordinating with support staff and volunteers to ensure that learning spaces and materials are prepared and returned before/after each program Coordinating with staff and volunteers 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.   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 impact of educational activities on museum collections and exhibitions is minimized. Ensuring that environmental impact of educational activities is 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 Actively participate in annual review with supervisors                 Additional responsibilities may be assigned on a case by case basis.

Salary : $16