What are the responsibilities and job description for the Museum STEAM Educator position at The Children's Museum?
ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM GROUP:
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford, Connecticut offers hands-on fun with science and nature for younger children and families, school and community groups, and home-schooled children. At the Museum and in classrooms throughout Connecticut, we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. Children engage in our interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits and demonstrations, live wildlife sanctuary, Starlab portable planetarium, vacation camps, birthday parties, scout activities, and special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, co-located on our West Hartford campus, integrates science experiences into early childhood learning. Nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers environmental exhibits, nature programs, concerts and acres of outdoor hiking, bird watching, and winter cross-country skiing.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
Museum STEAM Educators are responsible for delivering highly engaging, interactive and scientifically accurate programs to Pre-K through Middle School students alongside their teachers, parents and caregivers in a variety of formal classroom and informal community settings. Educators deliver programming both onsite within the museum as well as within schools, libraries and community centers throughout Connecticut and into neighboring Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. Programs occur in both small group settings with interactive hands-on instruction and large auditorium style demonstration programs. Educators are responsible for aiding in the design and prototyping of new curriculum and workshops for the Education Department.
Essential Functions:
- Develop, test, and train co-educators in STEAM curricula for Pre-K through Middle School. Curricula may be standalone programs, build upon each other over multiple engagements, or be part of large festival-style events for children and their caregivers, covering various STEAM topics.
- Assist in writing and documenting curricula and supplementary educational materials.
- Travel to schools and community locations to present outreach programs.
- Teach STEAM programs onsite at the preschool and as outreach at other preschools.
- Deliver STEAM programs in afterschool, weekend, and summer settings.
- Engage museum visitors through both formal programming and informal learning opportunities.
- Maintain, clean, and inventory equipment and supplies.
- Support the Education, Visitor Services, and Exhibits teams.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Essential Skills:
- Dynamic educator able to present engaging, age-appropriate content to diverse audiences.
- Ability to deliver educational experiences in an entertaining and engaging manner.
- Strong communication skills for working with children and adults in both small groups and large settings.
- Ability to manage participant behavior and ensure safety in program settings.
- Excellent project management skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
- Ability to juggle multiple projects and tasks to completion.
- Solid knowledge of science and engineering concepts, with a willingness to learn.
- Creative and innovative curriculum developer.
- Experience designing and fabricating STEAM demonstration models.
- Ability to maintain and perform minor maintenance on program equipment.
- Experience handling and presenting live animals during programs (or willingness to learn).
- Positive attitude when interacting with customers and co-workers.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. of educational equipment and navigate stairs and outdoor environments.
- Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends based on the program schedule.
Qualifications:
- College degree or equivalent work experience in education, science, engineering, or technology.
- Preference for candidates with a strong understanding of physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts. Experience in museums or related institutions is a plus.
- Proven experience teaching and working with youth.
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and regular access to a reliable, insured vehicle for offsite travel.
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week, non-exempt) with insurance and PTO benefits available.
Salary range: $18/hr to $21/hr, depending on experience and qualifications.
Reports to the Director of Education and collaborates with staff at the West Hartford Museum, Preschool, and Canton Nature Center locations.
Interested candidates should send all of the following materials for consideration:
Resume, cover letter, salary expectations and three references.
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Mail:
Human Resources Coordinator
The Children’s Museum
180 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
(No phone calls please)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $21
