Museum Educator I, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This is an Occasional position. 
 
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate. 

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

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.