Department: Education
Effective Date: September 15, 2015
Reports To: Manager of Education
Status: Salary/Exempt. 5 day work week including school vacation weeks, some holidays, regular weekend evening hours and occasional overnight shifts.
Position Summary:
The EcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, seeks an innovative and creative Educator to develop, deliver and facilitate interpretive programs for the general public and groups, both on-site and off-site. Programming is on a variety of natural and physical science topics and includes interpretation of museum exhibits, digital planetarium and outdoor programs on a 55-acre site. Teaching is through hands-on and inquiry-based methods encouraging exploration and self-directed learning. The educator is responsible for developing content, hiring and training on-call staff for the overnight (“Night Journey”) program and working with scouting groups.
Candidates must have a degree in a scientific field or education, enjoy working with families and children, and possess a keen interest in science and a commitment to furthering their own education in the field. Informal and/or formal teaching experience expected. The successful candidate will have experience working on a team, enjoy collaboration and bring a commitment to running creative educational programs with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (Masters a plus) in a scientific field or education
General science background with knowledge in one or more of the following areas preferred: biology, earth science, astronomy, engineering, physical science
Minimum of 3-5 years experience developing, teaching and evaluating informal and/or formal teaching
Ability to plan, initiate and carry out education programs
Curriculum development experience desired
Comfort with performance and/or public speaking, a flair for public presentation
Supervisory experience, including hiring and training
Ability to develop budgets and meet budgetary and income goals
Knowledge of good customer service principles and excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to multi-task and manage time efficiently
Creative individual with ability to work independently and as part of a team
Candidate should enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, be flexible and highly dependable
Interest in and/or experience working with diverse racial/socioeconomic populations
Multi-lingual skills a plus
Must be able to get to off-site program locations and meetings.
Certified in CPR/First Aid or be willing to take a CPR/First Aid course provided by the EcoTarium
Able to navigate the building, grounds and Tree Canopy Walkway under any weather conditions, move program equipment and supplies up to 40 lbs, stay stationary for long periods of time, and work in a highly sensory and stimulating work environment due to constant interaction with guests
Pass CORI and SORI background checks according to EcoTarium’s guidelines
Responsibilities:
Lead
Lead, develop, document and evaluate inquiry based curriculum for overnight and scouting programs
Maintain equipment and develop programming to utilize outdoor astronomy-related assets, including observatory and telescopes
Hire, train and supervise on-call overnight program instructors
Develop contacts and foster relationships with groups and individuals to further the museum’s mission, to establish partnerships and to ultimately sell programming
In conjunction with Marketing and Communications represent and promote the museum off-site, as well as work collaboratively on marketing strategies for overnights and scouting programs
Budget development, including tracking and forecasting for overnights
Team
Develop and deliver hands-on, inquiry based, participatory programs for guests and groups indoors as well as outdoors in any type of weather
Lead school, public programs and camp sessions on a variety of science topics, both on-site and off-site
Include evaluation as a component of all program development
Assist with team members on the development of grant proposals
Administer grant related projects and programs as assigned
On a rotating basis oversee the day-to-day floor program operations including seasonal activities, i.e. Tree Canopy Walkway and Nature Explore play area
Assist in hiring and training of on call and/or seasonal staff and volunteers
Set-up and maintain field gear, program materials, technical equipment and supplies
Handle animals for use in programs
Uniform/dress code required
Non-Essential Functions:
Serve on staff ad-hoc committees when needed
Other duties as may be assigned.
How to apply
Please send cover letter, resume and list of three references to: Human Resources, Attn: Museum Educator, School Program Coordinator Search, EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 or email: resume@ecotarium.org with “Overnight Program Coordinator Search” in the subject line.
Review begins August 17, 2015, applications accepted until position is filled.
AA/EOE