Education Program Specialist, IS-1720-09

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

4d•$70,623 - $91,815•Onsite

About The Position

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Education Program Specialist position. We are seeking three science educators, one for each of the following halls: (1) David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time; (2) Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals; and (3) Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. The purpose of these three positions is to collaborate with EOVE staff and the science departments to develop, coordinate, promote, manage, implement, and evaluate educational programs and content for NMNH audiences that support student and public understanding of topics presented in exhibitions, online and in learning venues, and to provide learning experiences to onsite and online visitors, both adults and youth in coordination with the overall strategy of the NMNH Education, Outreach and Visitor Experience Office. An important aspect of the position is to assure high standards of scientific accuracy, relevance, and presence of current topics and research in programs and publications offered by the Office of Education, Outreach and Visitor Experience. To be effective in this role will require that the incumbent be actively engaged in both the scientific and education communities.

Requirements

Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses; OR
Combination of education and experience - possess at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work of the position to be filled, of which at least 9 semester hours must have been in education courses, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Four years of experience that demonstrated a thorough understanding of the principles and practices underlying the work of this series. This experience must have been of such character and diversity to demonstrate that the applicant possesses an understanding of the field comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university; OR
At least 1 full academic year of professional teaching experience.
Applicants must possess 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree related to the position; and/or one year specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in the (a) development, delivery, and evaluation of age-appropriate education activities, programs, and products for museum audiences; (b) scheduling and instruction of museum programs, (c) coordination and training of staff, interns, and volunteers.
Knowledge of natural history science in the areas of paleobiology, geology, mammalogy, ecology, and/or other closely related science gained through professional experience or relevant education that is sufficient to design, develop, write, edit, and deliver programs and/or activities and written materials for multiple audiences.
Knowledge of inquiry-centered science teaching and learning methods, gained through professional experience or relevant education.
Knowledge of informal education practices for museum audiences and the perspectives of visitors, teachers, youth, families, and communities, sufficient to coordinate resources to meet the logistical and programmatic needs of audiences.
Demonstrated experience communicating, engaging, and working with the public, educators, and science staff.

Responsibilities

Develops and delivers inquiry-centered, hands-on science learning experiences for audiences at the museum, including visitors, volunteers, adults, and youth that meet their specific needs for growth and development in science content, skills, and career opportunities.
Responsible for maintaining a portfolio of programs that adapt and use current and relevant museum and informal education practices.
With assistance, writes volunteer training materials, facilitation guides, data collection materials, digital and print resources, reports and summaries, and promotion and communication materials.
Collaborates with staff from science, and other museum departments to translate current research into activities and materials for diverse audiences in informal settings.
Establishes and maintains supportive relationships with organizations that serve the museum’s audiences to ensure quality and fit of all education activities and programs to national and regional curricula and standard of learning.
Works closely with the Office of Education, Outreach and Visitor Experience to standardize and implement program protocols and logistics.