Education Specialist

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum•Tucson, AZ

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Education Specialist at the Desert Museum teaches a variety of programming (classes, family groups, camps, field trips, festivals, informal activities, special events etc.) to further the educational mission of the Museum. They develop educational materials, conduct workshops, coordinate educational field and travel programs and participate in other environmental educational activities (in-person, hybrid, and virtual) by performing the duties below. Works weekends, evenings, and holidays in an equitable rotation with other staff members.

Requirements

BA or BS in biological, earth or environmental sciences, environmental education, museum education, or closely related field.
Three years teaching experience in an informal, formal, or a combination of environments.
Demonstrated experience with curriculum development, pedagogical best practices, and Arizona State Science Standards.
Proficient in word processing and presentation software, basic abilities with spreadsheets, scheduling and communications software.
Able to learn and operate videoconferencing system.
Comfortable learning new software platforms.
Able to learn and operate distance learning software and hardware.
Must be familiar with Zoom, Teams, Google, and Microsoft Office suite and be able to learn new technology quickly.
Exemplary public speaker with experience managing large and small groups, both indoors and outdoors
Must be able to occasionally work long shifts (>10 hours).
Must be able to work overnight camping events (one to two nights in a row). Camping takes place in a variety of habitats (indoors, or outdoors in the low desert or Sky Islands).
Must be able to routinely drive at night and in low-light situations.
Knowledge of and comfort with communicating science topics including the natural history of Sonoran Desert Species, climate change, invasive species, the age of the Earth, evolution, and dinosaurs.
Must be able to work occasional evenings and overnights and cover weekend days on a rotating schedule.
Ability to travel regionally for occasional teaching assignments or trainings.
Ability and willingness to work outside in all-weather including occasional overnights.
Must have, or be able to obtain, an Arizona Driver's License with 6 years’ driving experience and a clean driving record
Fingerprint Clearance Card (or ability to obtain)
CPR and First Aid (or willing to obtain)
Rabies Vaccine (or willing to obtain)
Mandatory Reporter & Stewards of Children Certifications (or willing to obtain)
Defensive Driving Certification (or willing to obtain)
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
The employee is frequently required to stand; sit and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include distance vision and peripheral vision.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with interpretive animals.
Theater or large presentation experience.
Bilingual skills highly desirable (English, Spanish, or O’odham)
Teaching Certificate highly desirable
Wilderness First Aid (or willing to obtain)

Responsibilities

Teaches a wide variety of natural history, life, and earth science programs onsite, offsite, and virtually for grades Pre-K through College.
Utilizes Museum artifacts, live animals, and educational resources to augment standard teaching methods and adapts delivery of course content and complexity to ages and abilities of students and audience size.
Aligns school programs with Arizona Science Standards.
Develops and teaches natural history, ecology, and/or conservation programs for families and adults on the Museum grounds and in the community in formal (classroom) or informal (hiking, festivals, tabling) settings.
Develops a wide array of STEAM- related educational resources beyond the lesson plan including slide decks, props, art, music, recipes, or other non-traditional teaching tools
Exhibits proper procedures for handling, transporting, and teaching with live animals. Maintains internal animal handling certifications and records. Animals include arthropods, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Coordinates teaching tools including use of animals, artifacts, technology, vehicles, or other teaching aids.
Assists in training and monitoring of educational activities including working with Educators, Docents, and interns as needed.
Plans, develops, and leads annual education programs such as kids’/ family clubs, youth volunteer programs, school partnerships, outdoor (hiking and camping) programs or other programs of similar scope.
Plans and implements day and summer camp programs, combining recreational activities with teaching methods geared to specific age groups.
Works with adult leaders of youth groups and community organizations to assist youth to earn merit badges, fulfill special projects, or other group requirements.
Serves on Museum committees as assigned; participates in staff listening, learning, and strategic sessions.
Contributes to internal projects, events, and initiatives such as exhibit design, marketing, and science communication through a variety of media.
Evaluates success of programs through surveys, participant, teacher, and supervisor feedback.
As a public figure maintains exemplary internal and external customer service while working with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
On occasion, may serve as Department “Manager on Duty” or Volunteer supervisor.