Museum Educational Program Specialist I

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum Education Program Specialist I position is responsible for presenting innovative, engaging, and meaningful gallery experiences for diverse audiences. The Maine State Museum, located in the state capital, Augusta, serves as a vital cultural resource for students, scholars, lifelong learners, and anyone curious about the state’s past, present, and future. The Maine State Museum has roots that stretch back to the 1830s and is currently preparing to enter a new, exciting phase. The museum has been closed for extensive renovations and is now gearing up to reopen in October 2026, with new exhibits and an education center designed to engage families and students from PreK through grade 8. The museum will be open six days a week (Tuesday–Sunday). This full-time position requires working every other weekend and occasional evenings.

Requirements

Knowledge of Museum artifacts, Maine social history, natural history, and prehistory.
Knowledge of object-based teaching and touring methods and techniques, and the required subject matter.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of museum educational and gallery interpretive program design.
Knowledge of Maine Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Common Core Standards.
Knowledge of instructional methods and techniques in an informal education setting
Knowledge of computerized systems and web-based educational tools, and resources.
Knowledge of customer service standards.
Ability to work within a team and advanced interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop, plan, organize, and implement interpretive programs.
Ability to prepare, maintain, and disseminate informational material and coordinate special event activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of people – community members, teachers, scholars, and colleagues.
Ability to prepare and deliver presentations.
Ability to independently perform research studies.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to write clearly and effectively.
Ability to facilitate groups with different needs.
A three (3) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing education and/or interpretative programs to groups and individuals.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with current inquiry-based teaching strategies.
Skilled in interdisciplinary, object-based teaching.

Responsibilities

Presenting and assisting with the development of formal and informal educational and interpretive gallery programs of Maine State Museum exhibits for a wide range of individuals from PreK students to tourist to lively senior groups.
Assisting with the daily operations of public spaces and the admissions desk.
Helping with the planning and presentation of special events and workshops.
Conducting educational gallery programs
Assisting with the development of educational materials
Assisting with scheduling tours
Planning and implementing special events
Interpreting and explaining tour policies
Performing associated administrative support functions.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.11% of pay to MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave (for fathers and adoptive parents)
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
Extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness.