Museum Educator

Tallahassee Museum•Tallahassee, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides onsite and offsite educational programs for scheduled groups in the natural science and/or historical area(s) which incorporate the mission and philosophy of the Museum. This is a part-time, as needed position. The role involves conducting programs, interacting with the public, contributing to a positive work environment, and maintaining good relationships with colleagues and visitors. The educator is responsible for presenting developed programs, potentially designing new ones with approval, and ensuring the security of museum assets. The schedule may vary and includes weekdays, weekends, nights, and overnight programs. The role requires maintaining animal handling certification, arriving early for setup, using personal transportation for off-site programs (with reimbursement), and complying with all museum policies. The educator must be familiar with museum facilities, programs, events, and activities, as well as collections and animal handling guidelines, and enforce museum rules.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, history, or related field (two to three years of college will be considered).
Teaching experience in formal and/or informal settings required.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills required.
Ability to speak intelligently and diplomatically with the public.
Ability to use scientific equipment when teaching programs.
Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Enthusiastic and collaborative team attitude.
Versatility and initiative required.
Dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic required.
Computer competency required (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required).
Must pass a level 2 Federal background screen.
Must have a safe driving record.
Must have reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Will not supervise employees or volunteers.

Responsibilities

Conducts on-site and off-site education programs including walking tours, handling Florida native animals, working in a fresh water system, being around farm animals, and other Florida environments, and teaching summer/day camps.
Provides enjoyable, educational museum activities in a safe and secure environment.
Interacts with the general public by answering questions, conducting programs, and making public appearances on behalf of the Museum as needed.
Contributes to maintaining high morale among all Tallahassee Museum employees.
Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers, and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, customers and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the Tallahassee Museum’s good image.
Reports all requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments to the Director of Programs in order to maintain good will within the Museum.
Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from persons in order to maintain good will toward the Tallahassee Museum.
Presents programs which are developed by the Museum. Any changes to these programs must be approved by the Director of Programs. Requests for changes should be submitted in writing to the Director of Programs.
May request to design and give historical and naturalistic hands-on programs and workshops.
Must maintain Museum animal handling certification; these animals include but are not limited to Florida native reptiles, small mammals, and birds of prey.
Must arrive at the location for the program allowing for sufficient set-up time so the program is ready to begin before the scheduled starting time.
Will use own transportation for off-site programs and will be reimbursed by the Museum for their expense at the Museum’s mileage reimbursement rate.
Will comply with all Museum policies, procedures and practices.
Must become aware of the Museum’s facilities, programs, events, and activities in order to better assist visitors.
Responsible for the security of the Museum’s buildings, furnishings, equipment and collections.
Responsible for being completely familiar with Museum’s “collections handling” and/or “animal handling” guidelines.
Enforces Museum rules and regulations and initiates a quick response if required.
Other duties as assigned.