Museum Educator (Preservation and Museum Specialist 2)

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Preservation & Museum Specialist 2 (PMS2) works under the direction of the Senior Manager of K-12 Services and serves as a museum educator and program coordinator for the Washington State Historical Society encompassing school programs, educator programs, and supporting development of programs for the general public. Some of the responsibilities include coordinating logistics related to group and school visits, facilitating history lab field trips as well as other field trips, and interpretive programming opportunities as required, and creating engaging opportunities for students and teachers via designed interpretive experiences. This position requires long periods of standing, and on occasion lifting, moving, transferring objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The PMS2 will be interacting with students, teachers, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public as well as scholars and others in the history and arts fields.

Requirements

Six years’ experience in working directly with children, teachers, families in an informal education (museum, zoo, nature center) environment
Six years’ experience in assisting and/or participating in the development and delivery of educational programs in a museum or similar setting
Up to four years of education in the field of education, museum studies, history, anthropology, art history, or other related field may substitute for experience, on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of US and World History as well as an understanding of diverse cultures.
Passion for sharing stories with audiences of all ages, cultures, and learning preferences through a variety of media (printed, electronic, visual, etc.).
Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with diverse stakeholders, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to feedback.
Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diverse perspectives, identities, and backgrounds to develop inclusive and culturally relevant educational content and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Collaboration & Communication: Presenting and engaging information, guiding, facilitating discussions, and developing educational materials.
Problem-Solving: Creativity in designing interactive and participatory educational experiences, incorporating multimedia, hands-on activities, storytelling, and other engaging techniques to enhance learning and engagement.
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently.
Adaptability: Understanding foundational pedagogical theory and teaching methodologies that meet the needs and interests of diverse audiences.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development through participation in workshops, conferences, and training opportunities related to museum education, pedagogy, and relevant subject areas.
Attention to detail: ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in work
The ability to take action to learn and grow
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
Must pass a background check

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in the field of museum education, history, anthropology, art history, or other related field
Experience developing programs and/or curriculum
Experience supervising staff or volunteers
Specialized knowledge of history as it relates to the Pacific Northwest
Experience working in a history/culture museum setting

Responsibilities

Coordinate all logistics related to school visit program from scheduling of groups and lunch assignments to providing information to educators interested in planning a field trip
Provide written report concerning field trip logistics to museum staff weekly
Process invoices and payments for field trips
Deliver lessons, hands-on experiences, and/or tours in the History Lab and other exhibition areas; consult with AED staff on the development of in-gallery interactive
Research, develop, and implement changes to the History Lab update project, in alignment with strategic goals