Museum Educator

DISCOVERY PLACE INC•Charlotte, NC

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Discovery Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers science and natural-world exhibits and educational programs. The Museum Educator facilitates guest experiences, including camps, classes, Tier I and II shows, and other educational activities, and performs admissions-related operations. This part-time position is scheduled four days per week at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina. The role combines informal science education, public programming, animal handling, admissions and retail customer service, exhibit and visitor safety, and routine cleaning and upkeep. The educator adapts activities for children and families, evaluates experiences using guest feedback, and supports colleagues and other departments. Employees are expected to uphold Discovery Place’s mission, values, and service standards, including inclusion, teamwork, personal excellence, and uncommon courtesy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree-seeking from a four-year college or university in a science or education field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, including the knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the job posting.
Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication, with the ability to adapt language to children and adults, listen, clarify, respond to questions, and present to groups.
Ability to conserve organizational resources, adapt to changing demands and unexpected events, take initiative, offer and request help, and approach challenges resourcefully.
Professionalism, tact, respect for others, accountability, and follow-through on commitments.
Ability to observe safety and security procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions, and use equipment and materials properly.
Ability to work outdoors for moderate amounts of time and in extremely crowded spaces.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; stand for long periods; walk; manipulate, handle, or feel objects; reach; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear.
Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related museum or teaching experience/training preferred.
Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate programs, presentations, demonstrations, and educational activities in a variety of settings, including Tier I and II public shows.
Handle animals classified by Living Collections as Tier I, II, and III.
Engage visitors through informal education, using pre-designed and impromptu activities adapted to the ages and interests of children and families.
Select and assemble materials for daily demonstrations and programming; conduct inventory and purchase departmental supplies as requested.
Lead special event days and prototype experiences upon request.
Teach Early Childhood and/or Lab classes for visiting schools as booked.
Maintain an enthusiastic, energetic, and positive demeanor with museum guests, and evaluate experiences using guest feedback.
Provide front-line customer service at the admissions desk and retail shop, including greeting guests, checking them in, selling retail items through point-of-sale systems, processing membership sales, and conducting admissions transactions and reporting in accordance with cash-handling procedures.
Conduct group orientations and inform guests about daily and special programming, learning opportunities, memberships, and events.
Share customer feedback and information with management, and monitor front-desk and museum consumable inventory and notify management of needs.
Monitor exhibits, activities, and the museum environment for safety; conduct exhibit checks, correct problems or report them to management, enforce policies and procedures, and assist with emergency response procedures.
Perform daily housekeeping and detailed cleaning, sanitization, and organization of exhibits and activity areas during downtime; maintain an orderly work environment.
Demonstrate behavior consistent with the organizational culture and uphold the core service values of inclusion, teamwork, personal excellence, and uncommon courtesy.
Maintain a positive demeanor, team-oriented approach, and flexibility; assist coworkers and other departments when needed.
Assist in training and share business-related knowledge with fellow employees.