Temporary Museum Educator I, Summer Camps

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

20h

About The Position

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community. This is a Temporary position. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate. Museum educators lead instruction for educational programs, such as summer camps, off-site programs, birthday parties and sleepovers. This position emphasizes relationship-building and requires prompt, friendly, accurate communication with program participants and coworkers. Museum Educators are responsible for building relationships with youth and their adult caregivers and for working with a team of museum staff and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences. Museum Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills, continuously improving program quality and enhancing the visitor experience. This will be facilitated by participation in professional development structured by CMNH. This temporary position will run from approximately May 2026 – August 2026.

Requirements

Museum Educators are patient, caring individuals who have the knowledge and skills to foster welcoming, safe, social settings that help people explore nature and science and connect with one another.
Museum Educators must be comfortable adapting their approaches in a dynamic setting to meet the needs of visitors and program participants.
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of age-appropriate content and pedagogy for a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic.
Documented ability to contribute in team settings.
Passion for/interest in Science and Nature.
Applicants should be available for Summer Camp Orientation on Saturday, May 16th and Camp Training Day on Saturday, May 30th.
Summer Camp Shifts are Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm beginning June 1st.
Weekend work may be required.
This position requires constant mobility around the program space and through museum exhibit halls for several hours at a time.
If the person is not able to bend or lift items of 20 – 50 lbs., they must be willing to ask for assistance performing tasks that require these actions.
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating informal learning (community-based, outdoors, in museums, after-school programs, or similar settings) is preferred.
Candidates working with off-site programs must have a Pennsylvania "C" Class Driver's License or equivalent from another state.
Bachelor’s degree in sciences, humanities, social services, creative arts, education or related field.
Educational certification is valued, but not required.
Documented experience working directly with stakeholders or parents.
Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.
Fluency in language(s) other than English valued.
First Aid/CPR Certified.

Responsibilities

Leading Instruction
Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences.
Applying knowledge of best-practices to create welcoming, age-appropriate spaces where participants feel cared for and are excited to learn about science, nature and one another.
Designing and defining clear goals and creating opportunities for learners to receive feedback on progress towards goals.
Using a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibility.
Adapting lesson plans from existing resources.
Coordinating with support staff and volunteers to ensure that learning spaces and materials are prepared and returned before/after each program.
Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get the program started.
For off-site programs, planning and preparation will include transportation of materials to the off-site location.
Following established procedures for safety, security, custodial, visitor service, and maintenance procedures. This includes providing clear safety expectations for participants in the context of educational activities.
Using appropriate procedures in emergency situations.
Using appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situations.
Ensuring that impact of educational activities on museum collections and exhibitions is minimized.
Ensuring that environmental impact of educational activities is minimized.
Attending CMNH Educator professional development meetings.
Observing, analyzing and co-teaching with fellow CMNH educators.
Actively participate in annual review with supervisors.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned on a case by case basis.