Museum Educator [The High Desert Museum]

Posted September 17, 2014

High Desert MuseumMuseum Educator

Organization Description

The High Desert Museum is a non-profit organization focused on the natural and cultural resources of the High Desert region of the Western United States.  Located near Bend, Oregon, on the edge of the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, the Museum melds the natural history of diverse habitat types with human history of the environment into a unique blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, living history and both living and historic collections.

About the position

The Museum Educator is responsible for the design, scheduling and implementation of a variety of Education programs for a wide range of ages, including both formal and informal education programs. The majority of programming will be for preschool and elementary-aged children. The Museum Educator will teach the cultural and natural history of the High Desert, as well as a variety of other science topics. Well-qualified candidates must be energetic, flexible, resourceful, and with an entrepreneurial attitude to create and present exciting programs for a broad audience with an emphasis on early childhood.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Sciences or Museum Studies with educational emphasis preferred.
2. Minimum 2 years’ experience in an educational institution and/or instructional setting as well as experience with administrative duties.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices teaching methods and classroom management of young children as well as older age groups.
4. Working knowledge of informal education in camps, museums, aquariums, zoos, nature centers or similar environmental education or living history facility.
5. Ability to communicate and work effectively with Museum & Aquarium staff, school administrators, teachers, students, parents and public groups in a professional, pleasant, tactful, and enthusiastic manner.
6. Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills.
7. Ability to work well with a diverse group of people in a service-oriented manner.
8. Ability to teach a variety of subjects and grade levels effectively and energetically.
9. Ability to work flexible hours and days.

The successful applicant will be an outgoing, friendly, team player and must be detailed-oriented while handling multiple projects and deadlines.  They must have a high degree of energy and enthusiasm for a visitor-service oriented organization.  The position requires some evenings and weekends, working inside and outside, and handling animals.

Responsibilities

Develop curricula, teach and assess Museum’s educational programming including, but not limited to, early childhood education programs, children’s summer camps, and school programs.

1. Assist in the development, preparation, and implementation of educational programming for a variety of ages that is incorporated into ongoing exhibits and special events.
2. Assist in the development of evaluation protocol for education classes.
3. Be a mentor for the teen volunteer program.
4. Successfully satisfy animal handling training requirements and maintain animal handling protocols.
5. Support the Museum’s mission by overseeing, strengthening, and growing a successful suite of fee-based programs including summer camps, out-of-school time programs,  workshops, and themed educational events
6. Work with other Museum departments to develop robust programmatic offerings.
7. Work with area institutions to develop collaborative public programs
8. Keep abreast of current informal education research and best practices.
9. Maintain and supervise the Education Department’s teaching collection and supplies.
10. Maintain professional conduct at all times with Museum staff and the public.