Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Museum Educator- Full Time

Do you love Natural History Collections?

Are you full of questions and curiosities?

Are you concerned about the science literacy of future generations?

For over 165 years, The Wagner Free Institute of Science has contributed to increasing science literacy and access through FREE public programs. Founded in 1855, the Wagner serves 35,000+ people each year through its museum, library and extensive educational programs. The Wagner seeks a Museum Educator to lead programs for groups of all ages, with primary responsibility for audiences pre-kindergarten through college. 

The Museum Educator will work within the Institute’s Children’s Education Department to manage onsite field trips and family programming.  This position focuses on collections-based science learning in the museum setting. Children’s lesson topics complement the museum’s natural science collections and include interpreting the Wagner’s history. College group visits cover a wide variety of topics and include science content, architecture, museum studies, archives access, and the history of science. As a National Historic Landmark, the building and artifacts are crucial to the programming and mission of making science accessible. The best-fit candidate will leverage the museum’s resources to maximize this exceptional collection to teach science and the history of science to the public with the fewest barriers.   

Responsibilities:

  • Schedule and manage group visits to the museum, including field trips, group tours, science lessons, etc.
  • Develop and teach onsite and virtual field trips, tours, and science lessons
  • Collect, review and report evaluations from visiting group leaders
  • Maintain group visitor statistics
  • Orient and support visitors in the museum
  • Lead planning for public family and community programs
  • Deliver outreach programming to area elementary schools
  • Prepare promotional materials for children’s and family programs, both print and electronic
  • Promote and distribute program offerings to the community and other audiences
  • Represent museum in community and citywide collaborations
  • Serve as a mentor and partner for Children’s Education and museum interns
  • Manage the teaching collection that supports the field trip experience
  • Work with collection committee to steward and provide oversight of the historic museum collections
  • Assist with public programs and special events and as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a science field and/or education required
  • Minimum two years teaching experience in education or science-related field required
  • Familiarity with national, state, and local standards at the K-8 level
  • Must work well with the public, possess excellent public speaking skills, and demonstrate interest and/or experience in museums, natural science and collections
  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and written communication skills
  • Outstanding time management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and efficient working style
  • Ability to work collaboratively, independently, creatively and to take initiative
  • Interpersonal skills that foster a collaborative working environment
  • Strong computer and software application skills
  • Criminal background checks required
  • Personal transportation recommended; Valid Driver’s License required
  • Availability to work evenings and Saturdays

Salary: $30-36,000 salary commensurate with experience, generous benefits package                

Hours: Full time, exempt