Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, 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 of Pittsburgh 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. * *

The Museum Educator I 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.  Weekend work may be required.

Museum Educators are responsible for building relationships with youth and their adult care-givers 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.

A Museum Educator I working within Youth Programs is primarily responsible for the delivery of exceptional educational programming on behalf of CMNH. This position focuses on teen audiences, and strong relationship-building skills are a must. This position requires prompt, friendly, accurate communication with program participants, volunteers, constituent families, and coworkers. Museum Educators will also support programs across CMNH by leading instruction for onsite and offsite events and virtual experiences. This position must have schedule flexibility that will include daytime, evenings, weekends, and holiday work.

The successful candidate(s) will: Apply knowledge of best-practices to create welcoming, audience-specific learning experiences where participants feel cared for and are excited to engage with the museum Work closely with supervisors and coworkers to assure program quality and excellent customer service Support learning experiences and programs across varying ages and audience segments including but not limited to: Casual visitors registration-based programs for children and youth registration-based programs for adults regularly work scheduled programming shifts for Outreach/Off-site programs Prioritize safety at all times.

This is a part-Time, temporary position. A successful candidate should expect to work a minimum of 7.5 hours (1 full day) a week onsite at Carnegie Museum of Natural History from point of hire through the conclusion of the temporary assignment (expected July 2025).

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

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. 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent s required.Demonstrated knowledge of age appropriate content and pedagogy for a variety of audiencesDemonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethicDocumented ability to contribute in team settingsPassion for/interest in Science and Nature.Preferred Qualifications

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.*PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: *

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. 

*PRINCIPLES ACCOUNTABILITIES: *

Leading instruction

Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiencesApplying 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 goalsUsing a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibilityPlanning educational experiences based on resources provided by CMNH staff

Adapting lesson plans from existing resourcesCoordinating with support staff and volunteers to ensure that learning spaces and materials are prepared and returned before/after each programCoordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get the program startedFor off-site programs, planning and preparation will include transportation of materials to the off-site location.Supporting efforts to create a safe environment for all people, facilities, and natural resources

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 situationsUsing appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situationsEnsuring that impact of educational activities on museum collections and exhibitions is minimized.Ensuring that environmental impact of educational activities is minimized.Developing pedagogy skills through ongoing practice, reflection, and professional development structured by CMNH

Attending CMNH Educator professional development meetingsObserving, analyzing and co-teaching with fellow CMNH educatorsActively participate in annual review with supervisorsAdditional responsibilities may be assigned on a case-by-case basi