Seasonal STEAM Educator

The Children’s Museum Group with its main offices in West Hartford, Connecticut offers hands-on fun with science and nature for younger children and families, school and community groups, and homeschooled children. At the Museum and Nature Center, in our preschool, and in classrooms throughout Connecticut, we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. Children engage in our interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits and demonstrations, a live wildlife sanctuary, state-of-the-art digital science dome planetarium shows and movies, vacation camps, sleepovers, birthday parties, scout activities, and special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, co-located on our West Hartford campus, integrates science experiences into early childhood learning. Nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers environmental exhibits, nature programs, concerts, and acres of outdoor hiking, bird watching, and winter outdoor activities.

The Children’s Museum Group will inspire life-long learning among children and their caregivers by providing experiential learning programs covering STEAM/STEM, health, nature, and the environment. Entertaining, stimulating, and unique to the area, our programs will assist the development of curious, confident, and innovative children creating the basis for successful adults. In so doing, The Children’s Museum will continue to be a valued asset and partner in the community.

Seasonal STEAM Educator - Full-time

Multiple Seasonal Educator positions are currently available at our West Hartford CT location. Length of position and required hours will differ depending on the specific educational roles. All Summer Educator applicants should have a minimum of two years of College-level studies or career experience in; physics, chemistry, earth science, agriculture/horticulture, or other environmental or biological sciences. Experience engaging children in informal learning environments is expected along with strong communication skills and confidence level for communicating with their caregivers (parents, grandparents, and teachers). Applicants must be willing to commit to the duration of the position as stated in the description below.

This position requires confirmation of a clean driving record and the use of a personal vehicle, for which mileage reimbursement will be provided. All Applicants must successfully pass a background check. This position is considered seasonal at approximately 40 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and mid to late August. Only Applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role.

Description:

• The Seasonal STEAM Educator will work alongside our Education Coordinator and year-round Educators to develop and deliver hands-on STEAM education programs at the Museum site and within schools, libraries, camps, and other community locations throughout Connecticut.
• Educators collaborate on the development of an informal science curriculum and hands-on activities and exhibits to ensure an overall positive learning experience that is tailored to the ages and experiences they are presenting to.
• Topics may include physics, chemistry, earth science, biology, engineering, math, technology, art, and environmental science.
• Strong knowledge of general science principles and child development is expected.
• Educators will routinely handle live animals during presentations. Adherence to all safety protocols will be required.
• Travels to schools and other community locations to present outreach programs at their site.
• Maintain, clean, and inventory equipment and supplies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Skills and Functions:

• Must be a dynamic presenter who can comfortably present effective, age-appropriate, and engaging presentation and communication skills in front of both children and adult audiences, in both small groups and for large assemblies.
• Deliver educational experiences in a highly entertaining and engaging manner.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage children’s behavior and safety in group settings.
• Expected to maintain equipment and supplies used in programming including minor maintenance as needed.
• Must have a willingness to learn how to handle and present with live animals during presentations.
• Must project a positive attitude with both customers and co-workers.
• Must be able to lift 20-50 lbs of education equipment into and out of vehicles and within assigned teaching spaces. Access to teaching spaces may require the ability to bring equipment and supplies up and down stairs and be in and out of doorways.
• Flexible scheduling is necessary to assist with early morning, evening, and possible weekend programs.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a minimum of two years of College-level studies or career experience in; physics, chemistry, earth science, agriculture/horticulture, or other environmental or biological sciences.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Access to a reliable and insured vehicle is required for offsite travel.
• A fully vaccinated status for Covid-19 is required.

This position is seasonal at 40 hours per week.

Salary range: $16/hr to $18/hr dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes

This position reports to the Education Coordinator and works collaboratively with staff at the West Hartford Museum.

Please send a resume and a cover letter, detailing your preferred position and identifying any limitations to availability. (No phone calls please)

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Please visit www.thechildrensmuseumct.org to review the museum's COVID-19 protocols and precautions that are in place.

Application Question(s):

• Are you fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• STEM/STEAM Education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Physics/Chemistry or Engineering: 1 year (Preferred)
• earth, environmental or biological science: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: On the road