Bell Museum Temp Casual Museum Educator

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Museum Educator to implement educational programming for diverse audiences, primarily K-12 students during field trips. This hourly, temp/casual position works up to 14 hours per week at the Bell Museum in St. Paul.

The role focuses on hands-on science experiences across astronomy, biology, arts, and engineering, with supportive duties for on-site visitor experiences and logistics.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in science/education or related field with at least 2 years experience, or 6 years combined education and work.
• Minimum 2 years experience with K-12 youth in formal, informal, or museum education.
• Experience with diverse populations.
• Flexible schedule daytime availability.

Responsibilities

• Deliver programming engaging diverse learners using interactive teaching.
• Greet teachers and students and direct groups through the museum.
• Teach up to 4 hands-on science labs daily for K-12 students.
• Assist in visit prep and logistics for education programs.
• Support on-site visitor experience for all visitors.

Skills

K-12 youth experience

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in science or education

Job description

About the Job

The purpose of the Museum Educator position is to implement educational programming to diverse audiences, primarily K-12 students during field trips at the Bell Museum. This includes logistical aspects of programming including materials management and on-site preparation. The person in this position will also support other aspects of the on-site visitor experience, including K-12 students, groups, and other museum visitors. This appointment is an hourly, temp/casual position working less than 14 hours per week.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages)

School Programs Delivery (90%)

• Deliver programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through the use of interactive teaching techniques and skills.
• Greet teachers, chaperones and students, and direct students groups throughout the museum.
• Teach up to 4 hands-on science lab experiences per day to K-12 students. Lab content spans astronomy, biology, arts, physical sciences, and engineering practice.
• Assist in visit preparation and other logistics for education programs.
• Utilize the Bell Museum's interpretative style and inquiry-based teaching techniques to provide accurate science-related knowledge to learners of all ages.
• Assist inventory and organize supply needed for school programs/labs.

Support Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) and Statewide Engagement (SWE) Programs (10%)

• Step in to support PESL or SWE programs and the visitors' experience on the museum floor, in classrooms, and offsite outreach venues as needed, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Working hours

• Hours are flexible with a minimum of zero weekly and a maximum of 14 hours weekly and will vary.
• May be scheduled Tuesday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm, for 2-8 hour shifts, depending on need.
  • Must be available to work scheduled 2 to 8 hour shifts between the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday through Friday.
• Must submit monthly availability three weeks before the first date of next month, or as requested.
• Ability to work weekend/evening shifts is desired, but not required.
• Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absences

Working location

• In person based out of Bell Museum, St Paul Campus

Qualifications

Required

• BA or BS in science or education or related field with at least 2 years of experience, or 6 years combined related education and work experience.
• A minimum of 2 years experience working with K - 12 youth in a formal, informal or museum educational setting.
• Experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations.
• Flexible schedule with daytime availability.
• Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all (staff, volunteers, event hosts, general public, etc.)

Preferred

• Knowledge of best practices in informal science education and inquiry-based learning
• Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching
• Creative, enthusiastic and thrives working in a team setting.
• Ability to be flexible, dependable, adaptable, and have a sense of humor in a high stress, fast-paced environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $21.91 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.