Exhibition Explainer (Part-Time)

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History is seeking a part-time Exhibition Explainer to work in the butterfly Vivarium. You will help maintain USDA containment, monitor visitors and doors, and answer questions about butterfly biology and conservation.

Responsibilities include using teaching tools, ensuring a pleasant guest experience, and assisting Living Exhibits staff with Vivarium upkeep. The role offers a part-time schedule with potential for overtime consideration.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and completion of some college-level classes.
• Experience working with the public or school classes in a customer service or informal education role.
• Ability to work two or three days a week, including one weekend day and holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Answer visitor questions on general butterfly biology, pollination, conservation, and related topics.
• Use teaching tools such as magnifiers and empty cocoons to enhance the visitor experience.
• Monitor visitor behavior to protect live butterflies.
• Ensure doors are properly used to contain butterflies within the Vivarium.
• Assist other staff with tidying and cleaning the Vivarium, changing fruit and feeders, and misting plants.

Skills

Public engagement

Customer interaction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Exhibition Explainer (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Exhibition department is seeking a part-time Exhibition Explainer to work in the butterfly Vivarium to maintain USDA requirements on containment and monitor visitors and doors to ensure butterflies are not removed/escaping. The Explainer also answers visitor questions on butterfly biology, ensures a pleasant environment for all guests, and helps other Living Exhibits staff keep the Vivarium tidy.

Job Responsibilities

• Answer visitor questions on general butterfly biology, pollination, conservation, and related topics.
• Use teaching tools such as magnifiers and empty cocoons to enhance the visitor experience.
• Monitor visitor behavior to protect live butterflies.
• Ensure doors are properly used to contain butterflies within the Vivarium.
• Assist other staff with tidying and cleaning the Vivarium, changing fruit and feeders, and misting plants.

The expected salary for the Exhibition Explainer is $20/hour. This position is overtime-eligible.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and completion of some college-level classes.
• Experience working with the public or school classes in a customer service or informal education role.
• Ability to work two or three days a week, including one weekend day and holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, life sciences, or education.
• One year professional experience in informal education with live animals or plants.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.
  • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
    • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
    • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
    • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.
• Must be able to comfortably work in a hot/humid environment.

Category: Part-Time/Term

Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period: 40

Union Status: Union

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Expected Salary Minimum: $20/hour

Expected Salary Maximum: $20/hour

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.