Exhibition & Outreach Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Texas Memorial Museum seeks an Exhibition & Outreach Associate to work with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits to develop, install, and maintain exhibitions and provide science outreach to the community.

This 40-hour-per-week, on-campus role requires a bachelor’s degree in sciences or museum studies, experience with exhibitions, and strong communication skills; it also emphasizes Texas natural history knowledge and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sciences or museum studies.
• At least two years' experience administering object-focused exhibitions.
• Broad knowledge of the natural history of Texas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and be flexible.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate interpretive content for new exhibits; coordinate installation and deinstallation.
• Maintain cleanliness and working order of exhibitions.
• Develop and lead science outreach programs and assist with education activities.
• Provide scientific expertise to communications staff for social media and marketing needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Oral communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Quick learner

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sciences or related field

Master’s degree in sciences or museum studies

Job description

Job Posting Title: Exhibition & Outreach Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Job Posting Title: Exhibition & Outreach Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Hiring Department: Texas Memorial Museum

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Oct 15, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details: Texas Science & Natural History Museum engages the community with exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity, promote belonging, and tell stories about Texas science and natural history. The Museum seeks an Exhibition & Outreach Associate to work with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits to develop, install, and maintain exhibitions and provide science outreach to the community.

Purpose: The Exhibition & Outreach Associate will work closely with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits on direction and priorities for museum exhibitions and science outreach.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, create, and evaluate interpretive content for new exhibits in collaboration with contracted exhibit vendors and the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits. Coordinate installation & deinstallation of short-term exhibitions.
• Maintain cleanliness and working order of exhibitions.
• Develop and lead science outreach programs and events and assist with education activities at the museum.
• Provide scientific expertise to communications staff to meet social media and marketing needs of the museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in the sciences, science communication, and/or museum studies.
• At least two years of experience administering object-focused exhibitions and/or science outreach programming.
• Broad knowledge of the natural history of Texas.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Success working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and be flexible.
• Experience taking ownership of projects and seeing them through to successful completion.
• Ability to undertake and complete tasks and demonstrate individual initiative in meeting the functions of the position.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or advanced training from an accredited college or university in the sciences, science communication, and/or museum studies.
• Experience working in museums, nature centers, or other cultural institutions.
• At least three years of experience administering object-focused exhibitions and/or science outreach programming.
• Familiarity with best practices for handling objects from natural history collections.
• Experience evaluating published research articles, artwork, and interviews for use in communicating science to the public.
• Strong writing, editing, and interpretive skills.

Salary Range:

• $52,000 annual

Working Conditions:

• Extended periods of standing.
• Working at a desk and computer for extended periods, including repetitive use of a keyboard.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.
• Occasional lifting and moving 30+ lbs.
• Occasional work around electrical and mechanical hazards; heavy equipment.

Work Shift:

• 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• Several weekend and evening events required

Required Materials:

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.