Museum Educator

Discovery-Place; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC is seeking a part-time education facilitator to enhance guest experiences through programs and demonstrations. You will lead educational activities, present shows, and assist at admissions with a friendly, guest-focused approach.

The role involves handling animals in certain demonstrations and engaging visitors of all ages. Schedule is four days per week; fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree-seeking in science or education fields; two years museum or teaching experience preferred.
• Spanish language fluency preferred; ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to perform essential duties including demonstrations, animal handling, and front-desk duties.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate programs, presentations, demonstrations, and educational activities across settings.
• Lead Tier I and II public shows and activities; engage visitors with informal education.
• Handle animals classified by Living Collections (Tier I-III) as required.
• Greet guests, check in, and process admissions and retail transactions at front desk.
• Provide input from guest feedback to management; monitor safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree-seeking (science/education)

Museum/teaching experience preferred

Spanish language fluency preferred

Job description

At Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fuel your passion for science and the natural world by delivering awe-inspiring exhibits and educational programs. Our immersive experiences captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning. We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope, solving complex problems and driving positive change across the globe.We’re looking for driven, talented individuals who share our passion for making an impact and having fun while doing itGeneral Summary:Facilitates guest and customer experiences, including paid programs such as camps and classes, Tier I and II shows, other educational activities, and performs admissions-related operations.This part-time position is scheduled 4-days per weekEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Facilitate programs, presentations, demonstrations, and lead educational activities in a variety of settingsFacilitate Tier I and II public shows, programs, and activitiesHandle a variety of animals, including types classified by Living Collections as Tier I, II, and IIIEngage museum visitors using informal educational approaches, including pre-designed and impromptu activitiesAdapt content and complexity to ages and interests of children and their familiesSelect and assemble materials to be used in daily demonstrations and programmingConduct inventory and purchases departmental supplies as requestedLead special event daysPrototype experiences upon requestTeach Early Childhood and/or Lab classes for visiting schools, as bookedDisplay a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and positive behavior to museum guestsEvaluate success of experiences through feedback provided by guestsWork as a front-line customer service representative at the admissions desk and retail shopGreet guests as they enter the museumCheck in guests and sell retail items through the point-of-sale systems at the front deskAccurately perform admissions transactions/reporting and follow cash handling proceduresConduct group orientationsInform guests of daily and special programming, learning opportunities, membership, and special eventsProvide input to management on feedback and information from customersMonitor inventory levels of consumables at the front desk and within the museum and notify management of needs when apparentProcess membership salesMonitor the museum exhibits, activities, and environment to ensure safetyPerform exhibit checks and either correct problems or report them to managementEnforce safety and other policies/procedures within the museumAssist in emergency response proceduresPerform daily housekeeping routines for museum activities and exhibitsProvide detailed cleaning, sanitization, and organization of exhibits and areas during down timeMaintain a clean and orderly work environmentDemonstrate behavior consistent with the organizational cultureUphold Discovery Place’s Core Service Values of Inclusion, Teamwork, Personal Excellence, and Uncommon CourtesyContinually maintain an outwardly positive demeanor toward coworkers and visitorsMaintain a team-oriented approach and can-do attitudeAssist other team members and departments in their responsibilities when help is neededDisplay flexibility in an ever-changing environmentAssist in training and share business-related knowledge with fellow employeesCompetency:To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Adapts language to audience (e.g. children, adults, etc.); Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills.Cost Consciousness - Conserves organizational resources.Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with change, delays, or unexpected events.Initiative - Volunteers readily; Asks for and offers help when needed.Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness.Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree-seeking from four-year college or university in science or education field, two years related museum or teaching experience/training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Fluency in Spanish preferred.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed herein are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Working Conditions:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Noise Level - The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.Climate – Must be able to work outdoors for moderate amounts of time.Highly Occupied Space – Must be able to work in extremely crowded spaces with a large number of people.Physical Demands:The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to manipulate objects, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to talk and hear.Employees of Discovery Place should uphold the mission, vision and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, the pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork and inclusion. We value the diversity of opinions and intellectual thought and encourage an environment where employees can share ideas openly.The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of this job. Other duties may be assigned. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.