Science Educator

The Mariners' Museum; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mariners’ Museum is seeking a Science Educator to support STEM-focused educational enrichment for K-12 students across the museum, classroom, virtual, and outdoor programs at Mariners’ Park and Mariners’ Lake.

Under the Education Manager, you will help develop, adapt, and deliver interdisciplinary programs, assist with evaluation, train volunteers, and represent the museum at community events and workshops.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to connect and engage with students.
• Ability to adapt and think creatively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must be flexible, patient, resourceful, and accountable.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suites.

Responsibilities

• Teach interdisciplinary educational enrichment programs in a museum, classroom, outdoor, or virtual setting.
• Programs focus on history and STEM topics; kayak program lead possible.
• Maintain welcoming and inclusive environment for youth of all ages and backgrounds.
• Assist with program development, evaluation, and outreach.

Skills

Excellent oral and written

Organizational skills

Prioritize work

Engage with students

Creative thinking

Independent and collaborative

Flexible, patient, accountable

MS Office & Google Suites

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Job description

Description

The Mariners’ Museum and Park’s mission is to connect people to the world’s waters, because through the water - through our shared maritime heritage - we are connected to one another. STEM is a key component of that connection to the water and shared maritime heritage. With a team of nine Educators and over 30,000 student engagements annually, the Education Department is committed to providing equitable access to a unique, engaging museum experience that enriches students’ education. The Science Educator is a professional charged with working under the general supervision of the Education Manager to support the Museum’s educational and interpretive mission to provide STEM-focused educational enrichment programs to K-12 students. Program formats include, at the Museum, in the classroom, virtual, and outdoors in Mariners’ Park. The 550-acre Park and 167-acre Mariners’ Lake provide a unique opportunity for students to connect with their local watershed in a real, tangible way. While the focus of this position will be the presentation and development of STEM-focused programs, the Science Educator will also assist in delivering history-focused programs.

Duties

Teaching

• Teach interdisciplinary educational enrichment programs in a museum, classroom, outdoor, or virtual setting. Programs focus on a range of history and STEM-related topics. Outdoor programming includes a kayak experience for students on Mariners' Lake. Educators will have the opportunity to train as a kayak program lead.
• Maintain a strong commitment to welcoming, encouraging, educating, and enriching youth of all ages, identities, and learning styles.
• Help students find their connection to our shared maritime heritage and see themselves as a valued part of the Mariners’ community.
• Assist with executing the Lake Stewards program and expanding The Mariners’ Environmental Co-op. The purpose of this program is to empower 9th-grade students to become stewards of their local watershed. Project components include students assisting in the establishment of a wildflower meadow while gathering data on how it will improve the health of Mariners’ Lake.

Program Development

• Collaborate with Senior Educators in conceiving, researching, developing, and modifying educational enrichment programs designed for a museum, outdoor, classroom, or virtual setting. Programs address elementary and secondary school educational objectives and learning standards.
• Assist in integrating STEM-related skills and concepts into new and existing educational enrichment programs.
• Collaborate with Senior Educators and other Mariners' staff in conceiving, researching, developing, and implementing specialized educational programming. This may include programming for after-school initiatives or grant-funded programming with external partners

Support the Education Department

• Assist with day-to-day department tasks, including program prep, setup, and breakdown.
• Assist with program evaluation as needed.
• Represent The Mariners' at community outreach events, professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Other Duties as Assigned

This is a full-time, salary-exempt position with a salary of $45,000.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to connect and engage with students.
• Ability to adapt and think creatively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must be flexible, patient, resourceful, and accountable.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suites

Education and Experience

• Two years of related work experience is required. Experience in informal or formal learning environments is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Education, or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be available to work some evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Must be able to pass a background check and have a clear Motor Vehicle Record.
• Must have access to reliable transportation for off-campus events and programs.