Do you enjoy working with children and families? Are you excited about science and nature? Do you wonder if the exhibits really come alive at night, or whether the most magic happens during the daytime? If you answered yes, you’re just who we’re looking for!
The EcoTarium museum of science and nature seeks organized, creative, and engaged education specialists to facilitate overnight and/or birthday party programming within the Education department. Programming is on a variety of natural and physical science topics and takes place on the museum floor, in our digital planetarium, outdoors on our 39-acre site, and in the museum’s event spaces. The ideal candidates will have general availability for daytime or overnight shifts at least twice per month, with scheduling based on employee availability and program needs.
As a member of Night Journey staff, education specialists will deliver educational programs and ensure a quality overnight experience for everyone in the museum from sunset to sunrise. Night Journeys typically take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, September through June, with occasional summer or other day shifts available. Employees under age 18 will be scheduled for evening-only shifts (5:00–10:00 pm) and are not eligible for overnight shifts. All others will be scheduled for 17-hour shifts (5:00 pm–10:00 am) with two unpaid 30-minute meal breaks. Employees working at the museum are expected to sleep onsite and be on-call for emergencies or urgent program needs between the end of evening programming at 10:30 pm and the beginning of morning programming at 7:00 am.
As a birthday party facilitator, education specialists will lead onsite birthday parties for children and their families. Birthday parties can be scheduled year-round, with availability most weekend mornings and afternoons. During a 3.5- or 7-hour shift, the education specialist will set up the event room, greet guests, celebrate the birthday child(ren), and lead families in science programming on one of our four birthday party themes. Party leaders will ensure that all guests have a positive experience while they are here and engage everyone with exciting science along the way.
Candidates interested in one or both sides of the specialist role are encouraged to apply.
Hours and Compensation:
- $16.25 per hour pay rate
- Flexible shift-based role:
- Overnight shifts available Friday and Saturday evenings, September through June (occasional Sunday, Monday, Thursday, or summer Night Journeys may be available).
- Employees under age 18 will be scheduled for evening-only shifts, 5:00–10:00 pm.
- All other Night Journey shifts are full-night, 17-hour shifts (5:00 pm—10:00 am) that include paid sleeping time and two unpaid, 30-minute meal breaks. Employees are expected to sleep at the museum and be available in case of emergencies or urgent program needs.
- Birthday party shifts available Saturday and Sunday mornings and/or afternoons, year-round.
- Single-party shifts will typically be 3.5 hours (9:00 am–12:30 pm or 12:45–4:15 pm) with no meal break. Two-party shifts will be seven hours with one unpaid, 30-minute meal break (9:00 am–4:30 pm).
- Separate trainings for Night Journey and Birthday Party facilitation will be paid
- Candidates are expected to have general availability for at least two shifts per month. Scheduling will be based on employee availability and program needs.
Essential Functions:
- Deliver high-quality, hands-on educational programming on a variety of science and nature topics
- Support a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for all museum guests
- Lead programming for audiences of a variety of ages and backgrounds
- Ensure the safety and supervision of all participants throughout all program activities, including during parties and/or overnight stays
- Sleep onsite during overnight shifts and remain available throughout in case of an emergency or urgent program need
- Maintain professional communication and collaboration with team members and supervisors
- Respond to requests for availability clearly and consistently
Key Responsibilities:
- Work independently and as part of a team to provide an exceptional visitor experience
- Take initiative in problem solving, leading programs, and fostering effective interactions between guests and staff
- Maintain program supplies in teaching condition and restock or inform the education team about any limited supplies
- Prepare, tidy, and maintain museum spaces and program materials, including technical equipment and other supplies
- Conduct indoor and/or outdoor programming in all weather conditions, including trail navigation; navigate trails in all types of weather conditions
- Report any issues with programming, guests, staff, wildlife, or exhibits to Senior Overnight Program Instructors
- Respond positively and professionally to guests in a highly stimulating environment
- Participate in preparation meetings and staff debriefs after extended shifts
- Contribute to a professional, motivational, and collaborative working environment by encouraging teamwork and providing positive reinforcement to team members when a job is well done
Requirements:
- 16 years old or older. Overnight instructors under age 18 will be scheduled for evening-only shifts and are not eligible for overnight shifts. Birthday party shifts have no restriction.
- Demonstrated previous experience teaching and/or working with children
- Interest in and/or experience working with diverse audiences
- Comfort with presentation and/or public speaking
- Demonstrated ability to have fun with kids and adults
- Demonstrated success working independently and as part of a team
- Flexibility and dependability
- Willingness to learn and grow through constructive feedback
- General availability of two or more shifts per month, plus initial trainings as necessary for chosen roles
- Ability to navigate the building and grounds under any weather conditions, lift and transport up to 25 pounds, and work in a highly sensory and stimulating environment with constant interaction with guests
- Pass CORI and SORI background checks as required by the museum
An ideal candidate will have:
- Background or interest in life science, earth science, astronomy, engineering, and/or physical science
- Experience with inquiry-based and/or experiential learning
- Experience leading or assisting programming in a science camp, classroom, or museum setting
- Strong presentation skills and enthusiasm for engaging audiences
Pay: $16.25 per hour
Work Location: In person
