POSITION OBJECTIVE & SUMMARY

The Museum Educator, Daily Programming, is responsible for designing, implementing, and coordinating high-quality educational experiences. This includes, but is not limited to, demonstrations, curiosity carts, and hands-on activities facilitated throughout the museum. Through direct engagement with diverse audiences, the Museum Educator encourages guests to think scientifically, explore creatively, and engage in engineering design.

The Museum Educator also collaborates with team members to plan, prepare, and train staff on facilitating educational activities delivered throughout the museum. This can include educational days, holidays, special events, and other programming initiatives that support Science Museum Oklahoma’s mission to create meaningful discovery experiences for children, families, and adults. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and facilitate inquiry-based learning activities that encourage guests to explore concepts in engineering, technology, art, and science
• Develop curriculum and materials for hands-on programs that align with the museum’s mission and best practices for formal and informal education
• Maintain scientific accuracy and educational integrity of all programming information
• Create a safe and engaging environment for experimentation, where guests can explore and learn from trial and error
• Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions and helping visitors reflect on their learning experiences
• Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse audiences, providing differentiation as needed
• Manage tools, materials, and safety protocols, ensuring equipment is well maintained and properly used
• Work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and other museum departments to align efforts with broader organizational goals and initiatives
• Assists with training colleagues, teen apprentices/ambassadors, and volunteers to facilitate science demonstrations and hands-on activities
• Collect feedback from guests and analyze program outcomes to continuously improve the effectiveness of learning experiences
• Stay current with trends in STEM education and makerspace/tinkering programming to incorporate innovative teaching practices
• Support additional museum initiatives as assigned to spark curiosity and promote discovery learning experiences

CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, museum studies, or a relevant STEAM discipline (science, technology, engineering, art, math)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters
• One (1) or more years of experience developing science education curricula 
• Two (2) or more years of experience in guided facilitation of hands-on, science learning experiences

Availability Requirements

• Schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, with Sunday/Monday as the “weekend”
• Ability to work evenings and holidays, as needed
• Flexibility to travel for outreach efforts across the state

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Professionally represent Science Museum Oklahoma and its mission
• Ability to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all guests feel welcome to experiment and create
• Must work well with children and be comfortable engaging audiences in a fun and energetic way, including being silly and animated in front of both kids and adults
• Strong background in STEM education, particularly hands-on, inquiry-based learning approaches.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficient writing and editing abilities
• Approachable, kind, and confident demeanor, with a willingness to receive and implement feedback
• Independent and proactive work ethic, with the ability to identify and complete tasks with minimal direction, while also thriving in a cooperative team environment
• Practical understanding of safety protocols and best practices for conducting science demonstrations

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position works in an active and busy children’s museum setting.

• Work involves frequent sitting, standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Requires working on a computer for long periods of time
• Work involves crawling, climbing and crouching 
• Work may include occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Museum. Employees that drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

This position has been designated as a Safety Sensitive position because this position operates a vehicle for business purposes. Due to HB 3127, Safety Sensitive positions will be subject to a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy, no matter their status as a Medical Marijuana License holder, as outlined in our Employee Handbook and in accordance with state law.

The working conditions described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The employee must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may indirectly supervise Program Team Members. This position must maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors and the general public.