Located on Olympia’s East Bay waterfront, the Hands On Children’s Museum is an award-winning cultural institution and popular early learning destination for families throughout the Northwest and the nation. As a national Museum for All, Hands On served 325,000 annual visitors pre-pandemic, with more than one-third served through a variety of free and low-cost Access programs.

Join the creative & talented Education Team at the Hands On Children’s Museum. 35-40 hrs/week flexible schedule. Friday, Saturday and Sundays required. The Visitor Engagement (VE) Lead provides staff supervision and daily operations support in the museum art studio, MakeSpace, Science Table, Naturalist Cabin, and Children’s Garden. This position requires a mission focused person who prioritizes education and engaging with kids and families. Must be outgoing, organized, and task oriented. Interest in the arts, science and tinkering essential. Previous experience in early childhood education preferred. Specialized experience with silk screening, animation, nature/garden programs, technology/tools/basic engineering or general classroom experience a plus. Must be able to manage time, meet tight deadlines, problem solve and think dynamically.

Specific Job Duties

• Supports and collaborates with Visitor Engagement Leadership to provide quality informal education in the museum setting and during community outreach
• Primary daily supervision of VE team (generally 2-6 Level 1 or Level 2 staff) and daily operation of Arts & Parts Studio and any other scheduled Education Department activities in the museum public spaces including: MakeSpace, Nature Play & Garden programs, First Friday Nights, Adult Swim Nights, Boo Bash, Noon Years and Ice Adventures.
• Maintains organization and inventory of program materials.
• Maintenance of Science Table kits and research and development of other activities as assigned.
• All education team members are cross trained to substitute in other programs, and this position may be assigned classes or workshops.
• May be required to drive either the museum van or Intercity Transit commuter van as part of assigned responsibilities.

• Must be able to work weekends. 35-40 hrs/week flexible schedule
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Studies or relevant field preferred.  May substitute a mix of college, professional education and on the job experience.
• Minimum one year experience supervising and training a team of two or more.
• Washington State Driver’s License with clear driving record.
• Ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR certification.  
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and be able to be on feet for most of the workday.
• Fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and must provide proof of vaccination upon hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be outgoing, organized, and task oriented. 
• Must be able to manage time, meet tight deadlines, problem solve and think dynamically.
• Experience in designing, prototyping and providing educational programming for children, including craft make & take activities, science explorations and garden/planting activities preferred. 
• Interest in the arts, science and tinkering essential. Specialized experience with silk screening, animation, nature/garden programs, technology/tools/basic engineering a plus
• Able to work independently with limited direction in a fast-paced environment with a great deal of flexibility.
• Ability to work in a team setting with a high degree of daily communication required.  Must care about and value the viewpoints of the other team members and organizational mission.

Workplace Values

Achieving our mission requires great people who actively demonstrate our core values.

When applying, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references.

Compensation & Benefits: As a leading non-profit, we offer competitive compensation, medical, dental and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Plan (eff. 3/1/2023), paid time off, paid holidays, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and special perks including museum passes and membership, discounts on preschool, camps, in the Museum Store and Café, and paid parking. Benefits vary by number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status. See benefit details for this position here.

The Hands On Children’s Museum exhibits, education programs, and employment are available to all without discrimination.