Programs Educator - FT

Position Title: Programs Educator

Reports to: Youth Engagement Manager

Classification

Type: Hourly, Full-time, Non-exempt

Schedule: varied work schedule will include weekdays, occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays

Minimum starting hourly rate: $17/hr

Scott Family Amazeum Overview:

The Scott Family Amazeum is a hands-on, interactive museum in Northwest Arkansas and recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. We create a fun environment where risk taking, imagining, problem solving, discovery, collaboration, and exploration bring children and adults together to learn and grow. 

Core Purpose: The Amazeum exists to spark and nurture the curious and creative spirit in all of us.

Through experiences with the Amazeum, individuals and the community are engaged in building relationships and developing identities as creative, curious, and innovative shapers for the region. Hands-on learning opportunities and inquiry-based discovery allow guests to exercise critical thinking and take risks in the context of play.

The Amazeum facility includes approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor space and one acre of outdoor exhibition and activity space. The exhibits and programs are multidisciplinary – based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts– to further formal educational goals in a high-quality informal learning environment. The museum is located at the intersection of Museum Way and J Street in Bentonville, AR.

Position Summary

The Education Department of the Amazeum is looking for team members who are enthusiastic about promoting creativity, curiosity, and community. Reporting to the Youth Engagement Manager,  Programs Educators will develop, teach, and facilitate curriculum and activities that support the Amazeum’s mission and overall strategic goals. Programming will focus on experiences to impact guests from the general public as well as local community organizations such as Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, homeschool families, 4-H groups, and schools. As key representatives of the Amazeum to the public, Programs Educators will also work as a team to provide excellent customer service, ensure a safe and hygienic space, and help evaluate and improve guest experiences.

Essential Functions

Program Development & Facilitation 

• Works closely with Youth Engagement Manager to develop new and improve existing program curriculum, including instructional and operational design, written descriptions and evaluation
• Ensure curriculum and activities adhere to the Amazeum’s education guiding principles
• Models best practices by serving as a primary educator in educational programs and activities to a wide range of ages from 6 - 14 years old. 
• Design, conduct, and modify innovative educational experiences developed for public audiences, ensuring experiences are responsive to all participants’ needs
• Evaluate programs, reflect on their success, and conduct in-depth research and prototyping to improve Amazeum experiences 
• Respond knowledgeably to guests’ questions and follow daily programming schedules 
• Provide programming support for weekend and special events at the Amazeum and off site at community partner organizations as needed
• Provides outstanding customer service in a fast-paced setting and act quickly in a challenging situation 
• Provide supporting facilitation for public audiences on the exhibit floor on occasions

Materials & Equipment Management

• Maintain organized inventory of supplies, equipment, and tools required for implementing educational programs
• Organize and prepare materials for use in onsite and offsite programs and events
• Ensure a safe and hygienic space; reset learning spaces between programs

Training and Program Evaluation/Improvement

• Actively participate in scheduled training sessions and meetings; the Youth Engagement Manager chooses training topics based on feedback from the Programs Educators 
• Take initiative to learn about new exhibit content and museum-wide events and news on a regular basis
• Help monitor and adjust the content and execution of educational offerings to improve program quality and guest experience
• In collaboration with the Youth Engagement Manager, creates and delivers training sessions for seasonal interns on best practices of program implementation.

General Duties

The responsibilities listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The Amazeum reserves the right to revise or change position duties and responsibilities as necessary to accommodate changing organizational needs.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18 years at the time of hire
• 1+ year experience working with children and families (summer camps, after school clubs, libraries, volunteering)
• Basic understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) subject areas
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
• Ability to maintain a professional and approachable demeanor with all audiences (internal & external)
• Proficient in the use of Google Documents and Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

All applicants must be able to:

• Provide the necessary documentation to prove that you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national with authorization to work in the United States
• Complete and pass a background check

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach to interact with children and adults, manage materials, and reset learner spaces for extended periods of time. 
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, interactive environment with moderate to high levels of noise and activity.
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs. overhead regularly and occasionally 40 lbs.
• Must have reliable transportation to commute to and from various offsite locations
• Able to work both indoors and outdoors on various surfaces, including carpet, concrete, and outdoor terrain.

Preferred Skills 

• Bilingual
• Experience in curriculum development and instructional design.
• Previous experience in a STEAM field or working towards a degree in Education or in one or more of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) subject areas. 
• Experience in an informal education setting (museums, camps, libraries, cultural organizations, etc.)
• Experience in hands-on, exploratory activities that encourage curiosity and problem-solving.
• Strong facilitation skills, adaptable to developmental levels and different learning styles.
• Demonstrate curiosity and passion for learning, with an excitement for new challenges.
• Enjoy working with children and comfortable being silly and playful.
• Strategic thinker and able to problem solve effectively under pressure.
• Excellent team player with positive attitude; (energetic, dependable, and personable).
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize time effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with attention to detail. 

How to apply

Submit your completed Amazeum application, your resume and cover letter, via the Amazeum Career Portal.