Museum Educator

Description

 Working at The Preservation Society of Newport County offers you the opportunity to work for an organization that preserves, protects and presents 13 historic properties and landscapes in Newport, Rhode Island. As part of the team, you have an opportunity to help preserve and maintain the cultural and historical treasure of Newport, Rhode Island.

The Museum Educator is a part-time temporary seasonal position, working approximately 10 to 20 hours per week from June through August. The Museum Educator implements programs targeted for families, youths, and school or camp groups. This position may require some evening hours, weekends, and holidays. Schedule hours are made in coordination with seasonal offerings. 

The Museum Educator is a member of The Preservation Society of Newport County’s (PSNC) Museum Affairs Department, and reports to the Education and Programs Manager. This position implements summer programs and may assist the Education and Programs Manager in their development. The Museum Educator serves as an ambassador of the PSNC to the general public as well as PSNC members. Museum educators are responsible for ensuring that families and children have educational and fun experiences connected to our houses, histories, landscapes, and rotating exhibitions. 

• Executing a variety of programs for families and children (roughly 5-14 years old) in a safe and responsible environment.
• Check-in program participants
• Prepping materials and crafts for programs.
• Assisting children with making crafts.
• Reading children’s books aloud to a group.
• Set up and breaking down programs.
• Interacting with PSNC community partners and off-site hosts.
• Working closely with fellow Museum Educators to implement activities and being prepared to fill time when program plans change.
• Assessing audience engagement and writing post-program evaluations.
• Being a great leader and role model for children.
• May also include administrative tasks related to scheduling programming and camp visits.
• Perform other related duties as required or directed.
• Follow prescribed safety and health rules, regulations and practices. 

Programs may take place at a variety of the PSNC’s 11 properties or off-site with community partners. For work that takes place at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, off-site at partner institutions, or in Newport, the Educator must have reliable transport for themselves and program materials to and from the program.

When the Educator is not working on summer programs or preparation, they may be given assignments relating to fall programming. Fall programming work would take place at The Preservation Society’s Headquarters at 424 Bellevue Ave in Newport.  

The position will also interface with colleagues in Museum Experience, Grounds, and Security departments for on-site programs. 

Requirements

The desirable candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Student currently enrolled in BA program or possessing a BA in a field related to education, history, museum studies, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in family programming and working with children. 
• Enjoyment when interacting with members of the public.
• Ability to function independently as well as on a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Has confidence to handle troubleshooting.
• Has good judgement and sense of humor to maintain perspective.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
• Reliable car to get to and from on-site and off-site programs and transport program materials.
• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs, occasionally. 
• Working outdoors in a variety of weather.