Educational Associate

Our Organization

Kiewit Luminarium is a next-generation science center that joyfully engages people of all ages and identities in exploring astonishing phenomena and learning through hands-on experiences. Recognized as a crown jewel of the region and a national force in its field, the Luminarium’s interactive exhibitions and programs inspire lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Located on The RiverFront in Omaha, our purpose-built, 82,000-square-foot facility is home to a growing team of talented individuals who, together with collaborators and visitors, bring Kiewit Luminarium to life.

Position Summary

The Educational Associate will support and collaborate with part-time Luminators (youth development program facilitators) and other museum staff to ensure the delivery of engaging and impactful educational experiences for guests. This role combines direct facilitation of educational programming with training, oversight, and support of Luminators as they conduct guest-facing activities. Reporting to the Museum Floor Manager and working in close collaboration with the Education Manager, this position contributes to on-floor leadership and supports day-to-day floor operations.

Essential Functions

• Provides on-floor oversight of Luminators and ensures safe, effective, and guest-centered floor operations during open hours.


• Directly facilitates educational programming for museum guests based on curricular and pedagogical direction from the Education Manager.


• Trains and supports Luminators in delivering science demonstrations, Maker Space activities, and other educational experiences on the museum floor and in classroom spaces, with guidance from the Education Manager and Museum Floor Manager.


• Supports the successful execution of field trip visits by coordinating day-of logistics, directing Luminators in their facilitation roles, and serving as the onsite point of contact for visiting school staff.


• Supports the exploration of partnerships with nonprofits, higher education institutions, government agencies, and STEM-related companies for collaborative educational programming.


• Assists external collaborators who are conducting educational programming onsite and coordinates Luminator involvement accordingly.


• During non-summer months, periodically assists the Community Engagement Coordinator with offsite educational activities and coordinates Luminator participation as needed.


• Oversees supplies and space resets to ensure the Maker Space, demonstration stations, and other educational areas are ready for scheduled monthly programming updates.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Required

• An associate degree or higher in education, museum studies, science communication, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.


• Demonstrated experience in facilitating educational activities and/or coaching staff, interns, and/or volunteers in a teaching or program facilitation context.


• First Aid/CPR certification required within six (6) months of employment and kept current thereafter. Prior certification is a plus but not mandatory upon hire.

Necessary Skills & Characteristics

• Deep enthusiasm for science education and a commitment to creating inclusive, engaging experiences that spark curiosity in learners of all backgrounds.


• Highly organized and attentive to detail.


• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and informal leadership skills.


• Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and adapt to change and complex situations.


• Skilled at working cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.


• Cross-cultural fluency and ability to work with diverse groups of people.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace Suite.


• English proficiency is required; bilingual skills are an asset (especially Spanish).

Schedule

This position will follow a standard weekly schedule that includes one consistent weekend day per week (the schedule will likely be Sunday–Thursday). Occasional evening and holiday hours are also required to support special museum programming and events.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to move quickly through the museum and spend long periods on the floor.


• Ability to move from place to place and lift/carry up to 40 pounds short distances.


• Ability to perform position functions and must be willing and able to work on-site, in shared indoor and outdoor space with staff and the public following guidelines in accordance with the health department and local ordinances.

Compensation

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience: $45,000 to $47,000


• Generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and more


• Luminarium-issued laptop computer


• Employee retirement benefit that starts upon employment (matched 403b contributions immediately)

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and answer a series of ten application questions via the Luminarium’s BambooHR portal (https://kiewitluminarium.bamboohr.com/careers/50). 

Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled, but we will likely close the application period before or on August 8, 2025. Employment start date is flexible, but ideally the selected candidate would start the position by late August or early September of 2025.

Kiewit Luminarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability.