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For full Job description and Details:

Position: Museum Educator

Location: 737 N Main Street, Rockford, Illinois

Institution: Burpee Museum of Natural History

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History seeks an engaging and collaborative educator to support the museum’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning about the natural world. This role contributes to the development and delivery of dynamic educational programming while actively engaging with guests, students, and families throughout the museum.

Burpee’s educators are an integral part of the visitor experience, connecting classroom learning with real-time discovery on the museum floor. This position works closely with colleagues across departments to ensure that educational programming is aligned with exhibitions, collections, and public engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Program Development and Delivery
Develop and deliver educational content under the guidance of museum leadership for programs including field trips, homeschool classes, workshops, and outreach experiences.
Teach structured programs using provided curriculum, while adapting delivery to meet audience needs and learning styles.

Public Engagement and Guest Experience
Actively engage with museum visitors on the exhibit floor, serving as an accessible and knowledgeable resource during daily operations and special events.
Support a welcoming, interactive environment by connecting guests to exhibits, live animals, and scientific concepts.

Cross-Department Collaboration
Work collaboratively with staff across departments to ensure educational programming aligns with exhibitions, collections, and institutional priorities.
Contribute to museum-wide initiatives, including special events such as Monarch Fest and Holocene Holiday.

Program Operations and Classroom Management
Organize and manage student groups during programs, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment.
Prepare materials and spaces for educational programming, including setup and cleanup.

Professionalism and Institutional Representation
Serve as a representative of Burpee’s mission and values, modeling scientific thinking, curiosity, empathy, and inclusivity in all interactions.
Provide excellent customer service to guests, members, and colleagues.
Adhere to departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required.
College coursework or experience in natural sciences, education, or a related field preferred.

Professional Skills
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to engage effectively with children, families, and diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Comfort with basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Schedule Requirements

This position requires a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends, based on programming and event needs.

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History seeks an engaging and collaborative educator to support the museum’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning about the natural world. This role contributes to the development and delivery of dynamic educational programming while actively engaging with guests, students, and families throughout the museum.

Burpee’s educators are an integral part of the visitor experience, connecting classroom learning with real-time discovery on the museum floor. This position works closely with colleagues across departments to ensure that educational programming is aligned with exhibitions, collections, and public engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Program Development and Delivery
Develop and deliver educational content under the guidance of museum leadership for programs including field trips, homeschool classes, workshops, and outreach experiences.
Teach structured programs using provided curriculum, while adapting delivery to meet audience needs and learning styles.

Public Engagement and Guest Experience
Actively engage with museum visitors on the exhibit floor, serving as an accessible and knowledgeable resource during daily operations and special events.
Support a welcoming, interactive environment by connecting guests to exhibits, live animals, and scientific concepts.

Cross-Department Collaboration
Work collaboratively with staff across departments to ensure educational programming aligns with exhibitions, collections, and institutional priorities.
Contribute to museum-wide initiatives, including special events such as Monarch Fest and Holocene Holiday.

Program Operations and Classroom Management
Organize and manage student groups during programs, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment.
Prepare materials and spaces for educational programming, including setup and cleanup.

Professionalism and Institutional Representation
Serve as a representative of Burpee’s mission and values, modeling scientific thinking, curiosity, empathy, and inclusivity in all interactions.
Provide excellent customer service to guests, members, and colleagues.
Adhere to departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
College coursework or experience in natural sciences, education, or a related field preferred.

Professional Skills
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to engage effectively with children, families, and diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Comfort with basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Schedule Requirements

This position requires a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends, based on programming and event needs.