LIFE SCIENCE EDUCATOR

The mission of the Children’s Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.

For more than four decades, Children's Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a lifelong love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our programming serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the Museum, at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, and at the 270 outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights. 

Job Summary:

The Life Science Educator will be employed at Children's Museum Houston to engage children and families in creative projects that develop problem-solving skills and spark interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. The Life Science Educator will manage the care and upkeep of the EcoStation animals and garden. The Life Science Educator will also work throughout several museum galleries, engaging visitors through interaction within the galleries, facilitating themed workshops and activities, STEM demonstrations, and school field experiences. This facilitation includes ensuring that the Museum’s policies are upheld, that the exhibits are reset as needed for visitor interactions, that visitors are safe and receive rapid first aid assistance if needed, and that visitors enjoy their experience at the Museum.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and facilitate scientific programming and demonstrations in the gallery: EcoStation


• Manage EcoStation’s pollinator garden, including garden design, plant selection, and weeding throughout the year in all weather conditions. 


• Conduct routine care for EcoStation’s pond, such as skimmer cleaning, misc. object removal, aquatic plant maintenance, and care for the animals living in the pond. 


• Provide daily care, including feeding, cleaning, and observing the health and behavior of the animals.


• Maintain and regularly clean animal enclosures, ensuring they meet the specific habitat needs of each species.


• Administer medications and first aid as needed, and coordinate with veterinarians for regular health checks and medical care.


• Keep detailed records of animal health, behavior, diet, and any treatment administered.


• Directly engage with EcoStation’s expansive garden and animals (snake, frogs, insects, etc.).


• Develop and implement EcoStation and Picnic Science Workshop Programming.


• Throughout each day, re-stock supplies when necessary, reboot exhibits that are not functioning properly, and call in assistance as needed.


• Facilitate visitors' learning by describing, modeling, and prompting engagement with Museum exhibits such as EcoStation, How Does It Work, Matter Factory, and more.


• Facilitate activities in other spaces in the Museum, such as Science Station and Invention Convention.


• Serve as the teaching guide for visiting classrooms, leading students through the curriculum focus set for each exhibit for each age/grade.


• Perform necessary maintenance, setup, and teardown for each program.


• Facilitate interactive explorations for youth and families.


• Represent the Children’s Museum of Houston positively via attitude, communications, and enthusiasm.


• Assist in evaluation efforts.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the Children’s Museum of Houston. 

• The following are Essential Functions of the job & may not be altered without changing the basic purpose and objectives of the position:

• Interact with staff and visitors.

Maintain and prepare supplies necessary for programming.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of environmental education, nature-based education, and interpretation of the natural world trends.


• Comfortable presenting to children and families in both in-person and virtual settings.


• Experience with some of the following is highly preferred: Hands-on STEAM learning, science demonstrations, Wildlife Management/Botanical Sciences/Earth Sciences.


• Proven experience in handling, caring for, and managing live animals, particularly those native to the area.


• Strong knowledge of animal biology, ecology, and specific care requirements of diverse species.


• Ability to identify local birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, herbaceous and woody plants.


• An interest in thinking outside the box to teach scientific topics to a variety of audiences.


• Excellent leadership and communication skills.


• The ability to interact effectively with children, adults, and host organization staff.


• A passion for educating the public, especially about wildlife conservation and education.

• Bilingual preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, wildlife, environmental science, or a related field.

Physical Requirements:

The Life Science Educator must be comfortable working in an environment that is at times noisy and crowded. Also, EcoStation is an outdoor gallery, so the Life Science Educator must be comfortable working outside in Houston’s many weather conditions.

We believe in creating an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, without bias. We know we are better when we are developed, engaged, and able to bring our whole authentic selves to work.  Our people are trusted experts. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train, and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other. 

 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.