Seasonal Educator

Position Title: Seasonal Educator

Department: TCM Mobile Museum

Reports to: Director of Education

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Part-Time (Seasonal)

Location: TCM Mobile Museum, based out of Simsbury, CT

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 5 PM from early- June through mid- August. Hours may vary depending on program and organizational needs, with additional shifts available for special events.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GROUP

Founded in 1927, The Children’s Museum Group (TCMG) has locations in West Hartford, Simsbury, and Canton, and includes our Mobile Museum, The Children’s Museum Preschool, and Roaring Brook Nature Center. TCMG serves as a pioneering nonprofit institution dedicated to inspiring lifelong, experiential learning and innovation for children, adults, and communities that support them. Listed as the nation's fifth oldest children’s museum, its mission is to foster creative thinking and ongoing education through hands-on science and nature experiences. TCMG offers interactive demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, the wildlife sanctuary, and special events, engaging participants in stimulating, multi-sensory learning.

Roaring Brook Nature Center, located in nearby Canton, was integrated into TCMG in 1973 and now enriches the visitor’s experience through animal and environmental exhibits, nature programs, and outdoor activities. Situated on 165 acres adjacent to a state wildlife refuge, Roaring Brook Nature Center serves as an outdoor classroom, featuring trails, gardens, and wildlife habitats. TCMG Preschool, located in West Hartford, uniquely combines science experiences into early childhood education. Educational initiatives extend to schools statewide, providing innovative inquiry-based science learning techniques and teacher training programs.

After 65 years in West Hartford, TCMG moved its administrative and mobile museum departments to Simsbury. Our commitment to education extends well beyond the museum walls, exemplified by our mobile museum programs that bring interactive science and nature programming, including live animals, to schools and communities across Connecticut.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Seasonal Educator plays a key role in delivering high-quality, engaging programs across The Children’s Museum Group. This position focuses on the implementation and delivery of educational experiences that support the organization’s mission of hands-on learning in science and nature. The Educator is responsible for teaching and assisting with a variety of on-site, outreach, and community programs for children, families, and schools.

This position works collaboratively with the Education Department to prepare materials, facilitate programs, and maintain educational resources to ensure an engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Work hours can vary week to week based on program schedules and organizational needs. All applicants must successfully pass a background check.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Prepare and maintain educational materials, equipment, and program supplies, including live animal teaching supplies as needed for programs.

· Communicate with teachers, group leaders, and families regarding program logistics, accessibility needs, and scheduling.

· Support curriculum implementation and updates under the guidance of the Director of Education and Education coordinators.

· Ensure safe and efficient setup and breakdown of teaching spaces and materials.

· Maintain accurate attendance and participation records for educational programs.

· Represent The Children’s Museum and Nature Center at public events, community programs, and festivals as assigned.

· Collaborate with fellow educators to promote consistency and excellence in visitor and participant experiences.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as scheduled.

· Perform other duties reasonably related to the role, as assigned.

· Provides support to other departments and/or areas related to educational programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training/Work Experience:

· Some college coursework in education, environmental science, biology, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

· Experience working with children in educational, camp, or informal learning settings.

· Previous experience teaching or presenting to groups is a preferred but not required.

· Willingness to learn about museum and nature-based education methods.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging both staff and public audiences.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively across locations.

· Comfort with hands-on learning environments, including indoor and outdoor settings.

· Knowledge of STEAM and/or environmental education principles preferred.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and access to reliable, insured transportation.

· Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Work is performed across both The Children’s Museum (Simsbury) and Roaring Brook Nature Center (Canton), including offsite locations across Connecticut and sometimes beyond.

· Typical noise levels are moderate to high in educational and visitor settings.

· Requires flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and during special events.

· May require local travel between home site and outreach locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· The position involves standard physical demands of an office and educational environment, including standing or moving for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds of materials or equipment, and interacting with children, families, and animals in program settings.

· Ability to carry up to 50 pounds in and out of buildings and vehicles as well as stairs.

· Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Part-time, hourly position.
• $17- $18 /hour based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team that connects people of all ages with the wonders of science and nature.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

The Children’s Museum Group (TCMG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA STATEMENT)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job to the extent the company may do so without an undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.

DISCLAIMER & ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential functions and responsibilities of work performed by the employee in this job position. It may not contain a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this role.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

This position is at-will, which means that it can be terminated by the employee holding the position, or by The Children’s Museum Group (TCMG), at any time, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise required by law.

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• On-the-job training

Ability to Commute:

• Simsbury, CT 06070 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18