Working at The Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center is a fun way to get involved in your community, meet interesting people (and animals), and help children discover and learn new things about science and nature! Click here to get your application!
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GROUP
The Children’s Museum main campus has recently moved across town to a new temporary location at 180 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford, CT. For 96 years, we have offered hands-on fun with STEM/STEAM exploration for children and families, school and community groups, and home-schooled children. At the Museum, Nature Center, Museum Preschool, and in classrooms throughout Connecticut, we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. All the while, supporting families and the community in their role in our children’s advancement. The Children engage in our interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits and demonstrations, a live wildlife sanctuary, vacation camps, birthday parties, scout activities, and special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, co-located within our West Hartford Museum, integrates science experiences into early childhood learning and a play-based curriculum. Our Roaring Brook Nature Center in nearby Canton offers environmental exhibits, nature programs, and acres of outdoor hiking, bird watching, and winter cross-country skiing, alongside a wildlife rehabilitation clinic and animal sanctuary.
The Children’s Museum Group will inspire life-long learning among children and their caregivers by providing experiential learning programs covering STEAM/STEM, health, nature, and the environment. Entertaining, stimulating, and unique to the area, our programs will assist the development of curious, confident, and innovative children creating the basis for successful adults. In so doing, The Children’s Museum group will continue to be a valued asset and partner in the community.
Posted 03/05/2024
Seasonal Educators
Multiple Seasonal Educator positions are currently available at our West Hartford and Canton, CT locations. The length of the position and required hours will differ depending on the specific role and site. All seasonal educator applicants should have a minimum of two years of college-level studies or relevant experience in; physics, chemistry, earth science, agriculture/horticulture, environmental or biological sciences, science education, or elementary education. Experience engaging children in informal learning environments is expected along with strong communication skills. Applicants must be willing to commit to the duration of the position as stated in the descriptions below. All applicants must successfully pass a background check.
Seasonal STEAM Educators – West Hartford Campus
Description:
Seasonal STEAM Educators will work alongside our Year-Round Education Team to prepare and deliver hands-on STEAM-focused education programs at schools, libraries, camps, and other community locations throughout Connecticut. Specific roles may include working with under-resourced families through our “Bringing STEAM to the Neighborhoods” initiative, providing daily STEAM enrichment programming for summer school students, and presenting outreach programs from our large program catalogue. Educators will be trained on current Museum curriculum and be able to collaborate on the development of new informal science curricula and hands-on activities utilizing the Museum’s unique educational resources including live animals, robots, and other scientific equipment. Educators will work closely with the Education Team to create and deliver age-appropriate, positive learning experiences designed to meet the Museum’s mission of inspiring life-long learning among children and their caregivers.
Essential Skills and Functions:
- Must be a dynamic presenter who can comfortably present effective, age-appropriate, and engaging lessons to diverse audiences.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage participant behavior, mediate minor conflicts, and prioritize safety in group settings.
- Must demonstrate a solid understanding of early childhood through middle school level of STEAM subjects and topics including but not limited to: physics, chemistry, earth science, biology, engineering, math, technology, art, astronomy, and environmental science.
- Expected to maintain and inventory equipment and supplies used in programming.
- Must have experience or willingness to learn how to handle and present with live animals during presentations.
- Must project a positive attitude with both customers and co-workers.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds of education equipment into and out of vehicles and within assigned teaching spaces. Access to teaching spaces will require the ability to bring equipment and supplies up and down stairs and be outdoors.
- Travels to schools and other community locations to present outreach programs at their site.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Candidates should have a minimum of two years of college-level studies or career experience in; physics, chemistry, earth science, agriculture/horticulture, environmental or biological sciences, science education, or elementary education.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Access to a reliable and insured vehicle is required for offsite travel.
- This position is considered seasonal at approximately 40 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and mid to late August. Only applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role.
Salary range: $16/hr to $18/hr dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes.
This position reports to the Director of Education and works collaboratively with staff at the Museum in West Hartford.
Lead Teachers – Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
Description:
Lead Teachers will work with the Roaring Brook Nature Center team to create, implement and evaluate one-week, hands-on, place-based curriculum designed to connect children with the natural world. With the help of all of the Nature Center’s resources including miles of trails and live animals, Lead Teachers will lead a full morning of programming, blending education and recreation in the out of doors. Lead Teachers will work closely with an Assistant Teacher to supervise and ensure the safety of all participants while creating a fun, engaging, and memorable summer experience. Lead Teachers will take a lead role in planning, teaching, and evaluating each program week with the help of an Assistant Teacher.
Essential Skills and Functions:
- Must be a dynamic presenter who can comfortably present effective, age-appropriate, and engaging lessons to diverse audiences.
- Must be a creative, innovative educator with experience developing engaging outdoor curricula on a variety of nature-based topics.
- Must demonstrate a solid understanding of early childhood through middle school level of STEAM subjects and topics including but not limited to: biological, geological, environmental and physical sciences.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage participant behavior, mediate minor conflicts, and prioritize safety in program settings.
- Must have experience or willingness to learn how to handle and present with live animals during presentations.
- Must project a positive attitude with both customers and co-workers.
- Must be able to carry heavy loads of up to 20 pounds, hike uneven terrain, and be comfortable working outside during summer months in all kinds of weather.
- Knowledgeable about local flora and fauna and comfortable in nature
- Observant, caring, reliable, and friendly.
- Patient and enjoys working with children.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Candidates should have a minimum of two years of college-level studies or relevant experience in; earth science, agriculture/horticulture, environmental or biological sciences, science education, or elementary education.
- Experience working in camp, youth programs, recreation, out-of-school settings, or in a related field with children.
- First Aid Certification and Epi-Pen Trained (Preferred)
- This position is considered seasonal at approximately 25 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and mid to late August. Program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 12 PM. Teacher hours are 8 AM- 1 PM. Note: July 4th week is a three-day, Monday-Wednesday week. Only applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role.
Salary range: $16/hr to $18/hr dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes.
This position reports to the Roaring Brook Nature Center Director and works collaboratively with staff at the Nature Center in Canton.
Assistant Teachers – Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
Description:
Assistant Teachers will work with the Roaring Brook Nature Center team to create and implement hands-on, place-based curriculum designed to connect children with the natural world. Using all of the Nature Center’s resources including miles of trails and live animals, Assistant Teachers will help lead a full morning of programming, blending education and recreation in the out of doors. Assistant Teachers will work closely with a Lead Teacher to supervise and ensure the safety of all participants while creating a fun, engaging, and memorable summer experience. Assistant Teachers will take an active role in planning, teaching, and evaluating each program week with the help of a Lead Teacher.
Essential Skills and Functions:
- Must be a dynamic presenter who can comfortably present effective, age-appropriate, and engaging lessons to diverse audiences.
- Must be a creative, innovative educator with experience developing engaging outdoor curricula on a variety of nature-based topics.
- Must demonstrate a solid understanding of early childhood through middle school level of STEAM subjects and topics including but not limited to: biological, geological, environmental and physical sciences.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage participant behavior, mediate minor conflicts, and prioritize safety in program settings.
- Must have experience or willingness to learn how to handle and present with live animals during presentations.
- Must project a positive attitude with both customers and co-workers.
- Must be able to carry heavy loads of up to 20 pounds, hike uneven terrain, and be comfortable working outside during summer months in all kinds of weather.
- Knowledgeable about local flora and fauna and comfortable in nature
- Observant, caring, reliable, and friendly.
- Patient and enjoys working with children.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma and prior experience in; earth science, agriculture/horticulture, environmental or biological sciences, science education, or elementary education.
- Experience working in camp, youth programs, recreation, out-of-school settings, or in a related field with children is a plus.
- First Aid Certification and Epi-Pen Trained (Preferred)
- This position is considered seasonal at approximately 25 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and mid to late August. Program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 12 PM. Teacher hours are 8 AM- 1 PM. Note: July 4th week is a three-day, Monday-Wednesday week. Only applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role.
Salary range: $16/hr to $18/hr dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes.
This position reports to the Roaring Brook Nature Center Director and works collaboratively with staff at the Canton Nature Center.
To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter, detailing your preferred position, site, and identifying any limitations to availability.
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Mail:
Human Resources Coordinator
The Children’s Museum
180 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
(No phone calls please)
Posted 02/23/2024
Nature Center Co-Director – Full-Time
Roaring Brook Nature Center details:
Roaring Brook Nature Center was founded in 1948 by Canton resident Una Storrs Riddle, and was originally known as the Canton Children’s Nature Museum. In 1964, as a result of a bequest to the State of Connecticut, the adjacent 100-acre Werner Farm became available to the Nature Center as a wildlife sanctuary and outdoor classroom. A new building in 1966 provided larger exhibit space and allowed for expanded programming opportunities. In 1973, the Nature Center became affiliated with The Children’s Museum (formerly the Science Center of Connecticut) providing members with a wider range of programs and services for all ages. A major renovation in 2018 further expanded the facility’s educational and rehabilitation clinic space. The present facility houses walk-through dioramas that highlight how our landscape and wildlife have changed over time. Indoors, a small collection of live animals offers our visitors additional opportunities for learning. Outdoors, visitors can observe a variety of birds of prey, pollinator gardens, and a turtle pond. A small nature store features a selection of nature-related books and gift items. The nature center maintains five miles of trails on the adjacent State-owned Werner’s Woods property. In addition to its educational focus, the nature center supports the rehabilitation, release, or rehoming of injured wildlife.
Nature Center Co-Director:
The Children’s Museum Group seeks to fill a full-time position as the Roaring Brook Nature Center Co-Director. This new position will work alongside the current nature center director and under the direction of the Children’s Museum Group Inc., Executive Director and Director of Operations. The current nature center director, of almost 50 years, is stepping back to a reduced role, and will focus on maintaining the relationships with the center’s long-time contributed revenue base. In addition, the current director will continue to reside in a home onsite and will be available to maintain security and access to the center in the evenings or for building emergencies. The current director will also support the nature center education team by leading a reduced number of educational programs/hikes, which would benefit from their years of knowledge and experience, and by engaging in special projects that provide benefit to the Nature Center.
The incoming new co-director will take on the daily operational responsibilities of managing the staff, programs, facility, land management, and related administrative functions, supporting the strategic framework and mission of The Children’s Museum Group and the submission of the Nature Center. This new co-director will work towards ongoing improvements in the visitor experience, program opportunities, and administrative processes. As a key manager within the Museum Group, the co-director will work closely with all museum lead staff to effectively and efficiently build a strong bridge between the museum group’s multiple locations. A gradual reduction in responsibilities for the current director is expected to occur over the next two to three years, allowing the incoming co-director to further expand their role and responsibilities.
Essential Functions:
- Direct the nature center’s administrative, operations, marketing, customer service, events management, facilities maintenance, safety, and security functions.
- Directly coordinate, supervise, and mentor nature center staff and volunteers.
- Work with the museum group’s education director to coordinate the educational program initiatives utilizing nature center resources.
- Participate in leading engaging programs both indoors and out of doors at the nature center and through outreach programming at schools, and at other community locations throughout Connecticut and across borders of neighboring states.
- Work closely with the Director of Operations to develop and manage the budgets that support nature center functions and activities.
- Participate in dialogue with other co-directors and with the museum group’s development director to promote and support increased contributed revenue.
- Identify programs and or capital investments that require grant support. Work alongside the development director and grant coordinator to identify potential funders, develop narratives, track implementation of grant deliverables, and accurate financial tracking, evaluation, and reporting.
- Guide the nature center’s supporting non-profit, 501(3) (b) auxiliary in knowledge about the museum group and nature center’s strategic direction and priority support needs.
- Attend local functions and professional development opportunities that will support increased positive visibility for the nature center and the parent museum group organization.
- Maintain a flexible schedule to support the staff in covering an operation that functions seven days a week and over holidays.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- The ability to quickly immerse oneself in the organization’s culture and mission, and demonstrate an understanding of the overall business and organizational objectives of the museum group and nature center.
- Three to five years experience in a leadership role, preferably with not-for-profit experience.
- Proven supervisory skills in recruiting, hiring, and mentoring staff and volunteers.
- Ability to foster a team approach and work collaboratively to move agenda.
- Recognize the need to work interdepartmentally and support the operational functions of the museum group as needed.
- Must possess strong networking skills and be comfortable dialoguing with visitors and supporters via e-mail, phone, written correspondence, and attendance at community events and in-person meetings.
- Must be a dynamic presenter with experience leading educational programming for both children and adults.
- Demonstrates strong, positive communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and produce quality results within appropriate time frames.
- Must be articulate with proven writing proficiency.
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of successful business processes and financial management.
- Experience in the development and monitoring of budgets.
- Must show excellent computer skills with all Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel.
- Must offer a working knowledge of basic database functions with a willingness to learn and track information through Blackbaud’s Altru software program, currently used by the Museum Group.
- A demonstrated knowledge and passion for environmental studies, nature, sustainability, and conservation.
- A degree from an accredited institution with coursework in environmental science, biology, conservation, or related fields.
- This role requires the ability to traverse the nature center both inside and out of doors, and in all weather conditions.
Salary range: $55,000 to $65,000 dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes. This position is Full-Time Exempt and includes a benefit package.
Interested candidates should send all of the following materials for consideration:
Resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Mail:
Human Resources Coordinator
The Children’s Museum
180 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
***RESUMES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND A LIST OF REFERENCES, PRE-AUTHORIZED FOR CONTACT.***
(No phone calls please)
Posted 01/10/2024
Grants Development Coordinator – Full-Time
The Children’s Museum Group in West Hartford CT seeks to fill a full-time Grants Coordinator position. This position works with the Development Team as a key team member working alongside lead staff and museum management to engage in fund development functions with an emphasis on providing research, grant writing, and reporting for programs and projects that are funded or sponsored, by Federal, State, corporate and private individual grants.
Essential Functions:
- Write and submit grant proposals in a timely manner.
- Research and find new funding opportunities.
- Maintain a current database of active, future, and possible funding opportunities; keep them in good standing, report and monitor any changes.
- Provide stewardship to existing funders. Develop and manage relationships with leaders within funding sources as well as arrange for meetings, tours, and introductions to staff, trustees, and museum leadership as needed.
- Work with museum staff and leadership to develop budgets, reports, and ancillary materials needed to create and support grant proposals and the grant reporting process.
- Provide detailed reports to funders, museum leadership, and trustees with respect to progress toward funding goals and implementation.
- Communicate effectively with museum leaders and staff to identify and prioritize programs and projects that need funded support.
- Take photos of museum programs or events to help with marketing and grants.
- Assist with other related projects as requested.
Essential Skills:
- Demonstrates effective and productive writing, communication, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of basic fundraising models and strategies.
- Must possess strong networking skills and be comfortable with reaching out to prospective funders and supporters via e-mail, phone, written correspondence, and through attendance at community events and in-person meetings.
- Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and produce quality results within appropriate timeframe.
- Must show excellent computer skills with all Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel.
- Must have efficient and strong time and record-keeping management skills.
- The ability to quickly immerse oneself in the organization’s culture and mission and demonstrate an understanding of the overall business and organizational objectives.
- Ability to foster a team approach and work collaboratively to move agenda.
- Experience with database tracking and management.
Qualifications:
- Multi-year experience in grant writing with a record of accomplishment for successfully raising money from contributed sources.
- Prior experience with not-for-profit fundraising.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree preferred.
This position is full-time at 40 hours per week and is non-exempt. Insurance and PTO benefits are available.
Salary range: $22 to $26 per hour, dependent on experience and prior demonstrated funding successes
This position reports to the Development Director and works collaboratively with staff at the West Hartford Museum and Preschool and the Canton Nature Center locations.
Interested candidates should send all of the following materials for consideration:
Resume, cover letter, writing sample, salary expectations, and three references to:
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Mail:
Human Resources Coordinator
The Children’s Museum
180 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
***RESUMES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND A LIST OF REFERENCES, PRE-AUTHORIZED FOR CONTACT.***
(No phone calls please)
Posted 01/10/2024
Museum STEAM Educator – Full-Time
Museum STEAM Educators are responsible for delivering highly engaging, interactive, and scientifically accurate programs to Pre-K through Middle School students alongside their teachers, parents, and caregivers in a variety of formal classroom and informal community settings. Educators deliver programming both onsite within the museum as well as within schools, libraries, and community centers throughout Connecticut and into neighboring Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. Programs occur in both small group settings with interactive hands-on instruction and large auditorium-style demonstration programs. Educators are responsible for aiding in the design and prototyping of new curricula and workshops for the Education Department.
Essential Functions:
- Develops, tests, and trains co-educators in STEAM curricula for Pre-K –Middle School. Curricula is designed as individual programs that are standalone presentations, as a series of programs that build upon each workshop over a series of engagements, as large festival-style events focused on children and their caregivers, or as engaging activities on the Museum floor, all covering a wide variety of STEAM topics.
- Assists in the writing and documentation of curricula and supplemental educational materials.
- Travels to schools and other community locations to present outreach programs at their site.
- Teaches STEAM programs both at our onsite preschool and as outreach at other preschools.
- Teaches STEAM programs in out-of-school settings including after school, weekends, and summer.
- Engages the general public visiting the museum through both formal programming and informal learning opportunities.
- Maintains, cleans, and inventories equipment and supplies.
- Supports the Museum’s Education, Visitor Services, and Exhibits teams.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential Skills:
- A dynamic educator who can comfortably present effective, age-appropriate, and engaging presentations to diverse audiences.
- Delivers educational experiences in a highly entertaining and engaging manner.
- Must demonstrate the ability to communicate well with both children and adults in small and large groups, in festival-style settings, and informally on the Museum floor.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage participant behavior and prioritize safety in program settings.
- Must have excellent project management skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team and through the completion of assigned tasks.
- Must be able to handle multiple projects and tasks through to completion.
- Solid working knowledge of science and engineering processes and concepts and willingness to learn.
- Must be a creative, innovative educator with experience developing engaging curricula
- Must know how to design and fabricate STEAM demonstration models used to enhance STEAM curriculum during demonstrations.
- Expected to maintain equipment and supplies used in programming including minor maintenance as needed.
- Must have experience or willingness to learn how to handle and present with live animals during presentations.
- Must project a positive attitude with both customers and co-workers.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of education equipment into and out of vehicles and within assigned teaching spaces. This will require the ability to bring equipment and supplies up and down stairs and be in the out of doors.
- This position will be on a Wednesday-Sunday schedule, regularly working weekends. Flexible scheduling is necessary to assist with early morning, evening, and weekend programs.
Qualifications:
- Candidates should have a college degree or equivalent related work experience in education, science, engineering, or technology.
- Preference is given to candidates who can demonstrate a solid understanding of physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts. Prior experience in museums or related institutions is preferred.
- Proven experience teaching and working with youth.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Access to a reliable and insured vehicle is required for offsite travel.
This position is full-time at 40 hours per week and is non-exempt. Insurance and PTO benefits are available.
Salary range: $16/hr to $20/hr dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes
This position reports to the Director of Education and works collaboratively with staff at the West Hartford Museum and Preschool and the Canton Nature Center locations.
Interested candidates should send all of the following materials for consideration:
Resume, cover letter, salary expectations, and three references to:
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Mail:
Human Resources Coordinator
The Children’s Museum
180 Mohegan Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
***RESUMES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT A SUPPORTING COVER LETTER AND A LIST OF REFERENCES, PRE-AUTHORIZED FOR CONTACT.***
(No phone calls please)
Updated 01/10/2024
Weekend Visitor Services Associate/Museum Experience Facilitator
As a customer support team member, you will have the opportunity to welcome and educate children and their caregivers through exploratory opportunities. You will admit our guests and guide diverse learners through exhibit exploration and engaging experiences. As a friendly and supportive Customer Service representative, you provide the first contact with our guests both in person and by phone. As a dynamic and energetic facilitator, you will make each child and family experience one that is informative, rewarding, and fun.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Facilitate the process of admitting children and their caregivers into the museum and successfully address customer service needs as they arise.
- Proactively identify opportunities for membership, program registration, and event ticketing, in in-person, by phone, and through electronic communications.
- Facilitate hands-on learning episodes for families and children in the Museum’s exhibits and programming spaces.
- Facilitate family activities and birthday celebrations in the Museum’s exhibits and programming spaces.
- Prepare and maintain exhibit manipulatives and materials for museum exploration and program delivery.
- Assist in disinfecting, cleaning, and maintaining general public and exhibit spaces.
- Other duties as needed. Duties may be altered as the museum navigates its reopening at our new location.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience with young children (ages 3-12) in either formal education settings, informal education settings, museums, childcare, or recreational settings.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to the use of new technology and programs.
- Understanding of inquiry-based teaching and learning.
- Proficiency with inquiry, object observation, and dynamic storytelling.
- Ability to engage children, families, and caregivers in a welcoming, energetic, friendly, and professional manner.
- Ability to be flexible and assimilate feedback from colleagues and participants.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully work independently as well as collaborating with others.
- Background checks must demonstrate that employees are appropriately qualified to engage with children and families in a public setting.
- Programs require the movement and transportation of equipment and supplies. Must be physically able to safely bend, stretch, and lift up to 30lbs. Programs with children often require the need to work while sitting on the floor or bending to their level.
Additional Preferred Experience:
- Undergraduate degree (acquired or in the process) preferred.
- Visual or performing arts experience is helpful.
- Customer service and cash handling experience.
- Experience working with a diverse group of learners, including children who have special needs.
Availability:
- Required hours Saturday’s 12:30-5:30 pm and Sunday’s 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Opportunities available for proactive and highly conscientious Associates to take on expanded leadership and supervisory responsibilities with additional compensation in the role of Weekend/Shift Supervisor.
Rate of Pay: Associates $15/ hour, Shift/Weekend Supervisor $16-$16.50/hour
This position is part-time and is non-exempt, associates report to the Visitor Service Manager On Duty, Supervisors report to the Director of Operations.
Interested candidates should apply in-person: Wednesday-Friday 9:30am-4pm at The Children’s Museum, 180 Mohegan Drive West Hartford CT. 06117.
(No phone calls please)