Working at The Children’s Museum is a fun way to get involved in your community, to meet interesting people (and animals), to help children discover and learn new things, and to learn about science, nature and the stars.
Part-Time Seasonal Informal Educators- Summer 2019
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford, Connecticut offers hands-on fun with science and nature for younger children and families, school and community groups, and home schooled children. At the Museum and in classrooms throughout Connecticut, we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. Children engage in our interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits and demonstrations, a live wildlife sanctuary, state-of-the art digital science dome planetarium shows and movies, vacation camps, sleepovers, birthday parties, scout activities, and special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, co-located on our West Hartford campus, integrates science experiences into early childhood learning. Nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers environmental exhibits, nature programs, concerts and acres of outdoor hiking, bird watching, and winter cross-country skiing.
Multiple Seasonal Educator positions are currently available at our West Hartford CT location. Length of position and required hours will differ depending on specific educational role. All Summer Educator applicants should have a minimum of two years of College-level studies or career experience in; physics, chemistry, earth science, agriculture/horticulture, or other environmental or biological sciences. Experience engaging children in informal learning environments is expected along with a strong confidence level for communicating with their caregivers (parents, grandparents and teachers). Applicants must be willing to commit to the duration of the positon as stated in the descriptions below. All Applicants must successfully pass a background check. Hours and salary vary by position.
Seasonal Outreach Science Educator
Description: The Summer Outreach Educator will work alongside our Education Coordinator and year-round Educators to develop and deliver hands on science education programs within schools, libraries and other community locations throughout Connecticut. Educators collaborate on the development of informal Science curriculum and hands on activities and exhibits to ensure an overall positive learning experience that is tailored to the ages and experiences they are presenting to. Science topics include; Physics, Chemistry, Earth science, Biology and Environmental Science. A strong knowledge of general science principles is expected. Educators will routinely handle live animals during presentations. Adherence to all safety protocols will be required. This position requires confirmation of a clean driving record and the occasional use of a personal vehicle, for which mileage re-imbursement will be provided. This position is considered seasonal at approximately 40 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and August 24th. Only Applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role. Rate range $11.25/hour.
Outdoor Environmental Educators/Gardeners
Description: The Children’s Museum maintains a 1,300 sq ft screened in butterfly enclosure that is designed as a natural environment for native butterflies, raised garden beds and composting stations. We are seeking hands on Gardeners/Outdoor Educators to assist in the maintenance of our gardens and compost and to lead daily programs for our visitors utilizing these resources. These roles require very active individuals who will work outdoors in all weather conditions to plant, maintain and harvest as well as turning and managing the compost. They will work with education staff, Animal Sanctuary staff and the Director of Operations to design and lead hands-on gardening and compost programs for families and large groups attending the museum. This position is outdoors in all types of weather and requires heavy lifting with routine bending. A strong knowledge of horticulture, agriculture, landscaping and sustainability is required. These positions are considered seasonal at approximately 20-25 hours per week and will fall between early May and mid-September. Weekend hours will be expected. Only Applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role. Rate range: Minimum to $11.25/hour.
Butterfly House Interpreter
Description: The Children’s Museum maintains a 1,300 sqft screened in butterfly house that is designed as a natural environment for native butterflies. We are in search of Butterfly House Interpreters to assist in the rearing of caterpillars, maintaining host plants for different life stages, and serving as an educator/guide to guests as they tour the Winged Wonders Butterfly House. This role requires individuals who will work outdoors in all weather conditions. They will work with Animal Staff, Outdoor Environmental Educators/Gardeners and Education staff to develop and lead interactive and informative lessons around the native butterflies for families and groups attending the Museum. This position is outdoors in all types of weather and requires some personable and willing to engage with visitors of all ages. These positions are considered seasonal at approximately 20-25 hours per week and will fall between the beginning of June through the end of August. Weekend hours will be expected. Only applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role. Rate range: Minimum to $11.25/hour.
Summer Science Camp Educators
Description: The Children’s Museum has fun and learning planned throughout the year, even when the kids are out of school! In the summer the museum runs a multi week summer day camp program for children in grades 1 thru 6. Each camp week has a science theme and is packed with scientific investigation, experiments, crafts, and educational games all in the safe and educational environment of our museum. The Science Camp Educator works alongside our Camp Manager to design, plan and implement hands-on science activities in a fun day camp setting. Applicants working towards a science degree, with a solid understanding of general science principals are preferred. Education majors will also be considered. The Camp Educator works Monday through Friday Approximately 40 hours/week from Early June thru August 23rd. Rate range: $11.25/hour.
Summer Science Education Assistants
Description: The Children’s Museum has fun and learning planned throughout the year, even when the kids are out of school! In the summer the museum runs a multi week summer day camp program for children in grades 1 thru 6. Each camp week has a science theme and is packed with scientific investigation, experiments, crafts, and educational games all in the safe and educational environment of our museum. Education Assistants work Monday through Friday and aid our Museum Educators in planning and implementing science based activities, crafts and educational games. At times Education Assistants will rotate through the museum exhibit areas and will be trained to lead simple science, craft or other learning activities with the general public including adults and children. This role is ideal for someone with some background in education and supervision experience with children. Training is provided to ensure all safety protocols are maintained. This position is considered seasonal at approximately 35 hours per week and will fall between Mid-June and the second to the last week of August. Only Applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role. Rate: Minimum-$10.50/hour. College students with less than two years completed college level education may be considered for these roles.
To apply:
Please send resume and a cover letter, detailing your preferred position and identifying any limitations to availability.
Email: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org
or mail to
The Children’s Museum
Attn: Human Resources
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford Ct. 06119
No phone calls please
