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.

Click here to get your application!

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Posted 4/29/2021

Center for STEAM Advancement (CSA) Project Manager

The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for managing all aspects of a newly envisioned Center for STEAM Advancement Project under the direction of The Children’s Museum Inc. Group (TCM) and a Project Oversight Committee that includes community partners within the City of Hartford.

Four years ago, TCM initiated a study in direct partnership with numerous Hartford based organizations to identify an approach for understanding and addressing the issues and challenges facing Hartford area youth’s interests and academic achievement as a key element in their career and financial growth as well as the Hartford regions success and growth.

These exploratory efforts resulted in three pilot STEAM-based ((Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) efforts conducted in 2017 and 2018 as well as the launch of a scaling effort in the summer of 2019 through the “Bringing STEM/STEAM to Hartford Neighborhoods”¹¹ (the Neighborhoods) Project involving 11 community service groups plus several communities and corporate support groups. The Neighborhoods Project, with its continued focus on 3-14 year-olds and their parents/caregivers, will be the foundational element of the Center for STEAM Advancement (CSA), a collaborative endeavor by five Hartford-based organizations.

CSA’s Goal:

To markedly improve the level of STEAM/STEM interests and competency, as we as well as the academic achievements of Hartford area’s youth. In so doing it will also precipitate a perceptional shift toward a community collectively embracing/promoting STEM competency for all youth. This will be achieved through the creation and management of a STEAM/STEM-pipeline from kindergarten through college by CSA’s member organizations. To that end, each member organization of CSA will bring their existing mission statements, strengths, and community relationships to the project so as to create a more comprehensive and coordinated approach producing higher levels of impact.

As this is a new project within the Children’s Museum group, a detailed CSA project description may be requested by reaching out to HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org

Essential Functions:

• Develop a four-year plan and budget for CSA operations to begin in June 2021.
• Provide a comprehensive written report of the first year’s results
• Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated strong, positive communication and organizational skills.
• A clear knowledge of academic and career development challenges faced by Hartford youth.
• Ability to quickly immerse oneself in the organizations’ culture and mission and demonstrate an understanding of the overall business and organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated a solid understanding of successful business processes and financial reporting.
• Ability to foster a team approach and work collaboratively to move agenda.
• Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and produce quality results within an appropriate timeframe.
• Must have efficient and strong time and record-keeping management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a related 4-year degree from an accredited college with multi-year experience in program or project management.
• Prior experience in Not-For-Profit organizations preferred.

 

Salary range: $35,000 to $40,000 dependent on experience and prior demonstrated successes

This position reports administratively to the Director of Operations of The Children’s Museum and programmatically to the Project Oversite Committee, Chaired by Adam Cloud, Hartford City Treasurer, and with members from each of the partner organizations, The YMCA, the Parent University, the Legacy Foundation, the Hartford Youth Scholars and The Children’s Museum.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to

HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org    

or mail to: The Children’s Museum Inc.

      HR Coordinator

      950 Trout Brook Drive

      West Hartford CT. 06119

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Updated 4/20/2021

Seasonal Informal Educators- Summer 2021

The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is currently seeking Seasonal Informal Educators to join our team this summer!

Multiple Seasonal Educator positions are currently available at our West Hartford CT location. Length of position and required hours will differ depending on the 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 position 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. 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 use of a personal vehicle, for which mileage reimbursement will be provided. This position is considered seasonal at approximately 40 hours per week and will fall between mid-June and August 21st. Only Applicants with consistent availability during this time will be considered for this role.

Rate: $13.00-$13.50/ 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 8. 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 activities in a fun day camp setting. Applicants working towards a science degree, with a solid understanding of general science principles are preferred. Education majors will also be considered. The Camp Educator works Monday through Friday Approximately 40 hours/week from Early to Mid June thru August.

Rate: $13.00-$13.50/ hour

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL EDUCATORS:

• 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.
• Licensed driver with a safe driving record.  Access to a personal insured vehicle in maintained condition required. (Not applicable to all seasonal informal educator positions.)
• 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 animals, equipment, and supplies. Must be physically able to safely bend, stretch and lift up to 50lbs. Programs with children often require the need to work while sitting on the floor or bending to their level.

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Updated 4/20/2021

Facilities Assistant

The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is currently seeking a Part-Time Facilities Assistant to join our team!

The position of Facilities Assistant will be to assist in routine housekeeping, outdoor grounds maintenance, exhibit, and building maintenance projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Entry-level part-time position requires approximately 20-28 hours a week, with opportunities to expand hours during seasonal peak times. Consideration is given to those applicants who are consistently available for weekend hours with flexible weekday availability.  The ability to lift 50lbs and an understanding that this position requires both indoor and outdoor work is required. Tasks may include but are not limited to routine janitorial cleaning, seasonal outdoor ground maintenance, snow removal, painting, and assisting Museum Caretaker with exhibit and building maintenance projects.  Candidates must show they can communicate effectively with a team, respond positively to instruction, be punctual and committed to good attendance and maintain a positive attitude with a pleasant personality shown to other staff and museum guests.

Department:  Facilities/Exhibits

Reports to:  Facilities Lead and Visitor Services Manager on Duty

Education required:  Not specified

To apply:

Please print and return your completed application and resume to 950 Tout Brook Drive, West Hartford CT 06119. Drop off on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday 10 am – 2 pm. Please call 860.231.2824 before you arrive to coordinate the drop-off of your application with our front desk. If you are not able to schedule drop off Friday – Sunday please email your completed application and resume to HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org. In-person drop-off is preferred.

Click here to get your application.

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Posted 02/16/2021

Museum Experience Facilitator

The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is currently seeking a Part-Time Museum Experience Facilitator to join our team!

As a Museum Experience Facilitator, you will have the opportunity to educate through in-person, virtual, and outreach exploratory learning opportunities for children and families. You will guide diverse learners through exhibit exploration and engaging experiences in STEM/STEAM topics. As a compassionate and nurturing educator and customer service liaison, you will help individuals tap into their strengths and create a culture and love of learning. As a dynamic and energetic facilitator, you will make each child’s and family’s experience one that is informative, rewarding, and fun.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work within our museum’s education initiatives to design, develop and guide new curriculum and programming opportunities to meet our customer’s objectives.
• Facilitate programs for families and children in the Museum’s exhibits, programming spaces, and community locations throughout Connecticut
• Facilitate family activities and  birthday celebrations in the Museum’s exhibits and programming spaces
• Facilitate the process of admitting families and groups into the museum and successfully address customer service needs as they arise.
• Prepare exhibit manipulatives and materials for museum exploration and program delivery
• Assist in disinfecting, cleaning, and maintaining program and exhibit spaces
• Willingness to travel using one’s personal vehicle to community locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts to deliver museum programming.  (mileage for program travel is reimbursed by the museum)
• Other duties as needed. Duties may be altered as the museum navigates its reopening phases during the COVID pandemic.

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
• Education, Child Development, OR equivalent relevant experience.  Individuals with a strong STEM knowledge base combined with demonstrated successful experiences in facilitating informal science education with children will be highly considered.
• Experience integrating age-appropriate STEM/STEAM concepts into teaching practice
• 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
• Licensed driver with a safe driving record.  Access to a personal insured vehicle in maintained condition required.
• 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 50lbs. in and out of vehicles. Programs with children often requires 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
• Background work or studies related to early childhood development, psychology, or social work
• Experience working with a diverse group of learners, including children who have special needs

Availability:

• Museum Experience Facilitators may see approximately 15-30 hours per week. Seasonal fluctuation in our programming occurs with spring, summer, and school holiday periods seeing higher demand for the facilitation of museum programs. Late spring/summer and select holiday weeks can peak with 40-hour workweeks.
• Routine weekend availability required with flexibility in additional days preferred.
• Must be available to work during our local area school holiday vacation periods.

To apply:

Send resume and cover letter including minimum hourly salary expectation to

E-mail: HR@thechildrensmuseumct.org

Or mail to:

The Children’s Museum
Attn: Beth Weller
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford Ct. 06119

Phone: 860-231-2824