Museum Educator

Bell Museum
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Position Title: Museum Educator
Reports To: School Programs Coordinator
U Classification: Education Program Associate 2
Appointment: Casual Non Exempt (<14 hours/week)
Working hours: Hours are flexible with a minimum of zero weekly and a maximum of 14 hours weekly and will vary. May be scheduled Tuesday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm, for 2-8 hour shifts, depending on need.
Working location: In person based out of Bell Museum, St Paul Campus.
Pay rate: $21.91/hour

Position Overview:
The purpose of the Museum Educator position is to implement educational programming to diverse audiences, primarily K-12 students during field trips at the Bell Museum. This includes logistical aspects of programming including materials management and on-site preparation. The person in this position will also support other aspects of the on-site visitor experience, including K-12 students, groups, and other museum visitors.
Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

School Programs Delivery (90%)
* Deliver programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through
the use of interactive teaching techniques and skills.
* Greet teachers, chaperones and students, and direct students groups throughout the museum.
* Teach up to 4 hands-on science lab experiences per day to K-12 students. Lab content spans astronomy, biology, arts, physical sciences, and engineering practice.
* Assist in visit preparation and other logistics for education programs.
* Utilize the Bell Museum's interpretative style and inquiry-based teaching techniques to provide accurate science-related knowledge to learners of all ages.
* Assist inventory and organize supply needed for school programs/labs.
Support Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) and Statewide Engagement (SWE) Programs
(10%)
* Step in to support PESL or SWE programs and the visitors' experience on the museum floor, in classrooms, and offsite outreach venues as needed, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Working Hours:
* Must be available to work scheduled 2 to 8 hour shifts between the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday through Friday.
* Must submit monthly availability three weeks before the first date of next month, or as requested.
* Hours are flexible with a minimum of zero weekly and a maximum of 14 hours weekly and will vary.
* Ability to work weekend/evening shifts is desired, but not required.
* Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absence

Required Qualifications:
* BA or BS in science or education or related field with at least 2 years of experience, or 6 years combined
related education and work experience.
* A minimum of 2 years experience working with K - 12 youth in a formal, informal or museum educational setting.
* Experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations.
* Flexible schedule with daytime availability.
* Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all (staff, volunteers, event
hosts, general public, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:
* Knowledge of best practices in informal science education and inquiry-based learning
* Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching
* Creative, enthusiastic and thrives working in a team setting.
* Ability to be flexible, dependable, adaptable, and have a sense of humor in a high stress, fast-paced environment.

The mission of the Museum is to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

For over 150 years, the Bell Museum of Natural History has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state's official natural history museum. The Bell serves learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe.

The museum is powered by the great minds on campus-from our faculty-curators, student lab assistants, and undergraduate interpretive guides to our dedicated staff and collegiate partners.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the Universe and achieve our vision of a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Pay Range: $21.91/hour

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.