Education Specialist

As a member of the education team, the Education Specialist plays a vital role in amplifying Putnam’s mission while successfully meeting and exceeding performance goals which align to organizational priorities and strategies. Utilizing both informal and formal education techniques to deliver engaging and exciting programming will further establish Putnam as a leading resource in the Quad Cities for innovative educational programming and community learning.

This Education Specialist position is a part-time/temporary, non-exempt position working a maximum of 20 hours a week with a starting hourly range of $12.00 - $13.00. This position is for a temporary period beginning on or around June 1, 2024, and ending on or around July 31, 2024.

Essential Functions

• Promote the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the Putnam Museum and Science Center.

• Plan and deliver outreach programs for children, including special events and summer camps.

• Plan and deliver community outreach programs with an emphasis on STEM, history, culture and natural science topics when requested by community groups and organizations.

• Conduct public demonstrations and presentations related to museum exhibits with an emphasis on history, culture, natural science, and STEM topics.

• Greet and assist visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner.

• Work closely and courteously with all staff members and volunteers to ensure a high-quality Putnam experience for all visitors. Additional Responsibilities:

• Work a flexible schedule according to the needs of Putnam.

• Perform other duties that may be required to support the effective operation of the museum’s Education department and/or overall operations.

• Assist volunteers, interns, and/or AmeriCorps/ Youth AmeriCorps Members in completing tasks and meeting goals, as needed.

Core Competencies: Self-motivated and goal oriented. Ability to interact with students, families, teachers, visitors, employees, community partners, and volunteers in a tactful and diplomatic manner. Excellent verbal communication and public speaking as well as strong organizational skills. Specialized knowledge in one or more areas of environmental science and/or history/cultures. Knowledge of child development – including social, emotional, and developmental skills preferred. Knowledge of interpretation methods and skills in delivering informal education programming. Ability to independently research and plan program content; create, follow, and maintain timelines; and to work under pressure while finding humor in everyday situations.

Physical and/or Mental Requirements: This position requires sitting, standing, and/or walking and climbing stairs throughout the facility for extended periods of time on any workday. Presentation of programs and other essential duties require speaking and listening, grasping, reaching, stooping, or crouching. This position requires concentration, verbal intelligence, and motor coordination skills. This position requires Putnam Museum & Science Center Education Specialist to be outdoors at times, which may include representing Putnam and the Education Department at outdoor festivals and/or community outreach events.

Workplace Environmental Conditions: Typical shared office conditions; potential for significant noise from large groups of visitors. Employees may experience atmospheric exposures such as dust, fumes, vapors, or mists associated with cleaning chemicals and/or soaps.

Requirements: Employees in this position will be required to have a valid driver’s license and will drive their personal vehicle to/from Outreach programs. Putnam reimburses for mileage using the current IRS standard mileage rate.

High School graduate or equivalent; minimum of two to four years work-related experience required.

Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field as well as prior teaching experience is highly desired.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 27, 2024

Putnam Museum & Science Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $12.00 - $13.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person