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Education
Reporting to the Environmental Education Supervisor, the Environmental Educator position is an entry-level, full-time, non-exempt position working Sunday-Thursday from 9-5 (35 hours), although some early/evening hours and other days (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will be responsible for teaching a variety of art, natural history, and farm-themed school and after school programs for groups, primarily aged preK-5th grade. The Environmental Educator will also create and implement display and exhibit materials for our Discovery Space classrooms at local schools and aid in the development of display materials for Overbrook and Heckscher WILD! The Environmental Educator & Art Specialist will serve as either Co-Head of Art and Nature Half Day Camp, teaching and coordinating the art-based programming, or head of grant-funded Summer Camp, depending on available funding. This position will serve as education liaison to the Curatorial team and will aid in the development of exhibition-related programming throughout the year. This position will teach after school programs, scout offerings and public programming and will serve as a full member of the Environmental Education team. This position will start after July 1, 2021.
Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Full-Time) will:
- Teach educational programs for predominantly preK-5th grade students on a variety of art, natural history, astronomy, and farm-based topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools, including live animal programs
- Teach after school programs on art/natural history/farm/science topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools and keep curriculum records on these programs
- Teach scout and public programs, including but not limited to Vacation Drop Off Days, Take a Hike Week, and Outdoor Adventurers programs
- Serve as Co-Head of Art and Nature Half Day Camp, leading the art portion and working with their co-leader to provide hands-on, cohesive curriculum, create camper records, and follow camp protocol or serve as head of grant-funded summer camp (depending on funding)
- Create exhibit/display materials for SM&NC’s Discovery Spaces at local schools
- Aid in creation of exhibit/display materials for Overbrook and Heckscher WILD!
- Work with Director of Education and Curator of Collections to develop environmental/art programs in correlation with our public exhibition schedules
- Work with Director of Education to add additional art-based components to school, after school, public, and home school programming
- Work with Environmental Education department to develop and strengthen school, after school, scout and public programs that make use of SM&NC resources, including the farm, organic garden, forest and wetland habitats, and collections, and that tie to curriculum standards and goals
- Help to ensure that programs promote responsible environmental education and support SM&NC mission
- Aid in care and feeding of reptile, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate teaching animals
- Provide interpretation and animal care in our Heckscher WILD! live animal exhibit
- Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications & Essential Skills:
- Minimum of two years relevant, professional related experience in environmental and art education
- Minimum B.S/B.A. in art, education, or related field.
- Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
- The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
- Able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
- Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics
- Interest and aptitude for a variety of art-based teaching concepts
- Experience handling, caring for, and teaching with a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and mammals or willingness to learn
- Excellent interactions with the public and use of exhibits and components as a teaching tool
- Excellent Internet and research skills. Must be well-organized and detail-diligent with ability to perform your own administrative work
To apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Kendall Musgrave, Environmental Education Supervisor
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
Kmusgrave@stamfordmuseum.org
Reporting to the Director of Environmental Education, the Environmental Educator position is a full-time, non-exempt position working Wednesday-Sunday from 8-6 (36 hours) from September-mid June and Monday-Friday from mid-June-early August, although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will be responsible for teaching a variety of natural history and farm-themed school and after school programs for groups, primarily aged preK-5th grade and will also aid in the teaching of our scout offerings, public programs, and nature birthday parties.
This position will be responsible for creating robust on-site and web-based educational materials focusing on the various aspects of the SM&NC that will enhance individual and self-guided group experiences during visits. The Educator will serve as a liaison between environmental education and visitors services departments to provide information and training on self-guided visitor components. This position will aid in the scheduling and coordination of summer self-guide visits and may aid in organizing seasonal special self-guided or staff-led components. This position will also lead our Full Day (9-3) Explorers camp for our 6-week camp season.
Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Full-Time) will:
- Create robust, varied, and dynamic self-guided materials, such as Explorers backpacks, scavenger hunts, exhibition-related materials, and trail guides, that extend and enhance the self-guided visitor experience
- Provide information and training to Visitors Services and environmental education staff
- Teach educational programs for predominantly preK-5th grade students on a variety of natural history, astronomy, and farm-based topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools, including live animal programs.
- Teach after school programs on natural history/farm/science topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools and keep curriculum records on these programs
- Teach scout and public programs, including but not limited to Vacation Break Out Days, Vacation Drop Off Days, Take a Hike Week, and Outdoor Adventurers programs.
- Oversee Recycled Makerspace in conjunction with Visitors Services team
- Aid in scheduling and coordination of summer self-guided visits including managing mailing database
- Staff and support SM&NC special event weekends, such as Harvest Festival
- Work with Environmental Education department to develop and strengthen school, after school, scout and public programs that make use of SM&NC resources, including the farm, organic garden, forest and wetland habitats, and collections, and that tie to curriculum standards and goals
- Help to ensure that programs promote responsible environmental education and support SM&NC mission
- Aid in care and feeding of reptile, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate teaching animals
- Provide interpretation and animal care in our Heckscher WILD! live animal exhibit;
- Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications & Essential Skills:
- Minimum of two years relevant, professional related experience.
- Minimum B.S. in biology, environmental science, education, or related field.
- Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
- The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
- Able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
- Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics
- Experience handling, caring for, and teaching with a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and mammals or willingness to learn
- Excellent interactions with the public and use of exhibits and components as a teaching tool
- Excellent Internet & research skills. Must be well-organized with ability to perform your own administrative work
To apply:
Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references (e-mail preferred) to:
Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org
About the position:
The Explorers Camp Educator is a full-time, seasonal position working approximately 32.5 hours per week with the schedule of Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with our Full Day Explorers camp for
campers entering grades 2-6. The camp season is June 27-August 5, 2022, with some additional days before the season for training. No camp on July 4th.
Staff training will be held on June 21-22, 2022. The Explorers Full Day camp serves approximately 72 students in over a six-week period. The goal of our camp programs is to provide quality and innovative environmental education experiences using the various resources of the SM&NC, within a camp atmosphere. Please visit our website at www.stamfordmuseum.org for more information.
Responsibilities
- Co-teach and structure activities for a group of 12 campers within weekly camp theme
- Help to promote responsible environmental education and create activities that support SM&NC mission
- Help to ensure health and welfare of all campers
Qualifications
- 18+ years of age
- experience with working with children in an outdoor setting is a plus
- creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility a must
- ability to commit to entire camp season
- experience working with plants/animals/farm also a plus
- must submit a current (within 3 years) physical form before the start of camp
- Candidate must pass a background check
- Candidate must provide proof of COVID vaccination (w/booster) or qualified exemption
Compensation: $16-$19/hour, depending on experience
Send letter, resume and 2 references to (e-mail preferred):
Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm, and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
About the position:
The Explorers Camp Educator is a full-time, seasonal position working approximately 32.5 hours per week with the schedule of Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with our Full Day Explorers camp for
campers entering grades 2-6. The camp season is June 27-August 5, 2022, with some additional days before the season for training. No camp on July 4th.
Staff training will be held on June 21-22, 2022. The Explorers Full Day camp serves approximately 72 students in over a six-week period. The goal of our camp programs is to provide quality and innovative environmental education experiences using the various resources of the SM&NC, within a camp atmosphere. Please visit our website at www.stamfordmuseum.org for more information.
Responsibilities
- Co-teach and structure activities for a group of 12 campers within weekly camp theme
- Help to promote responsible environmental education and create activities that support SM&NC mission
- Help to ensure health and welfare of all campers
Qualifications
- 18+ years of age
- experience with working with children in an outdoor setting is a plus
- creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility a must
- ability to commit to entire camp season
- experience working with plants/animals/farm also a plus
- must submit a current (within 3 years) physical form before the start of camp
- Candidate must pass a background check
- Candidate must provide proof of COVID vaccination (w/booster) or qualified exemption
Compensation: $16-$19/hour, depending on experience
Send letter, resume and 2 references to (e-mail preferred):
Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm, and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
About the position:
The SMNC is hiring:
One (1) Wonder Art Educator, working primarily Monday-Thursday from approximately 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. working with our Wonder Art caregiver & child program for kids 18 months-3 years. Approximately 12 hours per week plus some additional days/hours for training. Programs run from 9:45-10:30 and 10:45-11:15 each day and include 8 classes per week within 2 curriculum units. This position will lead our popular caregiver & child programs for groups of 5 children/adults per class. The program includes age-appropriate art and science experiments, live animal demonstrations, and other toddler-friendly activities.
The summer camp season runs approximately from June 27-August 5, 2022. Staff training will be held on June 21-22, 2022. No camp on July 4th, so classes that week are Tuesday-Friday. The goal of our camp programs is to provide quality and innovative environmental education experiences using the various resources of the SM&NC, within a camp atmosphere. Please visit our website at www.stamfordmuseum.org for more information.
Responsibilities
- Teach and structure activities for a small group of toddlers and caregivers within a daily theme
- Help to promote responsible environmental education and create activities that support SM&NC mission
- Help to ensure health and welfare of all participants
Qualifications
- 18+ years of age
- Experience working with young toddlers and preschool aged-children
- experience with working with children in an outdoor setting is a plus
- creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility a must
- ability to commit to entire camp season
- experience working with plants/animals/farm also a plus
- must submit a current (within 3 years) physical form before the start of camp
- Candidate must past a background check
- Candidate must provide proof of COVID vaccination (w/booster) or qualified exemption
Compensation: $18-$20/hour depending on experience
Send letter, resume and 2 references to (e-mail preferred):
Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm, and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
Education -- Preschool
Lead Teacher (Part-Time)
To teach children and manage classroom/outdoors assigned by the Preschool Co-Directors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops curriculum based on resources available at SMNC
- Prepares daily lesson plans
- Responsible for all children enrolled in designated class.
- Keeps records of attendance for children and other staff in designated class.
- Keeps records of performance for children and other staff in designated class.
- Keeps materials in room orderly.
- Directs other staff in classroom
- Changes materials in room to reflect curriculum
- Completes all responsibilities in a timely manner
- Communicates with parents on a ongoing basis
- Attends staff meetings
- Reports to the Director of Preschool any concerns or challenges related to designated class
- Attends staff development workshops
QUALIFICATIONS & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- Ability to interact effectively with parents and peers
- Takes initiative on developing age group appropriate curriculum for classes
- Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with parents, children and staff
- Must act with discretion and have a keen understanding of confidentiality.
- Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment.
- Enhance the experience of outdoor exploration for children
- Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum
- Ability to innovate and initiate.
- Ability to define goals, meet urgent deadlines, organize, and prioritize classroom activities
CONTACT & RELATIONSHIPS:
- Provide information to families of children enrolled about classroom activities
- Maintain professional demeanor providing information to families concerning their child
- Confer with the Director of Preschool any concerns about children
- Be aware of current happenings at the museum
- Support other staff members
- Professional resolution of issues with other staff members (either directly or with the Director of Preschool)
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS
- Must meet State of CT requirements to be a Teacher
- Minimum Associates in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Preschool experience a plus
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be a “team player”
- Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment and use the outdoor environment on a regular basis to support curriculum.
- Love and respect for the natural world
- Knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment
- Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum and use both in the classroom and outdoors
- Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus
- Certified in First Aid, CPR and Epi-pen
Send inquiries to Lisa Combs at LCombs@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
Co-Teacher or Teacher (Part-Time)
To teach children and manage classroom/outdoors with other co-teacher assigned by the Preschool Co-Directors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESONSIBILITIES:
- Co-develops curriculum based on resources available at SMNC
- Co-prepares daily lesson plans
- Co-responsible for all children enrolled in designated class.
- Co-keeps records of attendance for children and other staff in designated class.
- Co-keeps records of performance for children and other staff in designated class.
- Co-keeps materials in room orderly.
- Co-directs other staff in classroom
- Co-changes materials, learning centers, bulletin boards in the classroom to reflect curriculum and seasons
- Completes all responsibilities in a timely manner
- Communicates with parents on an ongoing basis providing weekly curriculum, weekly discoveries and events with pictures.
- Attends monthly staff meetings
- Plans weekly classroom staff meetings that include documentation of children and curriculum planning
- Reports to the Director of Preschool any concerns or challenges related to designated class
- Enhance the experience of outdoor exploration for children
- Attend staff development workshops mandated by the OEC
- Certified in First Aid, Medication Training and CPR
- OEC fingerprinted and background check every five years
QUALIFICATIONS & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- Ability to interact effectively with parents and peers
- Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with parents, children and staff
- Knowledge of Early Childhood Developmentally Appropriate Education.
- Keep current with new knowledge in Early Childhood Education
- Ask questions about the outdoor environment
- Know the correct names of native plants and wildlife
- Be stewards of the environment and practice sustainability
- Must act with discretion and have a keen understanding of confidentiality.
- Ability to define goals, meet urgent deadlines, organize, and prioritize classroom activities
CONTACT & RELATIONSHIPS:
- Co-provide information to parents/families about classroom activities
- Send weekly information to families on children’s experiences often including pictures.
- Send weekly reminders and updates to families
- Send weekly curriculum to families
- Maintain professional demeanor providing information to families concerning their children
- Confer with the Director of Preschool any concerns about children
- Be aware of current happenings at the museum
- Support other staff members
- Professional resolution of issues with other staff members (either directly or with the Director of Preschool).
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS
- Must meet State of CT requirements to be a teacher as defined by the state
- Minimum: Associates in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Preschool experience a plus
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to innovate and initiate.
- Must be a “team player”
- Love and respect for the natural world
- Knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment
- Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment and use the outdoor environment on a regular basis to support curriculum
- Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum and use both in the classroom and outdoors
- Certified in First Aid, CPR and Medication Training
- Bi-lingual a plus
Send inquiries to Lisa Combs at LCombs@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
Assistant Teacher (Part-Time)
Provides support and help in the classroom/outdoors as directed by the Lead Teacher or Co-teacher who is designated by the Director of Preschool
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist Lead or Co-teacher on a daily basis with classroom responsibilities
- Completes assigned responsibilities in a timely manner
- Attend monthly all staff meetings
- Attend weekly classroom staff meetings
- Reports to Lead or Co-Teacher any concerns or challenges related to designated class
- Reports to Director of Preschool any questions or concerns.
- Attend professional development workshops
QUALIFICATIONS & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with parents, children and staff
- Must act with discretion and have a keen understanding of confidentiality.
- Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment.
- Must believe we are stewards of the earth and practice sustainability
- Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum
- Knowledge of the natural world and correct information about curriculum taught to children and families
- Must be certified in First Aid, Medication Training and CPR
- Must be fingerprinted and have an Office of Early Childhood Background check every five years.
CONTACT & RELATIONSHIPS:
- Refer parent’s specific questions about their child to the Lead Teacher or Co-teacher
- Be aware of current happenings at the museum
- Support other staff members
- Address issues with other staff members with them directly or go to the Director of Preschool
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must meet State of CT requirements to be an Assistant Teacher as defined by the state
- Preschool experience a plus
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Must be a “team player”
- Strong desire to use the outdoor environment on a regular basis to support curriculum.
- Love and respect for the natural world
- Comfortable using live animals in the classroom and outdoors.
- Bi-lingual a plus
Send inquiries to Lisa Combs at LCombs@stamfordmuseum.org
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
Visitor Services
Visitor Services Team Member (Part-Time)
With a commitment to creating the best possible guest experience, serves as the “first face” of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center for our visiting public, members & guests in multiple locations on the site including the main and rear gates, gift shop, museum gallery & front desk and creates a welcoming, informed, inclusive, and safe environment at all times. Also works our special events, festival weekends, etc. as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESONSIBILITIES:
- Welcomes the public/members/guests and takes admission fees. Encourages non-members to join and offers information on the benefits of museum membership at various levels. Provides site maps and timely accurate information about current exhibits, activities, and events.
- Keeps up to date on all of our programs, activities, events & exhibits by reading Next magazine upon publication and asking for clarification as needed.
- Actively solicits new members by offering information regarding the features and benefits of membership.
- Checks membership status and renews expired memberships.
- Ensures the care of museum exhibits; paying special attention to all objects that should not be touched by the public.
- Manages crowd control in the museum exhibit area as needed.
- Collects and reports on visitor metrics as required.
- Keeps physical space clean, neat and orderly at Overbrook and the Bendel Mansion, including wiping glass shelving, vacuuming, etc. on a daily basis.
- Maintains a clean environment in the exhibit gallery space as needed during the day.
- Accurately handles credit card transactions, cash boxes and does cash reconciliation at the end of their shift.
- Handles phone and in-person inquiries and provides accurate information in a warm & friendly manner.
- Inputs information into Altru database including visitor attendance, gift shop sales, mailing lists, membership sales and any other information as requested.
- May help set up for special events or receptions that involve the exhibition galleries or the Great Hall.
- Supports other administrative tasks as required to assist other departments (membership, development, fundraising, accounting, etc.)
- Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Send inquiries to Brian O'Toole, Visitor Services Manager
About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.