Career Opportunities

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is looking for Part Time employees for our Visitor Services staff.

Visitor Services responsibilities include: welcoming the public, providing information about the Museum's activities and exhibitions and directing visitors to locations, activities and events. You will become knowledgeable about the exhibitions and all other aspects of our offerings, engaging in conversation with the public in a positive, informed manner.

Responsibilities may include ensuring the care of museum exhibits; paying special attention to the objects that should not be touched by the public, taking admission fees or checking membership status, selling memberships, handling phone inquiries from the public and assisting with merchandise sales. Must be able to handle cash box and cash reconciliation.

May help with set-up for special events or receptions that involve the exhibition galleries or the Great Hall and must maintain order, cleanliness, and neatness of hands-on activity areas and lobby. A lively work environment, these positions requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation.

Part time hours available are primarily daytime weekdays and weekends to include Holidays, Family Days and Special Events generally covering less than 25 hours per week.

To express interest in these positions: e-mail your resume to ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org or stop by the lobby reception desk and fill out an application.

Reporting to the Environmental Education Supervisor, the Environmental Educator position is a seasonal Full-time position working Monday-Friday 9-5, although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will, on average, work 35 hours per week from April 8-August 23, 2019.  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-5^th grade and will lead serve as Head of Art & Nature camp for our six week program for 1st -4th graders.

Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Part-time) will:

• 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. 
• 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
• Staff and support SM&NC special event weekends, such as Maple Sugar Festival and Spring on the Farm
• 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
• Serve as Head of our Art & Nature half-day summer camp program for grades 1-4
• Help to ensure that programs promote responsible environmental education and support SM&NC mission
• Aid in care and feeding of small non-releasable reptile, amphibian and invertebrate teaching animals
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Minimum of one year 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.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, 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
• 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

Compensation: $17/hour depending on experience.

To apply: Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Lisa Monachelli, Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org

Reporting to the Environmental Education Supervisor, this Environmental Educator position is a permanent part-time position working primarily Wednesday-Friday, although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will, on average, work 21 hours per week September through June and 35 hours per week from the end of June-August.  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.  The Environmental Educator will also be responsible for aiding in the care of our collection of teaching animals, will oversee our hiking trail checks, and will help with other duties within the department. There is potential for this position to become full-time in Fall 2019. 

Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Part-time) will:

• 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. 
• 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. 
• Staff and support SM&NC special event weekends, such as Maple Sugar Festival and Spring on the Farm
• 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
• Will play a role in either teaching our six week summer camp or our summer group and public programs
• Help to ensure that programs promote responsible environmental education and support SM&NC mission
• Aid in care and feeding of small non-releasable reptile, amphibian and invertebrate teaching animals
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Minimum of one year 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.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, 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
• 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

Compensation: $17/hour. This position does also come with paid vacation and flex time.

To apply: Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Lisa Monachelli, Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org                                           

Position:  Outdoor Curriculum Assistant (Full Time)
Department: Art, Nature, & Me Preschool
Reports to: Outdoor Curriculum Specialist/Preschool Co-Director

The Outdoor Curriculum Assistant is a full-time, non-exempt position working primarily Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30 (35 hours), although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will include being involved in all parts of the Art, Nature & Me Preschool, including serving as an Assistant Teacher in classrooms both morning and afternoon, as scheduled.  The position will also assist with the development, organization, implementation, and evaluation of the outdoor curriculum activities throughout the year. This position will also serve as a Preschool Camp Educator for our summer camp program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as an Assistant Teacher in a 3s or 4s classroom for morning and afternoon classrooms, as scheduled
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor curriculum units led both by Outdoor Curriculum staff and by classroom teachers
• Aids in organization of curriculum resources, including children’s literature, dramatic play, themed manipulatives, and outdoor STEAM trail components
• Serves as a preschool camp educator for yearly summer camp program
• Oversee care of preschool animals
• Showcases new or existing curriculum resources to preschool staff at monthly staff meetings
• Completes all responsibilities in a timely manner
• Attends staff meetings
• Attends staff development workshops
• Reports to the Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education any concerns or challenges related to designated class
• Works SM&NC Festival Weekends and other special events as needed

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
• Must be able to enhance the experience of outdoor explorations 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

Contacts & Relationships

• Provide information to Lead or Co-Teacher for families of children enrolled about classroom activities
• Maintain professional demeanor providing information to families concerning their child
• Confer with the Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education any concerns about children
• Work with lead and other assistant teachers both for preschool and summer camp
• 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 Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education)

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors in Early Childhood or in related field
• 1+ Experience teaching preschool-aged children
• Experience teaching in outdoor settings 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 Office Suites
• 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 Epi-pen
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: Lisa Combs, Preschool Co-Director, 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.

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 approximately July 1-August 9, 2019.  No camp on July 4 or 5.

Staff training will be held on June 25-26, 2019. The Explorers Full Day camp serves approximately 150 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.   

Responsibilities:

• Co-teach and structure activities for a group of 15-24 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

Compensation: $13-$15/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 and Nature Center

The Stamford Museum and 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 will be hiring:

One (1) Part-time Assistant Camp Educator, working Monday-Friday from approximately 9:00 am-1:30 pm working with our Art & Nature half-day camp for campers entering 1st-4th grades. Approximately 20-22.5 hours per week.  Camp runs from 9:30 am-12:30 pm each day. This position will work with seasonal Lead Educators to teach groups of 12-15 kids during the camp morning and will work with another seasonal educator for our Lunch Bunch program from 12:30-1:30 pm.

The summer camp season runs approximately from July 1-August 9, 2019. Staff training will be held on June 25-26, 2019.  No camp on July 4 or 5. These camp programs serve approximately 350 students in over a seven 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.    

Responsibilities:

• Co-teach and structure activities for a group of 12-16 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
• Aid in planning and supervision of campers in our optional Lunch Bunch program

 Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• Experience working with early elementary-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

Compensation: $12-$15/hour depending on experience

Send letter, resume and 2 references to (e-mail preferred):

Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum and Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org