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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
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.
External Affairs & Visitor Services
We have an immediate need for a responsible, reliable individual to assist our Facility Use Manager and Special Events Manager with execution of events.
You will work evening and weekend hours to set up and manage the smooth running of events working closely with our Operations Team. You will work closely with outside catering vendors who use our kitchens and ensure that they leave it in a clean and orderly fashion. You will ensure that the facility is set up and the grounds are clean throughout the event and that restrooms are equipped and maintained during the event along with any other maintenance need that may arise. You will ensure that the facility is left clean, reset and ready to open for our regular business hours. This position works member exhibit openings, weekend festivals, member events and serve as the key host for private events
You must have a positive, customer service attitude and be able to take direction, follow procedures and be respectful at all times. You will be a gracious and professional problem solver and have strong computer skills, interpersonal skills, have your own transportation and a valid driver’s license. You must be able to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, walk and/or run. Qualifications include High School degree or equivalent, prior experience in event planning preferred with some college exposure. You must be able to pass a background check and be available to start immediately.
Please reply by email to jgromko@stamfordmuseum.org for immediate consideration and include your resume. You may also apply in person at Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903.
Title: Visitor Services Team Member
Organization: Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager
Employment Status: Part-Time - Hourly
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 front gate, back gate, gift shop, museum galleries and front desk and works our special events, festival weekends, etc. as assigned.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Front and Back Gate:
• Welcomes the public/members/guests and takes admission fees. Tracks the number and types of visitors to SM&NC daily.
• Reconciles cash and sales at the end of the day.
• Provides site maps and timely accurate information about current exhibitions, activities and events, as well as promotes upcoming events.
• Provides driving directions and parking instructions as needed, including directing visiting school buses to the designated drop-off and parking areas and alerting appropriate staff of arrival.
• Keeps up to date on all of our programs, activities, events & exhibitions by reading Next magazine upon publication and asking for clarification as needed.
• Checks membership status and renews expired memberships. Actively solicits new members by offering information regarding the features and benefits of membership.
• Inputs information into Altru database including visitor attendance, membership sales and any other information as requested.
• Responsible for closing main gate to exiting visitors in the event of a lost child report. Directs emergency vehicles to appropriate site location as required.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
Gallery Attendant:
• Welcomes the public and ensures the safety of the public visiting the exhibitions; paying special attention to all objects that should not be touched.
• Provides information about the Museum's activities and exhibitions.
• Shares visitor feedback with appropriate staff members.
• Manages crowd control in the museum galleries as needed.
• Maintains order, cleanliness, and neatness of hands-on activity areas and lobby gift shop and in the galleries.
• Handles phone and in-person inquiries and provides accurate information in a warm and friendly manner.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
Gift Shop:
• Greets museum visitors, provides accurate information in a warm and friendly manner. Sells memberships when staffing the gift shop.
• Reconciles cash and sales at the beginning and end of the day.
• Manages gift shop inventory and replenishes displays. Engages shoppers with specific information on merchandise in an effort to boost sales.
• Keeps gift shop physical space clean, neat and including wiping glass shelving, vacuuming, etc. on a daily basis.
• Keeps up to date on all of our programs, activities, events and exhibitions by reading Next magazine upon publication and asking for clarification as needed.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS
• One year experience in a customer service related position preferred
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Takes initiative and solves problems in a positive manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills
• Must be a strong team player
• Ability to organize work area and prioritize projects
• Excellent computer skills
• Database input experience helpful
• Must be available to work evenings/weekends/holidays
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be able to work in inclement weather and at any site location
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
• Must be able to pass our background screening process
CONTACT & RELATIONSHIPS:
Public/Members Provides information, gets information.
Staff Problem solving, provides information, gets information
Volunteers Provide information or expertise.
To apply: Email resume to Brian O’Toole, Visitor Services Manager
Maintenance & Facility Operations
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center - a 118 acre property in North Stamford (1 mile from Merritt Parkway) with multiple buildings, art museum, observatory, playground and working farm has an opportunity for a highly motivated self-starter with experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical procedures, and janitorial duties.
You will use power and hand tools, have good problem solving abilities, communicate clearly verbally and in writing and have a positive attitude and strong service orientation. This is a 3 day per week, part-time position and Sundays are mandatory. Evening work may be required.
We offer a competitive salary and a great working environment.
Job Type: Part-time
Schedule: 8 hour shift; Day shift; Weekends
Experience: General Maintenance: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: On-site
Work Remotely: No
To inquire: Contact Jared Durrse, Director of Facilities, at JDurrse@stamfordmuseum.org or 203.434.3362.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.