Education Associate

Description

Who We Are

At Virginia Living Museum, we inspire people to discover, care for, and protect the natural world. Home to 1,100+ Virginia native species, we connect with our community through immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments in sustainability.

Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Virginia Living Museum is one of only fifteen institutions in the country to hold both distinctions. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 8:1, extending our reach and strengthening our mission every day.

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan. Join this dynamic organizational culture to inspire and connect people with the natural world!

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt, 37.5 - 40 hours/Week (on-site)

Department: Education

General Statement of Duties

The Education Associate is responsible for developing and presenting a wide variety of on-site and off-site natural and environmental science programming. Some weekend, evening, and overnight work is required. This position’s priorities align with the VLM strategic plan's three core initiatives: immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments for sustainability. This position reports directly to the Education Director.

Qualifications

• •Be passionate about education and conservation
• •Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or education with solid background in natural sciences, or equivalent experience
• •Experience working in a museum, nature center, or similar education facility
• •Demonstrated ability to teach a wide range of programs for varied audiences ranging from preschool children to adults
• •Knowledge of current education techniques and best practices
• •Willing to handle a variety of live ambassador animals in a program setting; experience preferred
• •Some experience with classroom management, preferred
• •Strong oral and written communication skills
• •Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail
• •Display good professional judgment and the ability to work under pressure while exercising tact and diplomacy
• •Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability
• •CPR & First Aid certified or willing to become certified at museum’s expense

Duties and Responsibilities

• •Be a positive enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
• •Deliver on-site and off-site educational programming for all ages, including pre-K-12, postsecondary, homeschool, and public programs
• •Assist with training team members for on-site and outreach programming
• •Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of Museum programming, special events, exhibit messaging, and volunteer training
• •Collaborate with Living Exhibits, Guest Engagement, and MarComms teams to maintain consistent, high quality messaging
• •Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and organizational projects, to include cross training and supporting other internal teams, as needed
• •Assist with training staff to safely handle live animal ambassadors, following approved protocols
• •Represent the museum at community and media events, conferences, and various professional association gatherings, as needed
• •Stay current on trends in informal education and conservation engagement
• •Integrate volunteers and/or interns into workflows, providing clear guidance and ensuring a positive, meaningful experience
• •Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• •Must be able to hear and speak clearly
• •Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnights
• •Physical requirements include medium work, and must be able to lift up to 50 lbs comfortably
• •Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and move about on foot to accomplish tasks
• •Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions
• •This position is subject to environmental conditions for activities occurring indoors and outdoors

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Education Associate will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate Supervisor/Director. Virginia Living Museum reserves the right to update, revise or change the job description and related duties at any time.