Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to facilitate the growing number of educational programs at The Museum. The Museum Educator will report to the Managers of Humanities and STEM Education and will be primarily responsible for implementation of educational programming. This includes but is not limited to student tours, scout workshops and sleepovers, summer camp programs, adult program, public programs, and birthday parties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility of a Museum Educator is to lead school tours of The Museum.  Day time availability during the week is a must.
• Museum Educators also facilitate scout workshops and sleepovers, birthday parties, public programs, summer camp classes, and adult education programs.  These typically occur during weekend and evening hours.
• Using excellent customer service skills, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, volunteers, and all members of the general public.
• Assist with keeping exhibits and public areas safe and presentable to the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in art, education, science, history, museum studies or related field.
• Required Experience: Working with children.
• Preferred Experience: Facilitating and promoting informal educational programs for people of all ages in a museum, school or similar setting.  
• Required Skills: Excellent public speaking skills and ability to lead and engage large groups of children and adults in a variety of subject areas, including art, science, and history. Ability to work well as part of a team, follow through with assigned tasks, and think on your feet.
• Preferred Skills: Knowledge of museum practices and museum education standards.  Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use manual dexterity.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is required to stand, walk, talk, and hear for long periods of time.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not normally exposed to weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate.For a PDF file of this job listing, CLICK HERE.

To apply for this position please send your cover letter, resume, and three references (pdf files preferred) to: Wendy Koller, Manager of Education, wendy.koller@readingpublicmuseum.org.

Volunteer openings are most needed on Tuesdays between 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with other volunteering opportunities available Sunday – Saturday between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This position requires friendly, outgoing individuals to assist patrons with merchandise sales and run a computerized cash register. Prior retail experience would be helpful. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old or a senior in high school.

Contact info@readingpublicmuseum.org.

Gallery Docents are enthusiastic volunteers who are specially trained to bring our collection to life for learners of all ages. Persons interested in becoming a Museum Docent must attend 4 consecutive Senior Series events which take place the 4th Friday of each month at 1:30p.m., be willing to make a 2 year commitment to The Museum, and must be a Museum Member.  Once invited into The Docent Program Docents are required to attend monthly training sessions, and volunteer for a minimum of 6 hours a month. If you are interested in joining The Docent Program or have any questions please contact Wendy Koller, at wendy.koller@readingpublicmuseum.org or (610)-371-5850 x223

The Reading Public Museum is searching for volunteers to join the Arboretum Assistants Program for 2019. Each year the number of projects at the Arboretum increases, as does the need for additional volunteers.  Prospective Arboretum Assistants are required to attend two training/informational sessions.  These will be held Wednesdays March 7 and March 21, 2018 at 9 a.m. at The Museum.  

Gardening sessions are Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. until 12:00 noon from the beginning of April through the end of October. As in the past we are asking volunteers to commit to two Wednesday mornings per month (or approximately 14 weeks). The Wednesdays will be of your own choosing with advanced sign-ups requested.  Penn State Master Gardeners serve as Arboretum supervisors and will be working by your side directing and offering instruction for each work session.  You will only be asked to accept tasks physically comfortable for you.

To register for this exciting volunteer opportunity or request additional information contact Karen Moyer, Volunteer Coordinator, by February 26, 2019.  Either e-mail karenmoyer4@gmail.com or telephone the Museum arboretum office at 610.371.5850 x239 and leave a message.  More information will follow later in February.

We promise you will be richly rewarded by the experience, knowledge, and the camaraderie you gain!  We look forward to seeing many new faces in March!