Educator

Job Overview

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.

Educators are primarily responsible for the presentation of engaging and inclusive educational programs. On-site and off-site programs highlight connections to the Mississippi River through history, conservation, and STEM topics, utilizing dynamic resources of the NMRMA campus to forge meaningful connections with all audiences. Some of these programs involve the use of live ambassador animals, requiring a degree of comfort around animals. In addition to regular interpretation on the floor, staff will assist with tours, youth camps, overnights, special events, birthday parties, school groups, outreach, and other areas. The specific assignments for each Educator on any given day will vary and are scheduled in advance whenever possible.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

Primary duties

• Present and create exceptional and dynamic guest experiences in formal and informal settings.
  • Develop and implement education programs, events, and activities for diverse audiences of all ages, including classes, camps, overnights, volunteer programs, tours, etc.
  • Incorporate small and medium sized live animals, biological specimens, and/or historical artifacts and replicas whenever possible.
  • Perform educational programs that include options such as: arts and crafts, live animals, games, activities, artifacts, props, etc.
• Perform variable daily roles as assigned, including, but not limited to: MakerSpace, Boat Shop, Delta, W.M. Black dredge boat, Wet Lab, camps, overnights, outreach, and tours

Additional duties

• Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
• Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history, conservation, and STEM topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
• Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
• Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
• Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
• Engage in continued learning about machinery, animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection

Qualifications

• Relevant college course work, a Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience with an emphasis on STEM fields including but not limited to engineering, computer science, graphic design, mathematics, biology, environmental science, ecology, history, anthropology, education, or a related field is encouraged but not required
• Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, historic site, or museum setting is beneficial
• A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
• Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.