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Education Lead (Historic Site)

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

1 Positions

ID: 21631

Posted On 10/04/2022

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.

The Education Lead (Historic Site) position is primarily responsible for assisting the Interpretation Programs Manager with the oversight of the Mathias Ham Historic Site (MHHS) located in Dubuque, Iowa, managing the day-to-day operations and educational activities related to this historic site. This position is also responsible for working with the Education team in curriculum development, outreach education, and collaborating inter-disciplinary, cross-departmental teams to develop and implement programs, events, and content. Strong candidates will have a desire to use their curriculum development, interpretation, and leadership skills to support the mission and vision of the MHHS and the entire Dubuque County Historical Society, while successfully executing new and existing education programs.

The Education Lead (Historic Site) will at times be assigned to program and/or tour shifts at the NMRMA site, especially during the MHHS off-season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: interpretation of Museum & Aquarium exhibits, youth camps (summer camps, school’s out ed-venture, group overnights, etc.), educational events (parties, education-themed events, etc.), group tours (guided and self-guided tours, school groups, cruise boats, leisure groups, etc.), and other projects as assigned.

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

  • Coordinate with the Interpretive Programs Manager to manage all aspect of visitor programs and activities including staffing, facility use, security, safety, resource protection, visitor control, operating procedures, and hours of operation at the MHHS.
    • Ensure staff acts in a cohesive manner.
    • Ensure staff follows procedures and upholds the Education Department Code of Conduct.
    • Assign responsibilities to Education staff, assist with daily tasks, and provide alternate coverage for team members as needed.
    • Coach, motivate, train, and instruct staff and volunteers, acting as a visible mentor and role model at all times.
    • Attend department meetings.
    • Act as Educator-On-Duty (EOD) as scheduled.
  • In coordination with the Interpretation Programs Manager, create, schedule, and present exceptional and dynamic interpretive programs in formal and informal settings.
    • Lead guided tours of the MHHS while wearing period costumes. Operate small admissions and gift shop areas.
    • Develop, implement, and evaluate new public programs and events at the Ham House while maintaining current program offerings (Pioneer Days, 4th of July Celebration, and Christmas at the Ham House).
    • Enhance the interpretive messages established for the Ham House and its grounds, including the log cabin, schoolhouse, and lead mine.  Update and create information packets using reputable sources for the team to reference.
    • Develop, coordinate, and implement education programs, events, and activities including classes, camps, volunteer programs, tours, etc.
    • Incorporate small and medium sized live animals, biological specimens, and/or historical artifacts and replicas whenever possible.
    • Lead educational programs that include options such as: arts and crafts, live animals, games, activities, artifacts, props, etc.
  • Coordinate with the Interpretive Programs Manager to work with city officials and all DCHS departments to maintain building and collection security, maintain building cleanliness, and care for the collection appropriately.
    • Review historic site policy and procedures and make recommendations that fit a high standard of museum practice.
    • Ensure all facilities remain a safe environment for visitors and staff.
    • Monitor exhibits in the house and obtain prior approval from or liaise with the DCHS Curatorial Department for any work that affects the historic property or artifacts.

Additional Duties

  • Serve on at least one working group, such as youth camps, educational events, or group tours.
  • 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.
  • Engage in continued learning about artifacts, animals, and plants in institutional collection.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Must possess and maintain a high degree of scheduling flexibility.
  • Relevant college course work and/or a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on history, anthropology, archaeology, education, or a related field is strongly preferred.
  • Will typically have a minimum of 2 years of paid education experience with informal learning processes, preferably in an historic house/site, museum setting, aquarium, zoo, or nature center,
  • Familiarity with computers and the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
  • Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Iowa, Wisconsin or Illinois driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
  • Must be capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR.
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
  • Must possess strength and endurance to perform the physical demands of all listed duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be comfortable indoors and outdoors in any weather.
  • Must be willing to work some holidays and weekends.
  • 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. Apply in person at 350 E. Third St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Primary Contact

13113

Marilyn Snyder

Assistant, Administration

563-557-9545

Phone

Phone

Phone

Fax

msnyder@rivermuseum.com

Email

True

False

True

Job Details

Categories

Education

Location

Dubuque, IA

Job Type

Employee

Full/Part

Part Time

Company ID

1175

Job REQ #

# Positions

1

Start Date

20221004

End Date

20221018

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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

About the Company

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is owned and operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site. The River Museum  and Mathias Ham Historic Site together see over 200,000 visitors and manage outreach programs that serve over 50,000 more per year. Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, it is the mission of the institution to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. The organization  employes more than 90 full- and part-time employees, as well as hosts several interns amongst departments.