Summer Outreach Educator at Science Museum Oklahoma Inc – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Summer Outreach Educator is responsible for hands-on educational experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and exploration for children and adults throughout the state for Science Museum Oklahoma’s On the Go program. These programs include, but are not limited to, festivals and summer library programs. This role involves direct interaction with diverse audiences, engaging all guests in scientific thinking and engineering design processes.

All On the Go programs require day travel around Oklahoma. The Summer Outreach Educator must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check, provide proof of insurance, and a valid license to drive.

This position is a seasonal, temporary position. This position's end work date is August 7. If employee's time at the museum is in good standing, they would be eligible for rehire next summer.

• Facilitate inquiry-based learning activities that encourage participants to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math
• Maintain scientific accuracy and educational integrity of all programming information
• Create a safe and engaging environment for experimentation, where participants can explore and learn from trial and error
• Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions and helping participants reflect on their learning experiences
• Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse audiences, providing differentiation as needed.
• Manage tools, materials, and safety protocols, ensuring equipment is well maintained and properly used
• Work closely with colleagues and other museum departments to align efforts with broader organizational goals and initiatives
• Support additional museum initiatives as assigned to spark curiosity and promote discovery learning experience

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) or more years of experience facilitating hands-on STEAM activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a degree program in education, science, museum studies, or a related field

Availability Requirements

• Flexible daily schedule, with some evening availability

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Professionally represent Science Museum Oklahoma and its mission
• Ability to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all guests feel welcome to experiment and create.
• Must work well with children and be comfortable engaging audiences in a fun and energetic way, including being silly and animated in front of both kids and adults.
• Strong background in STEM education, particularly hands-on, inquiry-based learning approaches.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficient writing and editing abilities.
• Approachable, kind, and confident demeanor, with a willingness to receive and implement feedback.
• Independent and proactive work ethic, with the ability to identify and complete tasks with minimal direction, while also thriving in a cooperative team environment.
• Practical understanding of safety protocols and best practices for conducting science demonstrations.

Working Conditions

This position works in an active and busy children’s museum setting.

• Work involves frequent sitting, standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Requires working on a computer for long periods of time
• Work involves crawling, climbing and crouching
• Work may include occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by SMO. Employees that drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check, and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

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.

This position has been designated as a safety sensitive position. Safety sensitive positions include job duties that could affect the health and safety of the employee or others.

Working Relationships

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. This position must maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors, and the general public.