Part-Time Museum Educator

Now Hiring: Part-Time Museum Educator

Inspiring Curiosity Through Hands-On Learning

Position: Part-Time Museum Educator
Employment Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Monday–Thursday. Shifts will vary based on programming needs, with typical hours of 9 am–3 pm or 11 am–5 pm.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $23-30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: All employees are eligible to participate in the Museum's 401(k) retirement plan, with a 3% employer match after 90 days of employment. Health insurance is available to full-time employees. Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with Connecticut law.

https://portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/legal/connecticut-leave-programs/paid-sick-leave-faqs?language=en_US

About the Position

The Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and engaging Part-Time Museum Educator who is passionate about making learning meaningful, memorable, and fun. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people of all ages and believes that meaningful learning happens through exploration, experimentation, discovery, and hands-on experiences.
Museum Educators introduce students, families, and other visitors to our wide range of hands-on projects, exploring connections across art, science, technology, history, mathematics, and literature. Programs take place both at the Museum and at off-site locations, so the ability and willingness to travel for occasional programming is important. Work schedules will vary depending on educational programming, school visits, and special events.
A background in working with tools, materials, and hands-on projects is helpful. We are looking for someone who thinks creatively, enjoys working with diverse audiences, and can turn a museum visit into an engaging and memorable learning experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead hands-on educational programs, workshops, and interactive activities.
• Engage visitors of different ages and backgrounds through creative, participatory learning experiences.
• Bring museum exhibits, collections, and ideas to life through storytelling, demonstrations, and exploration.
• Encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Adapt activities to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and interests.
• Facilitate school visits, group programs, family activities, and special events.
• Prepare educational materials, organize project supplies, and maintain program resources.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment for all visitors.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience or background in education, museum studies, art, history, science, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with children, families, or diverse audiences.
• Strong interest in experiential, inquiry-based, and hands-on learning.
• Creative, energetic, and comfortable leading interactive activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable.
• Familiarity with tools, materials, and making processes is a plus.
• Flexible, collaborative, and enthusiastic approach to working with the public.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The position involves working in an active, hands-on educational environment. Responsibilities include setting up and breaking down projects and activities, handling and organizing materials and supplies, and standing or moving for extended periods. Occasional travel to off-site program locations and transportation of educational materials may also be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.