Job Description

Required Qualifications

• BA or BS in science or education or related field with at least 2 years of experience, or 6 years combined related education and work experience.
• A minimum of 2 years experience working with K – 12 youth in a formal, informal or museum educational setting.
• Experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations.
• Flexible schedule with daytime availability.
• Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all (staff, volunteers, event hosts, general public, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of best practices in informal science education and inquiry-based learning
• Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching
• Creative, enthusiastic and thrives working in a team setting.
• Ability to be flexible, dependable, adaptable, and have a sense of humor in a high stress, fast-paced environment.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

The purpose of the Museum Educator position is to implement educational programming to diverse audiences, primarily K-12 students during field trips at the Bell Museum. This includes logistical aspects of programming including materials management and on-site preparation. The person in this position will also support other aspects of the on-site visitor experience, including K-12 students, groups, and other museum visitors.


Major Areas of Accountability
School Programs Delivery (90%)

• Deliver programming that engages a diverse range of learners and encourages participation through the use of interactive teaching techniques and skills.
• Greet teachers, chaperones and students, and direct students groups throughout the museum.
• Teach up to 4 hands-on science lab experiences per day to K-12 students. Lab content spans astronomy, biology, arts, physical sciences, and engineering practice.
• Assist in visit preparation and other logistics for education programs.
• Utilize the Bell Museum’s interpretative style and inquiry-based teaching techniques to provide accurate science-related knowledge to learners of all ages.
• Assist inventory and organize supply needed for school programs/labs.

Support Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) and Statewide Engagement (SWE) Programs (10%)

• Step in to support PESL or SWE programs and the visitors' experience on the museum floor, in classrooms, and offsite outreach venues as needed, including the delivery of programs and participation in special event programming.

Working Hours

• Hours are flexible with a minimum of zero weekly and a maximum of 14 hours weekly and will vary.
• May be scheduled Tuesday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm, for 2-8 hour shifts, depending on need.
• Must submit monthly availability three weeks before the first date of next month, or as requested.
• Ability to work weekend/evening shifts is desired, but not required.
• Some on-call work may be available to cover unexpected staff absences.

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.


The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state’s rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

In addition to a resume, we ask that you please submit a cover letter.

Application review will begin February 11th, 2025.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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