Museum Educator - Return Utah

Full Job Description

The Utah Historical Society is looking for Museum Educators under the Return Utah Program to assist in the new Museum of Utah. See the eligibility criteria for the program below. For those who are not eligible for the Return Utah program, but are interested in this position, please click this link to be directed to the open recruitment.

Return Utah
The Return Utah program is a formal career reentry program, designated for Utahns reentering the workforce after a career break. The program is tied to the state job you are applying for meaning that along with a new role and traditional on-the-job training, candidates hired will receive 16 weeks of transitional support (which includes an office technology review, coaching, career development opportunities, mentorship, networking opportunities and job market readiness training).

To be eligible for Return Utah, candidates must:

1. Have prior professional/life experience and/or qualifying skills suitable for the job’s functional area of interest and,

2. A career break of one year or more at the time of application or,

3. Confirm military affiliation (as a service member, veteran, spouse or partner) or,
   
   

4. Be underemployed at the time of application.

This a long-term, indefinite (Schedule IN) parti-time position meaning employment will extend past the completion of the Return Utah program, provided for 16 weeks.

Summary
The Museum Educator will be responsible for co-creating and delivering inquiry based programming that supports guests in becoming lifelong learners while making Utah history accessible. The role involves collaborating with community groups and internal teams to develop and deliver educational resources and experiences aligned with Utah's state education core standards and museum best practices. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong guest engagement, facilitation, and communication skills, with a passion for collaboration. A play mindset, curiosity, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives are key qualities, as the role emphasizes leadership, innovation, and a guest-centered approach to programming.

Principal Duties
Program Delivery:

• Facilitate inquiry based, guest-centered interactions in the museum galleries to help guests explore their curiosities around Utah history through asking questions, making observations, drawing connections, and having discussions.
• Facilitate scheduled programming such as K-12 field trips, workshops, weekly activities, etc. that are guest-centered and are appealing to a variety of ages, backgrounds and interests while highlighting the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and mission.
• Facilitate activities that support events happening at the museum.

Program Curation:

• Assist in the planning and evaluation of activities and museum programming.
• Help create inquiry-based lesson plans to be used in a variety of programming.
• Collaborate with community groups, museum teams, and UHS staff to deliver and curate education content and programming.
• Work with external partners to develop and implement collaborative programs.

Team Support:

• Participate in continual learning opportunities around museum programming, inquiry, guest engagement, visitor identities, Utah history, and more.
• Collaborate with other Museum of Utah and Utah Historical Society teams to further UHS’ strategic plan and support the organization’s mission and goals.
• Support and participate in processes, systems, and culture norms that allow for all staff to lead from where they are, cultivate new skills, prototype ideas, and support one another in successes and failures.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong guest engagement, facilitation, and communication skills, with a passion for informal education.

• Understanding and experience of inquiry based learning, facilitation, and classroom management is preferred, but not required.
• Willingness to try new things and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Passion for informal learning, play, and museums and cultural centers.
• Curiosity and respect for people of differing backgrounds.
• Ability to lead, organize, and manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Commitment to kind, empathetic, and supportive interactions with all team members and guests.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other educators, school administrators, outside partners, volunteers, and Museum staff.
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials throughout the museum.
• Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Committed to helping implement the 2023-2027 UHS Strategic Plan (Download PDF reader) through their work.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive fleet vehicles.

Compensation: $17-$20/hour. This position is not eligible for benefits.

About Us
Founded in 1897, the Utah Historical Society works to foster curiosity about the past, inform the present, and strengthen our shared future. The agency continues to share the state’s history through six major initiatives including National History Day, he women’s history initiative, publications, Peoples of Utah Revisited, Library & Collections, and the Museum of Utah. Learn more about our work at history.utah.gov and explore our2023-2027 Strategic Plan(Download PDF reader).

Additional Information

• Evening and weekend (including Sundays) working hours will be required in order to support the
  education initiatives of the Museum of Utah. Museum Educators will work an estimated 15-20 hours per week.
• Broad support and participation in the strategic direction of the Utah Historical Society.
• Collaboration with community partners or internal stakeholders on special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• This position will primarily require standing/walking, but accommodations can be made if necessary; there may be some bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.