Museum Learning Specialist (Part-Time)

Role Overview

The Learning and Visitor Experience team at Port Discovery focuses on creating playful, hands-on educational experiences for every visitor, including both adults and children, across the museum’s exhibit and play areas. The work includes everyday visitor interactions, pop-up activities, and structured workshops and programs held throughout the museum spaces.

Port Discovery is hiring a welcoming, people-focused part-time Learning Specialist to lead museum-based programs and experiences for children from birth through age 10 and their families. The role supports public programming and group programming delivered both inside the museum and in community settings.

This is a part-time role with up to 29 hours each week. The weekly schedule will vary based on program needs, and at least one weekend day is required, usually Sunday. Availability for special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays is also expected.

The starting wage for this position is $18.50 per hour.

What Port Discovery Looks For

• Someone who brings energy, enthusiasm, creativity, reliability, and flexibility to the role.
• A person who is motivated by play and by creating positive experiences for families and the wider community.
• Comfort working with children and adults both one-on-one and in large-group settings.
• Ability to co-lead workshops with participants across multiple age ranges.
• Strong composure under pressure, along with clear and effective communication skills.

Primary Duties

• Support, facilitate, and actively engage visitors through public programs and group programs offered in the museum and in the community.
• Work with Learning and Visitor Experience colleagues to plan, coordinate, and deliver educational public programming.
• Partner with other museum departments to ensure smooth teamwork and a high-quality guest experience.
• Monitor visitor safety procedures while stationed on the museum floor and reset exhibit areas when needed.
• Help mentor and train other team members in the Learning and Visitor Experience department.
• Assist with public and group program delivery as needed.
• Support grant-related work, including budget development, written narratives, and reporting.
• Take part in community partnership activities that strengthen the museum’s mission and programming.
• Maintain at least 85% of work time in active program or visitor-facing engagement, whether on-site or off-site.
• Complete other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma is required.
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood, the arts, sciences, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience working or volunteering with children, including infants, toddlers, pre-K, and/or elementary-aged children, is required.
• Interest in working closely with children, parents, educators, and museum staff to create a strong visitor experience.
• Museum experience is an added advantage.
• Strong presentation, organization, business writing, and interpersonal abilities are required.
• Independent judgment and problem-solving skills are important for success in this role.
• A valid driver’s license and dependable non-public transportation are required for outreach work.

Benefits

• Convenient access to a subway stop, or free parking is available.
• Complimentary museum admission for family members.
• Earned sick leave.
• Retirement savings with a museum match after 6 months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The position requires physical activity such as walking, standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Long periods of standing are expected during educational programming. The role may occasionally involve lifting or moving up to 50 pounds for program-related activities. Administrative and materials-preparation tasks may require sitting at times. Some travel is expected, along with moving across uneven ground while carrying bins and outreach supplies.

Work is primarily front-facing with children and families, with some time spent in a back-office setting for preparation work. The role is based indoors, where noise levels are generally moderate to high. Comfort working in small groups of children and caregivers is important.

Additional Information

Port Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity.