Small Museum Association

MUSEUM EDUCATOR

(FULL TIME)

Job Description

Chief Objectives of the Position:

Our Museum Educators, as part of the Public Programs Department, carry out the mission of Historic London Town and Gardens to educate our visitors and enrich the life of our community. These team members teach history and horticulture programs to visitors of all ages, including school groups. They also interact with general visitors while staffing the front desk, demonstrating 18th century skills, and working at festivals. Historic London Town and Gardens recognizes its historical role as a port of entry for enslaved Africans, and as a town built on enslaved labor. Museum Educators must be willing to teach these hard truths to visitors and students in accordance with best practices and as trained by the Public Programs Department.

Responsibilities:

• Teach school tours in our 10-acre garden and 4-acre historic area. London Town teaches 5,000 students per year using rigorous curricula and hands-on, experiential learning.
• Assist with adult programs such as Colonial Cocktails and Wreath Workshop, which will include evening work.
• Conduct daily drop-in tours for general visitors.
• Assist in covering the front desk.
• Conduct demonstrations of various 18th century skills in various weather conditions while wearing 18th century attire. Assist in active interpretation and maintenance.
• Display an inviting and enthusiastic attitude with excellent attention to customer service.
• Work collaboratively with other staff in the Public Programs department, as well as all other departments.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 3 years of experience working in a formal or informal education setting (including museums, parks, botanic gardens, etc.)
• College-level education in the fields of history, horticulture, African American studies, education, or related fields OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with the public and speaking to visitors of all ages, including school and adult groups.
• Experience teaching challenging and sometimes contentious subject matter.
• Interest in, and ability to learn about, 18th century history & trade skills.
• Interest in, and ability to learn about, horticultural topics & skills.
• Willingness and ability to work with alcohol for programming purposes.
• Enthusiasm for creating interactive experiences for visitors that are relevant to their lives, connect with them emotionally, are thought-provoking, and include multiple perspectives.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

The candidate must possess the following:

• Ability to perform various functions such as standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, walking across uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, lifting objects up to 30 lbs, seeing in varying light conditions, and participating in strenuous physical activities for multiple hours.
• Ability and temperament to work outside all day, year-round, in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to come in daily contact with pollen, dust, smoke, perfumes, mold, and other seasonal and environmental allergens.
• Ability to wear historically accurate and complete 18th century clothing for an entire workday, some of which may be uncomfortable to a modern wearer. Allowances made for modern footwear and eyewear.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, 37.5 hour per week position. The hours will generally be 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday. This job will require occasional evening hours.

This position will run until the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2023). Potential to renew for the following calendar year if this person is a good fit for London Town’s public program needs.

Reports to: 

Director of Public Programs

Compensation:

$24.00 per hour. This position is considered a full-time position and is eligible for the following benefits:

• Health care with 70% of the premium paid by London Town for individual only. Spouse and dependent coverage as well as dental and vision is available at the employee’s expense.
• Retirement plan and Foundation match
• Foundation-paid flexible spending account ($750)
• 10 days of accrued annual and 7 days of personal leave each year plus paid holidays.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter by August 228, 2023 to executivedirector@historiclondontown.org. No phone calls please.

London Town’s Mission as a Museum and Public Site:

Historic London Town and Gardens is operated by the London Town Foundation (a nonprofit entity). Our job is to ensure that we appropriately manage our historic, archaeological, and horticultural resources. We work with the Anne Arundel County government and other heritage organizations to promote London Town as an educational resource while ensuring the site’s sustainability for future visitors.