Museum Educator
New York Transit Museum
Organization Description:
SUMMARY:
The New York Transit Museum presents dynamic, accessible, and inclusive exhibitions
and programs that tell stories about mass public transportation and the people who
make it possible. As the MTA’s official repository, the Museum connects transit to its
broad public, creating educational experiences related to science, technology, arts, and
the humanities. The Museum’s locations in an authentic 1936 Downtown Brooklyn
subway station and Grand Central Terminal are sites for conversations about how mass
transportation makes New York City and the region great by ensuring mobility,
accessibility, sustainability, and a vibrant civic life for all.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM:
Founded in 1976, the New York Transit Museum is dedicated to telling and preserving
the stories of mass transportation – extraordinary engineering feats, workers who
labored in the tunnels over 100 years ago, communities that were drastically
transformed, and the ever- evolving technology, design, and ridership of a system that
runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Housed underground in an authentic 1936
subway station in downtown Brooklyn, the Transit Museum’s working platform level
spans a full city block, is home to a rotating selection of 20 vintage subway and elevated
cars dating back to 1904.
Position Description:
The Museum’s educational programs focus on the history of the New York region
through the lens of public transit and span a variety of topics that connect to many
disciplines, including history, science, and the arts. Museum Educators primarily lead
inquiry and discussion-based school/youth tours at the museum on weekdays, and
family programs on weekends. Educators lead school/youth group tours, adult group
tours, access tours, and facilitate family program activities. They are also part of a roster
of staff that assist with access programs, birthday parties, public programs (onsite and
offsite), offsite tours to behind-the-scenes locations, vintage train rides, and large-scale
festivals. Some of these events may take place in the evening. Museum Educators are
familiar with best practices in informal education, object-based learning, and visual
thinking strategies, and can lead relevant, engaging experiences for different ages on a
variety of themes.
Reports to:
School, Youth and Group Programs Manager
Job Requirements & Responsibilities:
– Lead inquiry-driven, curriculum-aligned educational group tours (Pre-K–12th
Grade, College, Adult, Adult Seniors), and hands-on workshops.
– Review information in advance about groups and modify the experience
accordingly.
– Group management skills; leading large groups of people.
– Lead youth and family programs/workshops.
– Occasionally lead and/or assist with educational programs across the Education
Department including access programs, birthday experiences, teacher programs,
family programs, and public programs and events.
– Support the development of materials and strategies that enable accessible,
inclusive, and multi-modal experiences.
– Prepare program supplies for tours and workshops.
– Contribute to new programs and initiatives.
– Attend department meetings and training to ensure continued growth and
professional development.
Candidate Qualifications:
– Experience in a museum or informal learning environment working with school
and youth programming (PreK–12th grade).
– Understanding of museum education theory and practice.
– Interest in learning about New York City curriculum and standards.
– Knowledge of and/or interest in New York City transportation history. Prior
knowledge is not required.
– Work experience equivalent to a four-year degree in education, museum studies,
history, science, humanities, or urban planning.
– The ability to lead programs and/or engage with audiences in languages other
than English is welcome but not required.
– Ability to be physically active in all Museum spaces for extended periods of time.
Please note: The Museum is located in a decommissioned subway station with a
range of sounds, lighting, and staircases. The Museum is accessible via a
wheelchair lift. Not all spaces are climate controlled.
Position Type:
Part-time
Union Status:
Non-Union
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Schedule:
Educators can expect to work approximately 15-20 hours per week, subject to seasonal changes and group demand. Regular weekday shifts are 9:15 am – 2:15 pm with occasional 10:30am to 3:30pm shifts. Weekend shifts occur between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm. Educators should be available for a total of 4-5 days per week (Wednesday-Sunday), including 1-2 weekend days (Saturday and/or Sunday). Educators attend regular paid meetings and training
Salary or Compensation:
$21/Hour with tiered increases after 1 and 5 years.
Organization or Project Website:
https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/
Application Info:
Please email a cover letter and resume to education@nytransitmuseum.org with the
subject Part Time Museum Educator. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those
who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
The Museum Educator position will be employed by the Museum’s non-profit affiliate,
Friends of the New York Transit Museum. Friends of The New York Transit Museum is
fully committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex,
sexual orientation, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, gender identity
and expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, marital/familial/partnership/
caregiver status, status as a victim of domestic violence or stalking and/or sex offenses,
or any legally protected basis. The Museum welcomes and encourages qualified
candidates from all backgrounds to apply