Museum Education Specialist

City of Alexandria
MUSEUM EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Office of Historic Alexandria / Alexandria Archaeology
GS14 (Part-Time, 30 hours/week, Schedule: Four days per week, including Saturday)
Salary: $46,495.80

The City of Alexandria’s Office of Historic Alexandria, Archaeology Division seeks a Museum Education Specialist. Do you enjoy discovering and interpreting history? Do you have experience educating the public using archaeological materials? With more than 250 years of history and hospitality to its credit, Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions. We would like to add a highly qualified part-time Museum Educational Specialist to join our team.

The Museum Education Specialist works with archaeologists and historians to plan, design and develop educational and informational materials and to implement programs and events to communicate the archaeological and historical significance of our City. The richness of our program depends upon the Museum Education Specialist’s abilities to interact with the public and increase understanding of the past. Last year, almost 50,000 people visited the City’s Archaeology Museum, and the museum hosted 126 special events, activities and tours that brought knowledge of history and archaeology to almost 8,000 participants. The activities included: more than 45 hands-on Adventure Lessons where about 800 students worked with artifacts to understand the processes of archaeological excavation and analysis; 6 dig days where families toured a plantation site and screened for artifacts found by volunteers and interns; 4 days of tours, which attracted about 1000 people, of the 18th-century ship discovered on the waterfront; teacher training workshops; a summer camp for 12 to 15-year old students; and lectures to both public and professional audiences. Special events in the museum emphasizing the integration of art and history also drew more than 1000 participants. The museum educator oversees museum activities and coordinates these events, tours, lectures, and school programs for diverse groups of residents and visitors, thus playing a major role in promoting an understanding of Alexandria’s rich diversity, history and culture. Other duties include helping to design and install exhibitions in the museum as well as posting to social media to reach broader audiences. In addition, the Museum Education Specialist administers a Volunteer Program where more than 100 volunteers generally contribute more than 8,000 hours of time over the course of a year.

The ideal candidate should have a background in historical and archaeological interpretation, as well as experience in and passion for educating the public to promote an understanding of the past. Knowledge of local history and archaeological methods, experience in developing exhibits and interpretive materials and skills in creating and giving tours and lessons to diverse groups represent some of the important qualifications for fulfilling the requirements of this job. The ideal candidate should also have experience recruiting and managing volunteers and should be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Minimum: Two-Year College Degree; good knowledge of archaeology and principles of education; skill in recruiting and managing volunteers and interns, developing exhibits, preparing lesson plans, and maintaining the museum; ability to effectively communicate and maintain productive work relationships; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

The following equivalencies may be applied: Each year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience. Each year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education: two years of experience equals Associate's degree; four years of experience equals Bachelor's degree; six years of experience equals Master's degree.

Additional Requirement

A valid driver’s license from the state of residence and the ability to pass a required City driving class in order to operate a City van.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred: Master's Degree in archeology, museum education, or directly related field; 2 years of museum experience involving public interaction and education, including developing interpretive programs and instructional materials; knowledge of archeological principles and ethics.

The following equivalencies may be applied: Each year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience. Each year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education: two years of experience equals Associate's degree; four years of experience equals Bachelor's degree; six years of experience equals Master's degree.

To obtain additional information and apply, go to
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alexandria/jobs/1591911/museum-education-specialist

 All applications must be submitted online through the City’s Human Resources Department. Follow online instructions. DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGY.

Contact:         Francine Bromberg, City Archaeologist
francine.bromberg@alexandriava.gov
phone: 703-746-4399